Chapter Seven

P arthena stared at herself in the mirror. She wore her best gown. Her hair done in a lovely, though uncomplicated style with just a few curls left to dangle at her temples. There wasn't anything special about her slightly plump form or the oval of her face. None of the beauty of Lady Belinda.

Nothing that would indicate she would attract the attention of a duke.

Wexham had led them both out of the folly and towards the house, careful to keep a respectful distance, though his coat covered her shoulders. Parthena had been surprised to find that while it seemed like hours, she and Wexham had only been trapped in the folly for a short time. He'd assured Parthena he would make the necessary explanation to Lady Baldwin. She was not to worry.

"You look glorious." Fidelia appeared from Mama's room, connected to theirs. "What exactly happened with Wexham in the folly?"

"Not a thing," Parthena assured her as Mama came into the room and smoothed her skirts. "We spoke of the stars. Constellations and such. He gave me his coat." She rolled her shoulders. "The folly was in plain sight of the terrace," she smiled at Fidelia. "Goodness, you could see us."

"Not entirely," Fidelia pressed a kiss to her cheek.

Knuckles rapped sharply on the door. "Come," Mama said, stepping back a pace as Lady Baldwin sauntered into the room.

"There has been a change of plans for tonight's performance. Your…presence," she gave a toothy smile and a lift of her chin. "Is no longer required."

Mama's own smile faltered. "But—"

"I'm having the carriage brought around. Mary," she waved to the young girl who'd assisted them earlier, "will pack your things."

"My lady," Mama looked askance at Fidelia and Parthena. "What has happened? My girls are ready to perform with Lady Belinda."

"Yes, I saw enough of Parthena's performance earlier today," she snapped.

Parthena's stomach pitched unpleasantly.

"I believe it would suit all of us better if you and your daughters departed as soon as possible," Lady Baldwin said. "I've found another young lady to accompany Belinda. I'm not sure what you hoped to accomplish earlier today, Parthena." Displeasure colored her features. "Except to create a spectacle as you are wont to do on nearly every occasion. I find I can no longer tolerate your lack of decorum. Not when it may cost my niece her future."

The beat of her pulse became unsteady. Wexham promised he would smooth things over with Lady Baldwin.

"I expect you all to be gone within the hour." Lady Baldwin walked towards the door before turning once more. "There will be no more invitations, Mrs. Holm. We are family, but our connection is now far more distant. Do not call upon me." She shot another look of dislike at Parthena.

"You are overreacting, Priscilla." Mama said quietly. "Nothing untoward occurred today. It isn't as if Parthena went into the folly and enticed Wexham. He merely rendered her aid, as any gentleman would. The storm was severe."

"Your daughter," Lady Baldwin's words seethed with unbridled anger, "aspires far above her station. She behaved inappropriately with the duke. Throwing herself at him like some—" Lady Baldwin clamped her lips shut. "Wexham told me himself. He is most appalled at her boldness."

Parthena inhaled sharply. Wexham said he would explain the situation to Lady Baldwin. Perhaps she'd mistaken his meaning. Heat seared her cheeks. She had thrown herself at Wexham. Grinded her hips against his… anatomy.

"I didn't want to tell you, Mrs. Holm. But you've forced the issue. I realize how disappointed you must be, indeed we all are. Now, I will send Mary up to help pack your things. My niece's performance will begin in an hour, and I want you well on your way by then."

Mama's face crumpled in disappointment as she took in the blush stealing across Parthena's skin. "I apologize for any embarrassment my daughter has caused. Please give my congratulations to Lady Belinda on her engagement. We will leave as you wish."

Nodding stiffly, Lady Baldwin sailed through door, not bothering to close it behind her.

"It isn't true, Mama," Parthena stuttered. "Not a word of it."

"The Duke of Wexham paid you a crumb of polite attention and you launched yourself at him? Because he is a gentleman and sought to help you?" Mama's voice raised an octave. "That I should have a daughter behaving so shamefully. Even for you, Parthena, this is too much. Your reputation will be destroyed once word of this gets out. And it will. What on earth made you think the Duke of Wexham had any interest in you?"

Parthena opened her mouth, wanting to say Wexham found her dazzling . That he wasn't going to wed Belinda. That when he kissed her the entire world fell silent except for the two of them.

"Not another word." Mama made a snapping motion with her fingers. "When we return home, you will accept the courtship of Captain Rogers lest you become a pariah."

Mary, the maid, came to the door with a polite nod, and set about packing their things, efficiently ending the conversation that had broken Parthena's heart.