Page 11 of Wolf's Bane
“You’re skilled with a dagger in any setting,” Charlotte said in a conversation tone.
“Any sharp object, really. You’ve any impressive recall on what you’ve read,” Solenne replied.
“That’s the trouble with you academic types,” Jase said with a sigh, explaining nothing about the trouble with academic types. “You ruined your eyes reading. Still, you’d be pretty if you put some effort in.”
“Such flattery. I hardly know what to think,” Solenne said dryly.
“Jase, enough. Apologize,” Chambers said.
“What are your accomplishments, Mr. Parkell?” He might be more amiable than a boil on a bottom if he put some effort in. She felt rather proud of herself that she held her tongue.
“I am a gentleman.” He sat straighter. The leaf green silk coat and darker green trousers might have done for Founding but they made him look ridiculously fussy sitting next to his uncle in a sensible brown coat and tan buckskins.
“And your occupation?”
“I am Uncle’s heir,” Mr. Parkell announced, as if that were a real accomplishment.
“Your only accomplishment is breathing, then.” A gasp went around the table, followed by a chuckle from Chambers. Solenne continued, “But I’m a simple rustic, so I’m not sure what the people of quality do in Founding.”
“And I’ve ruined my eyes. Ruined,” Charlotte repeated for dramatic effect. “How will we get on, Solenne? Why did no onetellme of the dangers?”
“I’m sure you think you’re very amusing—” Mr. Parkell started, but was interrupted by Chambers laying his hand on the young man’s shoulder.
“I think you’ve delighted us enough with your opinion. It’s time for us to take our leave. Wait for me outside,” Chambers said.
“But, Uncle—”
“Now, Jase.”
The man snapped to attention, made a hasty bow and left.
Charlotte huffed, tossing her napkin to the table. “I’m sorry, Colonel Chambers, but your nephew is awful.”
“It’s his mother’s influence. She spoils him.” Chambers leisurely finished his cup of tea. “I must say, I did enjoy watching you ladies eviscerate him.”
“Eviscerate? We were positively polite,” Solenne replied.
Charlotte nodded in agreement. “We went easy on him, as it was an unfair fight. Imagine, picking a battle of the wits when all he brought was his…” She waved a hand, as if searching for the correct word.
“Arrogance? Snobbery?” Solenne supplied.
“His fashionable coat.” A grin spread across Charlotte’s face, then she sobered. “Don’t tell Papa. He’ll be horrified.”
“You ladies have my word,” Chambers said. “Miss Marechal, may I have a word before I leave?”
Solenne froze. “Yes?”
“I’ll just clear these things,” Charlotte said, loading up a tray and returning it to the kitchen.
Chambers cleared his throat. His cheeks were ruddy, from the sun or the embarrassment of his nephew’s behavior, she could not tell. “Please do not let Jase’s conduct keep you from attending my dance. His lungs are only one of things I mean to improve about him while he stays with me.”
“You’ve got your work cut out for you.” Solenne was not the most polished of young ladies. Her clothes for going out in society were several years out of fashion and her clothes for working about the house were homespun. Her hair forever refused to stay in a neat plait or in a bun. Regardless, she did her best to be amiable. Manners cost nothing, as her mother always said.
“Just so. I’d like it very much if you would attend,” Chambers said. “Very much.” The light gleamed unnaturally on his eyes.
The summer solstice seemed impossibly distant. “I had planned to attend, but with my father’s condition…” She let her voice trail off, unwilling to let Colonel Chambers trap her into a promised dance or three. Last autumn, at the last dance she attended, he hovered near and scowled at any man who approached her.
“Understandable. Let us hope for a speedy recovery.” He smiled; Solenne felt an icy chill that had nothing to do with the spring weather. Perhaps it was the sunlight or the shadows, but his normally affable face transformed into a leer.
