“Of course, Uncle.”
“And you,” he said, turning toward Faith. “If you want to keep your job, you will make sure that she does not go anywhere unaccompanied, ever again.”
Faith nodded, her eyes filled with tears. “Yes, My Lord.”
Uncle Latimer seemed appeased. He glared at them. “You may go.”
She and Faith returned to her room, walking through the halls in silence. Selina felt as though all the portraits were glaring down at them. As soon as the door was closed after them, she turned to Faith, who was wiping at her cheeks.
“I’m sorry, Faith,” Selina told her. “I’ll make sure that you won’t lose your job. I promise you that.”
“He’s right, My Lady.”
“Yes, he is.” She sat down on her bed, covering her face with her hands. “What am I to do, Faith?”
“Well, My Lady,” Faith mused. “It appears that you’re not going to be meeting with the Duke anymore.”
* * *
Leah walked down for dinner. It had been a lovely afternoon—a quiet one. Selina had been in her room because her father was very angry with her. She was likely sulking over the fact that she couldn’t go traipsing about the countryside, as if she was above everyone else—protected when everyone else was not.
Perhaps, she’ll even be sent away. Leah smiled to herself. Selina was too easily the center of attention, and Leah couldn’t wait for her to leave.
However, when she entered the withdrawing room, Selina was there, all smiles, and talking to Leah’s father as though nothing had happened!
“Hello, sweetling,” the Earl said. He and Selina were seated on the settees, waiting for the rest of the family. “Selina and I were just talking about the Elgin Marbles.”
“Yes,” Selina agreed. “We seem to have hit a bit of a disagreement.” They both laughed.
Leah sat down, fuming.Even when she’s in trouble, it’s like she’s not. She never pays for what she’s done. The golden lady.
“I believe that they should be returned,” Selina was saying. “They don’t belong in cloudy England. It’s absolute desecration of the Parthenon.”
“I have to disagree there,” the Earl said. “If Elgin paid for them, then he should do as he pleases.”
“Leah,” Selina said, turning her gaze toward her. “You must break our tie. What do you think?”
“Oh, I have no opinion on the matter,” she replied. Everyone had heard of the Elgin Marbles. It sounded to Leah like it was just bits of stone. “A lady ought not comment on the affairs of gentlemen.” She didn’t see what all the fuss was about.
“I quite disagree,” Selina said. “A lady ought to have opinions on everything.”
The Earl laughed heartily. “Come on, Leah. I agree with your cousin. You should be able to think for yourself. Otherwise, that Duke is going to walk all over you.”
“I think he should make all the decisions,” Leah said. “I can oversee the household, but he should have the final say.”
“How dreadful,” Selina remarked.
Leah sighed. “I don’t think you can comment on our marriage.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” The corners of Selina’s mouth were quirked upward as if she were attempting not to smile.
Leah eyed Selina.Is she mocking me?She did seem to be turning a little pink, and the corners of her mouth were quirked upward. As though she were trying not to laugh.
“Have you heard what old Napoleon is up to?” the Earl asked Selina, changing the topic of conversation.
“I haven’t peeked at the paper yet,” Selina replied, spurring her uncle into a lengthy discussion of war and the French invading Russia. Leah listened, grimly. She’d been positive that this afternoon had seen Selina’s downfall. She’d been wrong.
* * *