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They arrived in the dining room, and Perry seated her. Lady Huntsberry indicated for him to take the seat next to her sister, and he did so.

As the soup course was being served, his mother said, “Thank you for accommodating me this evening. It was gracious of you to extend your invitation to include me, Lady Huntsberry.”

“We were happy to have you join us,” their hostess said. “Although I was not concerned with numbers, we were down a woman. You joining us this evening evened up our numbers.”

Dinner conversation was lively, and Perry was glad his mother did not try to dominate the conversation, as she was wont to do.

When it came time for the ladies to withdraw, Lord Huntsberry said, “I would like for the gentlemen to join the ladies and forgo port and cigars.”

“An excellent idea,” seconded Lord Tilsbury. “I never understood that custom.”

They retired to the drawing room again, where his mother asked, “Will any of you ladies be playing or singing for us?” She turned her gaze upon Lady Dru. “I would particularly like to hear you entertain us, Lady Drusilla.”

Lady Dru’s laugher bubbled up, spilling over. “I would not advise that, my lady, unless you have something to protect your ears. I can barely play the pianoforte. My sister and cousin are much more musically inclined than I am.”

Frowning, his mother said, “You are quite frank for a young lady.”

“I do speak my mind, Lady Martindale. Fortunately, my sister and brother-in-law encourage me to do so.”

“I doubt your mother would approve, young lady,” scolded his mother.

An uncomfortable silence filled the air before Lady Huntsberry said, “I will play a little something for us. Dru, would you turn the pages for me?”

“I would be happy to do so, Lucy.”

The two sisters went to the pianoforte, and Perry’s mother took a seat next to him.

“I hope when you choose your countess that you will find a young lady more docile than Lady Dru. In fact, I expect you to come to town this next Season and do that very thing. I already have a few candidates in mind to introduce you to, and they are most appropriate.”

Coolly, he said, “Who says you will even be in town for the Season, Mother? You might be residing in the dower house year-round.”

A look of horror filled her face. “That would be impossible, Martindale. I would wither and die. You inherited the townhouse. It is large enough for us to live there together during the Season, even after you wed.”

“It is large enough—but who says I want you there?”

He turned his attention from her and looked to Lady Huntsberry, who had begun to play. As he sat there, he could feel the waves of anger coming off his mother. She did not continue their conversation, though.

After playing two pieces for them, Lady Huntsberry rejoined them. Not long after that, their host indicated it was time for the evening to conclude.

Smiling, Lord Huntsberry said, “We keep to country hours, especially with my wife increasing. I insist that she get her rest. Thank you all for accepting our invitation this evening.” He looked to Viscount Tilsbury.

“It was delightful to get to know you better, my lord.” Then he turned his gaze upon Perry’s mother.

“Thank you for joining us, Lady Martindale. I know your time here is limited, so I doubt we will see you again.”

His mother smiled prettily. “Yes, my lord. I should be returning to town within the next few days. Thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to seeing you next Season.”

Everyone walked out together, including their hosts. Perry found himself in Lady Dru’s company.

“The invitation to ride Beauville with me is still open, my lady. Naturally, I will be tied up with Mr. Chapman tomorrow. Possibly the day after, as well. Would you care to join me on a ride the following day?”

Those magnificent amethyst eyes sparkled. “I am eager to see your estate, Lord Martindale. Thank you for the invitation.”

“If Mr. Chapman leaves early, would you be able to ride the day after tomorrow?”

“Won’t you still be entertaining your mother?”

“I hope to see as little of that woman as possible while she is here,” he said bluntly.

Lady Dru leaned close, and he caught a whiff of gardenias. “I cannot say that I blame you, my lord. She is most odious.”

The guests boarded their separate carriages, and the vehicles started up, one at a time.

His mother said, “Lady Aldridge is most opinionated. I cannot imagine insisting upon bringing children to town during the Season. I can almost understand why she did so this first year because her babe had just been born, but to think to do so year after year, much less convince her cousins to do the same? I hope you will exhibit better sense, Martindale.”

“There are actually parents who love their children, Madam. Parents who miss their children when they are separated from them for months at a time. Lady Aldridge is one of those women. Her husband feels the same. Why, Lord Aldridge is well-known for his closeness to his infant daughter. He holds her. Plays with her.”

“He does?” His mother looked horrified at the thought.

“Yes, he does. I find it admirable that Lady Aldridge insists upon bringing their children to town instead of leaving them in the country.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You resent me, don’t you, Martindale? You think I should have showered you with love. Or at least attention.”

“It is natural for a mother to love her child,” he said quietly. “Then again, you have never exhibited any maternal instincts where I am concerned.”

He saw that she wanted to bite back at him, but he caught an inkling of fear in her eyes now, knowing he held her fate in his hands.

Perry decided he would do whatever it took to wash his hands of her.

Though he worried about any gambling debts his father might have, he decided no sacrifice would be too great to get this woman out of his London townhouse.

And out of his life.

If he didn’t, she would ride roughshod over him and the wife he chose. He refused to be around someone so unpleasant.

They arrived back at Beauville and before they left the carriage, he told her. “I will let you know what decision I have come to regarding your status after I meet with Mr. Chapman tomorrow.”

Then Perry left the carriage and strode into the house, leaving her to fend for herself.