I nod.
"You must say the words, Lady Cygnus."
I grit my teeth and internally promise myself that I'll do everything I can in order to make my life here pleasant. "We have an understanding."
"Excellent. I have set an appointment up with my dressmaker to ensure that your fashions are modest and acceptable. And I've already informed the cook of the correct foods to feed you with."
I blink a few times, trying to come to terms with the fact that she's going to attempt to control my entire life. And the only way out of this that I could see was to convince Lord Cygnus that I was going to be a good wife to him. While his mother could threaten me with the country all she wished, only he would be able to send me there. Or perhaps the Earl himself, but somehow, I doubted the older man was going to get himself involved.
"I have already accepted several social invitations on your behalf," Lady Swancovecontinues, clearly unaware of the thoughts swirling through my head. "You have received a coveted invitation to one of Lady Ferrington's soirées for married ladies." There's a hint of jealousy in her voice.
"Are they good events?" I ask.
"I would not know, she has not deigned to invite me," Lady Swancove retorts. "Though we have all received invitations to her next ball, so I have sent your acceptances for both."
"Will I not be managing my own social calendar?" I ask, surprised that she isn't allowing that, even Mother at her strictest gave me some choice in the matter.
"Not until I can be certain of your behaviour," Lady Swancove responds tartly. "Until then, I will be overseeing your schedule."
"I see."
"Yes, you should."
"Is that all?" I ask. "May I be excused?"
She sighs dramatically. "Very well, you may go."
"Thank you for the tea," I say with a forced smile, rising to my feet and hurrying from the room before she can call me back.
I'm so distracted, that I almost run straight into Lord Cygnus.
"Are you all right?" he asks.
"Yes," I lie, not feeling like I can go into too many details about what his mother said to me. Perhaps in the future when there's more trust between the two of us, but not right now.
He nods. "Are you free this evening?"
"I believe so, though your mother said she was organising my social calendar, so perhaps it is best to check with her." Ah, so much for that resolution.
He frowns. "Why would Mother be managing your social calendar? I would have thought you were capable of doing that yourself."
"That is just what she told me," I murmur, hoping this wasn't going to get me into more trouble.
"I will speak with her," he assures me. "And if you are free tonight, do you wish to attend the opera with me?"
"The opera?" I echo.
He nods. "I have seats, and I thought you might enjoy it."
An evening with Lord Cygnus did sound to be an enjoyable use of time. "I would like that."
"Then I shall arrange it," he promises. "And if you have another commitment, then we shall go to the opera on another night."
I smile up at him, hoping that we can go thisevening. I could use some time away from this house and out in society, even if it is going to be strange to be out in society as Lady Cygnus instead of Miss Swanley. At least there won't be any scandals if we are caught alone this time.
Ten
Letitia