Page 22 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess (Wallflower Season #3)
Viola nodded her agreement. “It’s true. I’ve heard he warms a different bed every night. It’s really quite scandalous. But he does have a vast estate. If a woman were to marry him, she would want for nothing.”
May’s expression turned thoughtful. “I believe for the right woman Lord Radford would stop his wandering ways.”
“Once a rake, always a rake,” Viola observed.
“Do you think so?” Kate asked. “Do you ascribe to the idea that people cannot change? Do you believe that a sinner cannot stop his sinning, nor a drunkard stop his drink?”
“You are na?ve to think that people truly change. Perhaps on their surface they hide their true nature, but I think that a scoundrel is a scoundrel,” Viola declared.
Kate thought about Viola’s pronouncement.
If that were true, there was no chance of any growth or chance for change.
She believed that anyone could become a better person if given the right opportunity.
It would be a sad world if everyone remained the same.
She certainly hoped that her worldview was correct, not Viola’s.
Mr. Scoville entered the room, and Kate excused herself to speak with him. “Yes, Mr. Scoville? Is anything wrong?”
“No, ma’am. I wanted to inform you that the cook has changed the menu from cold meats to roast goose and mutton pies.
She thought with the chill in the air, the guests would long for comfort and warmth.
I planned to pour drinks in the drawing room momentarily, but I can send a footman in here to do the same if you don’t believe the women wish to rejoin the rest of the party. ”
Kate was pleased with how quickly Mrs. Humphrey was able to change the menu. She looked around the room. The women seemed content to sit by the fire chatting and saw no need to ask them to rejoin the men in the drawing room. “If you could send someone here, that would be best.”
“Very good.” Mr. Scoville gave a small bow and left. A young footman returned a few minutes later with wine for the ladies. Soon the chatter grew louder, and spirits seemed high despite the gloomy weather.
Julia gulped her wine rather quickly and the footman appeared at her side to pour her another glass.
Kate watched her friend from the corner of her eye.
Nicholas’ appearance had caused Julia more upset than she would admit.
Was she as happy to marry Harry as she had first proclaimed? Kate began to doubt it.
At six o’clock, Kate indicated it was time for them to move to the dining room.
The ladies left the sitting room, and the gentlemen met them in the hallway to escort them.
The Viscount of Surry scurried forward to claim Kate, and it would be rude to decline his escort.
Her brother Nicholas waited by the staircase, and Kate watched in dismay as Julia extricated herself from the group to speak to him.
“Excuse me. Please go into the dining room and I will join you in a moment,” Kate said to the viscount. He looked as if he would protest, but then he saw the direction of Kate’s gaze, and realization dawned. Kate wondered how long it would be before tongues wagged once more about her brother.
Julia stood in front of Nicholas. Her green eyes blazed. “Why are you here, Nicholas? I thought you would not show your face at my wedding.” The glasses of wine she had consumed made her words blur together.
Nicholas appeared nonplussed and said, “It is my family home, and I have every right to be here. Miss Roves, I wish you and the earl my every happiness. I am sure he will make you a good husband…if he can slow his hand at the card tables.”
Julia’s cheeks turned bright red, and she scowled. “It is none of your concern.”
Nicholas smiled at her, but it was a cold smile that held none of the warmth it had when they were courting. “You are correct. You are no longer my concern. Now, if you’ll pardon me. I believe my companion for the evening is coming down the steps.”
Kate looked up and saw that a stunning woman with auburn curls and eyes the color of the sea descended the stairs.
Her gown was a shimmering emerald green that made her appear as ethereal as a fairy queen.
Kate grabbed Julia’s elbow and whispered in her ear.
“Julia, now is not the time. Come with me.”
Her face was a mixture of grief and anger, Julia turned away from Kate and Nicholas. “I don’t feel well. I think I shall lie down.” Before Kate could stop her, Julia darted up the stairs brushing past Nicholas’s date. Kate glared at her brother.
“Nicholas, how could you do this?” Kate admonished.
Nicholas shrugged. “Miss Roves will be married in three days’ time. Why should it matter what I do?”
“You promised to stay away,” Kate hissed.
“I changed my mind,” he said. Nicholas turned to the woman who now stood by his side. “Kate, may I present Miss Chambers. Miss Chambers, my sister, Kate.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Avery. Your brother speaks highly of you,” Miss Chambers said.
Her voice was as melodious as her face was beautiful.
Kate had to admit Miss Chambers appeared perfect.
She wondered if the inside matched her outside.
If it did, Kate could not protest her brother’s courtship of her.
“May I escort you both to the dining room?” Nicholas held out both arms. “My intelligent, lovely sister on one arm and the stunning Miss Chambers on the other. I am a lucky man, wouldn’t you say?”
Kate stayed silent. Worry for her friend filled her mind. She simply nodded and walked alongside her brother to dinner.