Page 386 of From Rakes to Riches

David smiled. “One’s heart shall always lead in the right direction, Lady Augusta.”

Victoria watched the scene unfold with a morbid fascination, even as she was trying hard to think of something to say.One’s heart?

“The good of the family should also be a concern in marriage decisions,” Lady Augusta said.

And Victoria knew that Her Ladyship was implying thatthismarriage was not good for the Banstead family.It was good for my own family, Victoria thought, but she was hardly going to say that. Everyone must already know that she brought nothing to the marriage. Even the earl himself was quick to point that out.

Her husband watched the lady and her daughters, saying nothing, leaving that rude statement just hanging there uncomfortably.

Lady Augusta was the first to back down, and she turned to Victoria with a sweet smile. “Lady Thurlow, how lucky you are to have a husband who takes an interest in your clothing. Or is it that you can’t be separated so early in your marriage?”

“I am fortunate, my lady,” she said. “I tried to tell Lord Thurlow that he did not have to accompany me today?—”

She felt her husband’s arm slide about her waist, and she kept her smile frozen on her face, as if this happened all the time. But even Lady Augusta looked surprised at such an intimate gesture.

“And I told my wife,” he interrupted smoothly, “that to be with her is the highlight of my day.”

Oh, now he waslyingto people, Victoria thought worriedly. Why? He was only reinforcing to Victoria that appearances mattered more than the truth. And if she didn’t live up to the necessary “appearance,” what would happen? “Appearances” would matter little if he discovered the truth about her father’s death.

Lady Augusta looked her up and down, still smiling. “Then Lady Thurlow, you should have your husband escort you to the milliner’s just down the block. You may tell the proprietress that I sent you.”

Lord Thurlow released her.

Victoria assumed that Lady Augusta was only insulting her choice of bonnet, but any mention of a milliner reminded her of Miss Lingard. Was Victoria actually jealous of something that had happened before she’d married Lord Thurlow? What did that say about her feelings for him?

“Thank you for taking such an interest in me, my lady,” she said, wishing she could let her sarcasm show.

The older woman nodded. “A good day to you, Lord Thurlow. And do consider attending my breakfast on Saturday, Lady Thurlow. You would be the center of attention as the new bride. Come along, girls.”

Victoria sighed as she watched them leave the shop, understanding exactly why she’d attract attention at such an event.

“And she wonders why I never attend,” Lord Thurlow said.

Victoria looked at him and knew this was something they would need to discuss in private.

Madame Dupuy approached them, obviously salivating at the thought of Lord Thurlow’s money.

And Victoria’s obvious lack of a sterling wardrobe.

They were ushered into the next room, where there were several chairs gathered around a table piled with sketches. For the next hour, Victoria sat beside her husband as the dressmaker showed her sketches of gowns and discussed the various fabrics. She had expected Lord Thurlow to be bored, but he was obviously following the discussion quite closely. Since he was the one being so generous, she could not refuse him one or two small requests, even when she thought the colors would be too flamboyant on so plain a woman as herself.

Madame Dupuy stood up, a stack of sketches in her hand. “Lady Thurlow, I do have several lovely gowns in your size already pieced together, if you would like these sooner.”

“I have enough for now, madame,” Victoria said, rising to her feet.

Lord Thurlow didn’t move, and both women looked down at him. “You should try them on,” he said.

Was that hesitation she heard in his voice?

Victoria stared at him in surprise. “Now?”

He shrugged. “Why not? You might like them.”

But he seemed suddenly uncomfortable, as if he now regretted the idea. Why was that?

Lord Thurlow wasn’t meeting her eyes. She found herself far too curious than could be good for her.

“Very well, Madame Dupuy,” Victoria said slowly, studying her husband.

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