Page 28 of Nothing But a Rakehell
“Well, yes. I did hope he would behave better in company. But no, it seems he must go overboard, and just when I was hoping to get on your good side.”
“My good side? But, why?”
Miss Munroe hesitated and Glory asked, “Is there something I can do for you?”
“You already have, which makes me feel that much more presumptuous. I so appreciated you sharing your dancing lessons.” She leaned in. “And thank you for continuing them, although I know you have no real wish to.”
“It does seem a waste, when the last thing I would want to do is to get up and dance in front of a crowd. Did you see Lady Tresham’s face when I limped in here, in front of everyone else? I delayed her entrance by a brace of seconds and she looked as if I should be taken out back and given the mercy of a bullet.”
“No!” Miss Munroe looked outraged.
“That’s exactly why I asked that the lessons be moved to so early in the mornings. Mr. Thorpe is less than thrilled, but if we practice early, then there is no chance of being discovered by Lady Tresham or the rest of the late-rising London crowd.”
“Ignore her. She’s odious. I heard my mother tell my father that she is somewhat of a scandal, and has been turned away from some of the best houses in London.”
Surprised, Glory looked over at the lady. “Truly?” The baroness was a widow who had lived near their family estate in Sussex. She’d suddenly shown a renewed interest in their company after news of Hope’s substantial inheritance and her engagement to Lord Tensford became public knowledge.
“Speaking of Town, I know your sister hopes to take you to be presented next spring—and I know that you are not excited about the prospect.” She gave a little shrug. “But I do hope you will go. It’s purely a selfish notion, you understand, for I’m to make my debut as well. It would be nice to have someone there.” She cast a dark look at the knot of giggling girls by the pianoforte. “Someone with sense and the ability to converse about more than balls, beaux and bonnets.” She raised a brow. “There is so much more of London that I would like to see.”
“It would be easier with a like-minded companion,” Glory said, gratified. “And Lord Keswick has already told me about some of the other attractions in Town.”
Miss Munroe leaned in. “I confess, I am interested in the natural sciences and so I’m looking forward to the British Museum, and Kew Gardens, and perhaps a lecture or two. Is there something you wish to see?”
Glory hesitated. “Astley’s Ampitheatre,” she confessed at last, hoping she wouldn’t seem like a child.
“Oh, yes, it sounds so exciting. And Vauxhall, as well.”
Glory breathed a sigh of relief. “You almost make me excited for the Season.” She broke off as the parlor door opened and the gentlemen began to stream in. Keswick, she noticed, was instantly bookended by Miss Ruddock and Miss Parscate.
“Now there is a man who could give my cousin lessons in charming the ladies. How have you found Lord Keswick, since he arrived?”
The speculation—and appreciation—in Miss Munroe’s tone put Glory’s back up.
“Is he as naughty as the gossips say? Lady Tresham keeps looking at him as if she’d like to find out.”
Perhaps this, at last, might be a way she could help the viscount. “I find him quite pleasant. A true gentleman in word and deed.”
“They say he does know how to treat a woman. Any woman,” Miss Munroe said with raised brows. “I heard that the tavern maid at the Crown and Cock is quite taken with him.”
Glory’s straightened. “Where did you hear that?”
“From my maid.”
“Well, I am glad I am not the only one listening to servant’s gossip. I heard the same thing. And the next time someone chides me for it, I’m going to tell them so.”
“How else are we to learn anything?” Miss Munroe asked. “No one wants to tell me anything!”
“Anything interesting,” Glory amended wryly.
“Exactly.”
They shared a conspiratorial grin.
But she was supposed to be helping. “Perhaps we shouldn’t spread that particular bit of knowledge about, though,” she mused.
“Well, Lord Keswick tends to spark gossip wherever he goes.” Miss Munroe gestured toward the young ladies around him. “I overheard those two wagering over him, between themselves.”
Sudden alarm twisted in Glory’s belly. “What was the wager?”
