Page 73 of Secrets of the Marriage Bed
Lady Finney frowned. ‘It will require some organisation. We will need a dedicated committee.’
‘I take it you are in agreement,’ Ellie said, smiling. ‘What do you think, Your Grace?’
‘I have not had the opportunity to help organise such an ambitious event,’ Julia said, ‘but, given the cause, I think it a worthy endeavour. While I do not feel qualified to lead the charge, I would like to offer to help with the decorations.’
Given her title was by far the highest in the room, if she had insisted on running the whole thing, the other women would have accepted it without demur, no matter their private opinions. But she was being honest with them. The only event she had arranged had been her eldest brother’s wedding breakfast.
‘I will take charge of tickets,’ Mrs Retson said, her eyes gleaming.
‘I will speak with Prosser about the catering,’ Lady Finney said. ‘He will want some watching, that one. Finney is sure he waters his ale, the scoundrel.’
‘You will take charge, then, Marchioness?’ Lady Wiltshire asked.
‘Not at all,’ Ellie said, smiling at the older woman. ‘You know all the great families hereabouts. I would defer to your superior knowledge of who can be engaged for what role. I will deal with the music and the dancing.’
Julia relaxed as the ladies began discussing the merits of one day over another, one nurseryman over another, whether or not waltzing would be permitted and how many tickets should be sold without turning the affair into a terrible squeeze. This was what she had always wanted. To be part of something useful. To make a difference, in some small way.
‘It seems we have our next steps laid out,’ Lady Wiltshire finally declared. ‘We will meet again in two weeks’ time, if that will suit everyone?’
She used her cane to push to her feet and crossed the room to ring for their carriages.
Another woman entered the conservatory and stopped as if startled. Lady Dunstan.
‘Oh,’ the Dowager said. ‘I do beg your pardon, Elmira, I was sure your company must have left by now.’
Lady Wiltshire raised a brow. ‘We are just concluding, Isobel. I believe you know everyone?’ She turned to the room. ‘Lady Dunstan is visiting me for a few days.’
Isobel smiled generally at the company, but her gaze rested longer on Julia’s face. ‘I do indeed know everyone.’ She made a gracious movement with her hand. ‘Please do not let me interrupt your meeting.’
Ellie rose to her feet, her expression polite but not warm. ‘Our business is finished, Lady Dunstan. We were about to leave.’
The Dowager’s warm brown eyes turned from Julia and for a moment her eyes hardened a fraction and her lips stiffened, but then in an instant the warmth was back. ‘Lady Beauworth, how is your family? I gather it is growing apace since I saw you last. Congratulations on your heir and a spare.’
‘Thank you,’ Lady Beauworth said, buttoning her gloves.
Julia offered her hand to her hostess. ‘Thank you for your kind hospitality and your invitation to join your committee.’
‘Thankyou, Your Grace,’ the woman said warmly. ‘Your participation is most welcome.’
The other ladies added their farewells, but when Julia made to leave, the Dowager Duchess touched her arm lightly. ‘A word, Your Grace.’
Lady Finney, who had been speaking to her, cast an enquiring look at Julia. Clearly to ignore the woman would be offering a snub that would have the county gossiping for weeks.
Ellie cast her a questioning look and Julia smiled at her. ‘Please, do not wait for me, but tell my coachman I am on my way.’
Lady Wiltshire eyed her guest. ‘If you do not mind, Isobel, I will see the other ladies off.’
‘Please, do not trouble about us,’ Lady Dunstan said. ‘I won’t keep Her Grace but a moment or two.’
The other ladies left the room.
Lady Dunstan gestured for Julia to sit down.
The Dowager gave her a sharp look. ‘I heard the Duke was thrown from his horse. How is he?’
‘He is well.’
The slanting eyes narrowed. ‘Recovered, then?’
