Page 57 of A Duke for Diana
“Hence the term. But more importantly, it’s an insult. If anyone calls you a mushroom, they mean it unkindly.”
Geoffrey crossed his arms over his chest. “All this is making me wonder why I fought so hard for those vouchers and tickets in the first place.”
“Because having them marks you as one of the chosen few,” Verity explained. “If Rosy succeeds at Almack’s, she will have her pick of the men.”
“So how is she to succeed?” Mrs. Brookhouse asked. “What must she do?”
“Act bored and self-assured,” Diana said. “We will go in as a group, and all behave as if we hold the lot of them in contempt.”
“That should be easy,” Geoffrey drawled. “I already do.”
“I’m not worried aboutyou,” Diana said dryly. “I’m worried about Rosy.”
Rosy frowned. “Perhaps we shouldn’t go after all.”
The cry of outrage from everyone startled her.
“All right, all right, I’ll go,” she said. “Heavens, but you lot place too much faith in me.”
“Too much?” Diana said. “Nonsense. You’re worthy of it. Just stay close to me and everything will be fine. Besides, you’re sure to see some of the ladies you know from your presentation to the queen, or even your dinner. If you get bored with talking to us, you can talk to them—anything to make it appear as if you’re perfectly comfortable at Almack’s. I’ve already asked Lord Foxstead to save his first dance for you, so that will start you off in an enviable position.”
She could already see Geoffrey drawing himself up to protest. “And don’t you even think about trying to forbid it, Duke. Your friend Foxstead will behave. Heisa gentleman, after all.”
Geoffrey snorted in obvious disbelief. But he said nothing more.
Diana turned to his mother. “Would you rather stay here until we return? Or should one of us bring you to Grenwood House?”
“No, indeed, it’s far out of the way. I’d rather wait here for your return. I brought a book to read, so I’ll be quite comfy.”
“Very well.” Diana surveyed the rest of them. “Are we ready to invade Almack’s?” When everyone nodded, she said, “Excellent. Our carriages await.”
Chapter Thirteen
After they arrived, it took some time to get inside. Both the vouchers and the tickets had to be presented at the doors. They’d shown up at the same time as a number of other guests, so entering the rooms meant waiting in long lines.
Once they were in, Geoffrey surveyed the ballroom, trying to figure out why people fought to be here. “So, this is Almack’s. I’m afraid I don’t see the appeal.”
“Nor do I,” Diana said. “But others do, and thus my sisters and I must play the game.” She looked up at him. “I haven’t yet thanked you for gaining the vouchers and tickets. However did you manage it?”
He grinned at her. “You didn’t think me capable of acquiring such a thing?”
“It has naught to do with you or your abilities. I just happen to know that the Lady Patronesses can be haughty to the point of cruelty.”
That took the grin off his face. “I assume you’re speaking from personal experience.”
Diana shrugged. “My parents’ scandalous marriage had a long-reaching effect. When a club like this makes respectability its key virtue, no one who’s had an ounce of scandal in their lives is safe. We haven’t been able to get a voucher for Almack’s in some time.” She eyed him closely. “Howdidyou get those vouchers and tickets anyway? Somehow I can’t see you cozying up to the Lady Patronesses for them.”
“That’s because everyone does that, according to Foxstead, and it rarely works. Perhaps if I’d been someone else . . . but I knew those women would pay me no mind.” He shuddered. “So I figured ‘cozying up to’ the Lady Patronesses’ husbands made more sense. Their husbands—a couple of whom invest in the same projects I do—were a bit keener to help me.”
“Why, you sly dog, you,” she said. “You’re learning to twist the rules so you can get what you want on your own terms.”
“Precisely.”
“And you’re a man, so you’re used to getting around women.”
“Of course.” It dawned on him how his explanation must have sounded. “I mean, I wasn’t . . .”
Diana laughed. “I’m teasing you. At least you’re using your power for the good of your sister, which is admirable.” She stared across the room to where some Lady Patronesses were gathered. “And you couldn’t have picked a more deserving group of women to get around or overlook.”
