Page 32 of A Wife for the Beast (Scandals and Second Chances #6)
"How kind of you to say so, Miss Worthington. Though I suspect that freshness, like most appealing qualities, requires careful cultivation to avoid deteriorating into mere novelty."
Lady Worthington's eyes sharpened with what might have been approval at this evidence that the new duchess possessed sufficient wit to hold her own in verbal sparring.
The older woman's assessment was clearly ongoing, weighing Evangeline's responses against some internal standard that would determine whether the Hollowbridge duchess deserved inclusion in the most exclusive circles of society.
"Indeed, it does, Your Grace. I perceive that you understand the complexities of social navigation far better than your modest assessment would suggest."
The exchange felt like a chess match, with each comment serving as both move and counter move in a game whose rules remained partially hidden from Evangeline's understanding.
She was learning, however, that directness tempered with appropriate humility seemed to earn more respect than either excessive deference or inappropriate boldness.
"I understand that careful observation and genuine courtesy can overcome many deficiencies in background or experience," Evangeline replied with the sort of quiet confidence that seemed to impress even these sophisticated representatives of the fashionable world.
The conversation that followed proved to be an elaborate dance of question and response, with Lady Worthington expertly probing for information about Evangeline's family background, education, and circumstances while Evangeline parried such inquiries with responses that revealed just enough to satisfy curiosity without providing ammunition for future criticism.
Each question was a test, Evangeline realized, designed to reveal not only the facts of her history but also her character, intelligence, and suitability for the elevated position she now occupied.
Lady Worthington's inquiries touched upon everything from her education (accomplished but not excessive for a woman of gentle birth) to her musical abilities (competent but not showy) to her opinions on literature (well-informed but not pedantic).
It was an interrogation disguised as polite conversation, conducted with such skill that a less perceptive person might have missed its true purpose entirely.
"And how do you find London after the quiet of Yorkshire?" Lady Worthington inquired with the sort of seemingly innocent question that might easily trap an unwary respondent into criticizing either their current or former circumstances.
The question was particularly treacherous, Evangeline recognized, because it invited her to either disparage her husband's beloved Yorkshire estate or to suggest that London society was somehow excessive or vulgar by comparison. Either response could be used against her in future social encounters.
"I find it stimulating beyond measure," Evangeline replied with complete honesty. "Though I confess myself grateful for the tranquil months at Ravenshollow that allowed me to adjust to my new circumstances before facing the challenges of metropolitan society."
"Challenges indeed," Lady Worthington agreed with dry humor that suggested she understood exactly how formidable those challenges could prove to be.
"Though I suspect you will find that London society, for all its complexity, responds favorably to those who approach it with appropriate respect and genuine quality of character. "
The assessment felt like a provisional verdict, Evangeline realized with relief.
Lady Worthington was indicating that she had passed the initial examination, though her final acceptance would depend upon her performance in more public settings where her every action would be observed and analyzed by dozens of critical eyes.
After their visitors departed with promises to include the Duke and Duchess in their upcoming entertainment, Evangeline found herself reviewing the encounter with the sort of careful analysis that her father had taught her to apply to strategic problems. The morning's conversation had been a battle fought with words instead of weapons, but the stakes had been just as high as any military engagement her father had ever described.
"How do you believe we fared?" she asked Lucian, who had observed the entire exchange with the sort of careful attention that suggested he understood its importance to their future social success.
"Admirably," he replied with what appeared to be genuine pride in her performance.
"Lady Worthington is one of the most influential hostesses in London, and her approval virtually guarantees acceptance by others of similar standing.
You handled her examination with precisely the right combination of modesty and confidence. "
"I felt rather like a horse being evaluated for purchase at Tattersall's," she admitted with rueful humor. "Though I suppose such scrutiny is inevitable when one appears suddenly in society with credentials that require verification."
"Such scrutiny is indeed inevitable, and you passed the initial test with considerable distinction. I suspect that Lady Worthington will prove a valuable ally in navigating the more treacherous aspects of ton society."
***
Their first formal social engagement, an evening at the Duke of Devonshire's mansion—proved to be an even more comprehensive test of their ability to function successfully within London's most demanding social circles.
The gathering included representatives of every level of the aristocracy, from minor baronets to royal dukes, creating an atmosphere of competitive display that made the Yorkshire assembly seem almost quaint by comparison.
"Remember," Lucian murmured as their carriage approached the brilliantly illuminated mansion, "that every conversation will be analyzed for signs of weakness or irregularity.
Maintain your composure regardless of what comments or questions you encounter, and do not allow anyone to provoke you into indiscreet responses. "
"I shall endeavour to represent your name with appropriate dignity," she promised, though her pulse had quickened considerably at the sight of the elaborate equipages disgorging fashionably dressed guests before the impressive entrance.
The ballroom, when they finally gained admission through the receiving line, proved to be a glittering spectacle that exceeded even her most optimistic expectations for metropolitan grandeur.
Crystal chandeliers cast sparkling light over silk clad ladies and elegantly attired gentlemen, while the soft murmur of cultured conversation created an atmosphere of sophisticated refinement that spoke of wealth and privilege beyond anything in her previous experience.
Yet as they moved through the crowd, Evangeline became acutely aware of the subtle disruption their presence created in the social fabric of the gathering.
Conversations paused as they approached, resuming in more subdued tones after they had passed, while the attention they attracted carried undertones of curiosity that bordered on the prurient.
"The scarred Duke and his mysterious bride," she heard someone whisper behind a fan as they made their way toward their hostess. "Quite the romantic tale, though one wonders about the true circumstances of such a hasty union."
"She appears presentable enough," another voice replied with the sort of clinical assessment that reduced her to a collection of observable characteristics. "Though provincial, no doubt. These sudden marriages rarely prove satisfactory in the long term."
The casual cruelty of such observations filled her with indignation on behalf of Lucian and herself, yet she maintained her expression of polite interest while filing away such information for future consideration.
If this was the level of hostility they could expect from supposedly friendly gatherings, their social campaign would require even more careful management than they had anticipated.
Their presentation to their hostess, the formidable Duchess of Devonshire, proved to be another examination that they navigated with success that seemed to surprise some observers.
Her Grace was clearly a woman accustomed to being deferred to by even the most elevated members of society, yet she received them with courtesy that suggested genuine rather than merely polite interest.
"Your Grace," she said to Evangeline with a smile that appeared authentic, "I confess myself delighted to finally meet the lady who succeeded in capturing Ravenshollow's interest after so many years of determined bachelorhood.
London society has been quite intrigued by your sudden appearance among us. "
"Your Grace is most kind," Evangeline replied with the sort of gracious acknowledgment that seemed to strike exactly the right note of gratitude without subservience. "I am sensible of the honour you do us by including us in such distinguished company."
"The honour is entirely mutual, I assure you. Though I confess myself curious about your impressions of London society after the quiet of Yorkshire. Do you find our metropolitan customs much different from country entertainments?"
"I find them considerably more elaborate, certainly, though the fundamental principles of courtesy and genuine pleasure in agreeable company appear to be universal."
The diplomat's response seemed to please their hostess, who continued the conversation for several more minutes before releasing them to circulate among the other guests.
As they moved away from the receiving area, Evangeline caught sight of a familiar figure near the refreshment tables whose presence filled her with immediate apprehension.