Page 105 of Song of the Caged Duchess

Her father had no doubt chosen Lord Walton knowing that his wealth would suit the family’s needs. But Esther’s mother must have flinched at the idea of marrying her daughter off to such an old gentleman.

It’s nice to see that she does have a line she won’t cross, even if Father doesn’t seem to.

Esther’s mother embraced Eugenia stiffly. Then Eugenia turned to Esther.

“I’ll miss you,” she said, flinging her arms around her cousin.

“We’ll see one another again soon enough,” Esther said. “I’m determined to return to London before the end of the Season. There are more balls to attend, after all, and I don’t want to miss out on all the fun.”

“Oh, I hope you’ll be there,” Eugenia said. “I’d like to do that together.”

“You can count on it,” Esther said. She hugged her cousin tightly, then released her.

Hugh bowed to Eugenia. “It was wonderful to be engaged to you for two days, My Lady,” he said.

“The pleasure was mine, Your Grace,” Eugenia said, with a wide grin. “And may I say, it’s a delight to have broken our engagement so amicably.”

And they say she isn’t charming!

Esther was beginning to see that her cousin could have been charming all along if she had been permitted to relax and enjoy herself. It was wonderful to see.

Eugenia turned and followed her mother out to the carriage. Esther, her parents, Caroline, and Hugh stood and watched as it pulled away.

When the carriage had disappeared from sight, Esther turned to Hugh. “Why don’t we go into the sitting room for some tea?” she suggested. “Or do you need to leave right away as well?”

“I can stay for another day,” Hugh said. “If you’ll have me, Lord Cliffdall?”

“We’d be happy to,” Esther’s father said. His voice sounded strained.

Esther led Hugh into the sitting room. She hesitated, then beckoned Caroline to follow and closed the door behind them.

“Do we need a chaperone?” Hugh asked.

“Caroline is our chaperone,” Esther explained.

“Am I?” Caroline looked pleased. “That’s fun.”

“Caroline, this is His Grace, the Duke of Hallowbinder,” Esther said.

“But you may call me Hugh,” Hugh said, smiling at Caroline.

“Huge?” Caroline said.

Esther laughed. “Hugh,” she said.

“You may call me Huge, if you’d prefer it,” Hugh said, joining in the laughter. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Lady Caroline. Your sister speaks very highly of you.”

“Of course she does,” Caroline said. “We’re best friends. Have you been courting her?”

“I have,” Hugh said. “Is that all right with you?”

“I don’t know,” Caroline said. “Mother said that you were a wastrel and that you’d decided to marry Eugenia instead.”

“Caroline!” Esther said, aghast.

“What?” Caroline demanded. “Shedidsay that.”

Esther turned to Hugh to apologize.