Page 30 of His Scandalous Lessons
Miss Cecile flushed and the entire dinner party went quiet. Anne and Richard went speak at the same time — Richard was still crafting his searing put-down — but it was Montgomery who managed it first. “Excuse me,” he said. “Lady Cornelia, is it? It occurs to me that you and I have never danced at a ball together before.”
“No, we haven’t, my lord,” Lady Cornelia said, blushing prettily.
Montgomery nodded once. “Good. I intend to keep it that way.”
Miss Cecile choked on her wine to hide her laughter, and Lady Cornelia openly glared at the other girl.
Beside him, he saw Anne’s face break into a smile just a moment before Granby said, “I say, that was uncalled for, Montgomery. This topic has no place at a table with ladies present, especially not daughter of our esteemed Prime Minister.”
Anne’s hand tightened in his. Her smile disappeared.
“Ladies are perfectly capable of engaging in a conversation about politics with their own opinions,” Richard said. “What do you think, Miss Sheffield?”
But Anne didn’t get the chance to speak. “Oh yes, I forgot,” Granby said with a small laugh. “Your sister has written a number of political essays, has she not, Mr. Grey? I’ve heard they’re positively shocking.”
“Often,” Richard said through gritted teeth, “it seems that those who appreciate Alexandra’s work are the only ones with a modicum of intelligence.”
“Well,” Granby said, “I think it's a good thing your sister can't vote in Parliament. The last thing we need are more radicals.”
Montgomery looked close to murder. “And what, exactly, is the problem with women’s suffrage?”
“Gentlemen, I think we ought to switch to another topic of conversation.” This warning came from Caroline, who was glaring at Granby, but who wasn’t about to let his boorishness get in the way of her being an effective hostess.
But Granby wasn’t finished. “A wife’s views are no different from her husband’s. His vote counts for them both, as Miss Sheffield’s father brilliantly argued in theTimes. Isn't that right, Miss Sheffield?”
Anne clutched Richard’s hand so hard it hurt. “He did,” she said quietly. Then she cleared her throat. “If you don't mind, I find I have something of a headache. Would you all please excuse me?”
Under the table, she released Richard.
“Are you quite all right, Miss Sheffield?” Granby said, all concern.
“Yes. I’m sure I’m fine. Do continue without me.”
Richard watched her leave, but before he rose to check on her, Caroline caught his gaze. She gave an imperceptible shake of her head. If he went now, people would talk.
Caroline grinned at her guests. “If everyone is quite finished, we shall adjourn to the receiving room. And if you'll excuse me, I will check on Miss Sheffield.”
Chapter 17
The Duchess of Hastings found Anne in the garden, sitting beneath the statue of Venus emerging from the sea. She’d come to this quiet part of the garden on other days when she needed to think, consider her future, and wish for better things.
Granby had shown her who he really was at dinner. She cursed her stupidity for not seeing it during their walks and riding lessons. The truth was, she had been so focused on accommodating his favorite topic of conversation that she barely knew him at all. He’d never asked for her views on anything else.
It had never occurred to her that he didn’t care about them.
You idiotic girl, she told herself.How could you be so stupid?
But she knew. The desire to escape had blinded her to the dangers along the way.
“This is a beautiful part of your garden,” she told Caroline. “It’s so peaceful.”
Caroline sat beside her. “You don’t have to pretend with me.”
“I know.” Anne shook her head, releasing a brittle laugh. “I’m such a fool.”
“You’re not a fool,” Caroline said firmly. “Granby is a pompous arse, and if I had known those were his views, I would never have introduced you.”
“His views are no different than many men in Parliament. It’s an extraordinary one who thinks of women otherwise.”
