Page 9 of A Spinster for the Cold Duke

Then, she turned a mild gaze at her granddaughter. “Annabelle should have directed Lady Celia home immediately upon discovering her presence. That was an error in judgment.”

Miss Lytton’s jaw tightened visibly, though she remained silent. Henry felt a flicker of satisfaction at seeing the outspoken woman properly chastised, however gently.

“Now, about the Athena Society,” Lady Oakley continued. “I see no reason why the other members should suffer for one small misstep.”

Henry arched a brow back, already at the very end of his tolerance for politeness. “Allowing my adolescent daughter to listen to readings of explicit material hardly constitutes a small misstep.”

“Indeed,” Lady Oakley agreed readily. “And I assure you; it will never happen again. I shall personally see to it.”

Henry’s eyes narrowed. “Your assurances, while appreciated, do little to address the fundamental impropriety of the situation, my lady.”

“The only impropriety,” Miss Lytton interjected, “was in Lady Celia’s method of arrival. We can hardly control a child who sneaks in where she was not invited. The books themselvesare merely fiction; explorations of human nature that society pretends don’t exist.”

“Society has its restrictions for good reason, Miss Lytton,” Henry replied sharply. “Structure and propriety protect the innocent from harmful influences.”

“And who decides what’s appropriate?” Miss Lytton challenged while stepping closer to him. “Men who fear women might develop minds of their own? Who worries that if women read about passion, they might begin to expect it in their own lives?”

That animated flush in her cheeks, the way her blue eyes darkened with conviction… Heavens, she was undeniably attractive when provoked.

Damn it, Marchwood, control yourself!

“What women expect and what they receive are matters best left to their husbands,” he replied coldly, wrestling the sudden surge of his baser instincts. “A situation you’ve conveniently avoided, I understand.”

He immediately regretted the words as a flash of hurt appeared in her eyes beneath her anger.

Before she could respond, Lady Oakley stepped between them.

“Perhaps,” the Dowager suggested smoothly, “there is a solution that might satisfy all parties.”

Henry raised an eyebrow again. “I’m listening.”

“Instead of disbanding a club that brings joy and intellectual stimulation to many respectable ladies,” Lady Oakley said, “why not allow me to offer Lady Celia some lessons in propriety?”

Henry arched an eyebrow. “What do you mean, my lady?”

The Dowager smiled. “Your daughter clearly possesses intelligence and curiosity, which are admirable qualities that need proper direction. I could offer guidance that would set her on the right path while satisfying her intellectual appetites.”

Henry regarded her skeptically. “I have no desire for my daughter to be anywhere near Miss Lytton again.”

Miss Lytton made a sound of indignation, which her grandmother smoothly talked over.

“My lessons with Lady Celia would not involve Annabelle,” she assured him. “And if you wish, Your Grace, you may be present to observe.”

“This is ridiculous,” Celia began, her voice rising. “I don’t need?—”

“Silence,” Lady Oakley commanded, her tone suddenly reminiscent of a general addressing troops. “When you have demonstrated the judgment of an adult, young lady, you mayspeak with the freedom of one. Until then, you would do well to listen more and protest less.”

Henry was surprised to see his daughter shrink just a tiny bit and look chastened. He regarded the Dowager with newfound respect.

Perhaps there was merit to her proposal after all.

“Your offer is intriguing,” he admitted reluctantly. “Though I remain unconvinced.”

“Skepticism is the beginning of wisdom, Your Grace,” Lady Oakley replied with a slight smile. “Shall we say the day after tomorrow to begin? Three o’clock?”

Henry considered for a moment, weighing his options. His daughter clearly needed guidance beyond what her governess could provide, and Lady Oakley’s reputation for propriety, despite her granddaughter’s rebellious tendencies, was unimpeachable.

“Very well,” he said finally. “But be warned, Lady Oakley, I shall be watching most carefully.”

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