Jenny snorted. “I would not believe anything Abigail Swanson says. She’s simply jealous, and most rumors begin because of jealousy.”
All heads turned when Mrs. Rutley entered the room. “What Jenny says is true. Jealousy often is the fuel that spreads rumors. We must always think logically about anything we hear. If we keep our wits about us, we’ll be more likely to hear the truth than to believe the lies.” She lifted her nose and sniffed. “Perfume? I’ve never known you to wear perfume, Jenny.”
Ruth snickered. “I think she’s hoping the earl will ask for her hand in marriage this evening.”
This sent both Unity and Theodosia into a fit of giggles.
They are such children!Jenny thought.I’m so glad I no longer see the world through the eyes of such naivety.
Despite her disregard for their view, however, Jenny would never voice those thoughts. She loved her sisters far too much to hurt them in such a terrible way.
Ruth kissed her cheek. “Do enjoy yourself,” she whispered.
“I shall,” Jenny whispered back.
Ruth ushered Unity and Theodosia from the room, leaving Louisa and Jenny alone with Mrs. Rutley.
“You’ve made a great deal of progress as of late, Jenny,” Mrs. Rutley said. “I see you becoming the young lady you’re meant to be. Now, I realize having a gentleman calling on you is very exciting, but you must always remain alert. Use everything you’ve been taught during your time here. Be quick to use your manners and slow in your responses. Give yourself time to consider every answer, for a tongue can cause a battle as much as a sword.”
“I promise,” Jenny said. “Thank you, Mrs. Rutley.”
The headmistress placed a hand on Jenny’s cheek. “You are more than welcome. If you’re ready, Lord Dowding is waiting for you in the drawing room.”
Without warning, Jenny’s heart leapt into her throat, and she spun about to glance at her reflection once more. “I should have worn the blue dress!” she said, her breathing coming in gasps. “Why did I choose yellow? And now I’m thinking I should have forgone any rouge. Oh, Mrs. Rutley, what am I to do?”
Mrs. Rutley laughed. “You look lovely just as you are. But I would get going. You don’t want the man to grow bored and leave without seeing you at all, do you?”
Thanking her, Jenny walked beside Louisa, and they made their way down the corridor. Several students stopped to gape, some whispering behind their hands. Jenny had been like them during her first years at the school, envious of the older students being allowed to have a gentleman caller. Now she was the older student, and she could not have been prouder.
Even if her stomach was tied into knots!
When she entered the drawing room, Lord Dowding stood at the window with his hands clasped behind his back. For a moment, Jenny paused to soak in his masculine form. Oh, it was unladylike to do so, but she did not care. What was wrong with imagining the firm torso beneath that fine coat? Or the muscular legs beneath his beige breeches? And he did have a fine-turned calf beneath those stockings!
From the strong jawline of his profile to his neatly combed hair, Jenny found herself at a loss for words. And when he turned to face her, his smile made her sigh. Surely, there was no man more handsome than he.
“Miss Clifton,” Lord Dowding said with a bow. “It’s a great pleasure to see you again.”
Jenny performed a perfect curtsy. “Thank you, my lord. And I’m pleased to see you again, as well.”
An awkward silence fell between them, and Jenny searched the man’s face in an attempt to find something, anything, to say. Then her gaze fell on that terrible scar, and she considered what Louisa had said about it. Was it the result of a struggle between him and his father? Had Lord Dowding murdered the previous earl so he could take the title sooner?
Although she had said nothing of her thoughts aloud, Lord Dowding must have sensed them. He touched the scar, and asked, “Does it frighten you?”
“Yes,” Louisa whispered, but Jenny elbowed her.
“No, of course not, my lord,” Jenny said. “I hadn’t even noticed its existence until you mentioned it. May I ask how you came to have it? If you don’t mind sharing, that is.”
“The details are not important, but it came from a ring my father wore.”
Louisa groaned, and Jenny’s heart skipped a beat. “His ring?” she managed to say. At least it did not come out as a squeak. “I imagine it’s a fascinating tale. You must share it with me.”
Lord Dowding frowned. “I’d rather not. The situation was not a pleasant one and was quite upsetting.”
Upsetting? How could murdering one’s fathernotbe upsetting?
Stop that! I’m sure there is a rational explanation for his scar that does not include him killing his father.
“Please, my lord, sit.” Jenny sat on the couch opposite, Louisa joining her.