lips together. “Accidents happen, my lord. I’m quite sure he did not mean to cause a problem.”
“You are too kind.” He cut a glance at the unfortunate man.
“Not at all.” She would have pierced Lord Oliver with a look that had made men tougher than he tremble, had he been looking at her, that was. “Let he who is without sin throw the first stone.”
Lord Oliver jerked his head back to her. His eyes widened in something akin to shock. “I beg your pardon?”
This was it. What she was about to do would sink her Season before it began. Well, let his lordship do his worst. She would not lower her standards for a shallow, arrogant young man or indeed, anyone at all. “My father is a rector. It is for all of us to be kind to others, and even kinder to those who do not have the same advantages or talents.”
“Indeed.” Although how he got the word out since he had not opened his mouth, she didn’t know.
Fortunately, before she could respond the set ended, and she was soon returned to Cousin Clara and Vivian.
“I never wish to stand up with him again,” Silvia roundly informed her group.
Clara glanced around the room as if searching for someone. “I’m surprised not to see his mother about. She’d take him in hand. What did he do?”
“He mocks those less fortunate than he is.”
“In that case”—she sighed—“we must find another more suitable gentleman. Unless you wished to spend your life reforming him, that will never do.”
“My only concern is that he is just the type to make trouble.” Silvia chewed her bottom lip. “I’m afraid I was not reticent in expressing my disapproval.”
“I should not worry about it, my dear,” Cousin Clara said soothingly. “If he attempts to make fun of you, he’ll only look a fool.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry to be such a trial.” Silvia had known this was not a good idea. She was not malleable enough to please most young men. Unfortunately, her father truly wished her to find a gentleman to love and marry. There was nothing for it. She would do her best, and be grateful that Cousin Clara was more than capable of guiding and helping her.
“Nonsense. There will be a gentleman for you.” Clara’s tone softened. “I was much like you when I was young. My father couldn’t stand missish young ladies, and I had four older brothers. I was never a Diamond, but was considered an Original. I scared off my share of young men, older ones as well, then I met Telford.” A misty look entered her eyes. “I told him I couldn’t abide fops and weaklings, nor would I take orders from anyone. It was fortunate for him that my father didn’t care for my other suitor. Three weeks later we married.”
“Was it always wonderful? My parents almost never fought.”
“Oh no, not us. We’d go at it like cats and dogs.” Cousin Clara smiled. “But the making up was worth it.” She cleared her throat. “Now, where is your next partner? Ah, I see him coming. Nice young man, good family. He’s not up to your weight, but he’ll do for a dance or two.”
A tall, slender young man bowed. “Miss Corbet,” he said with a toothy smile, “my set, I believe.”
He knew the steps to the cotillion and was graceful, but Silvia felt like his older sister. Somewhere there was the right man for her. All she had to do was find him. It would help if Nick went back to Beresford so she could put him out of her mind.
Clara turned back to her conversation with her friend, Almeria Bellamny. “Did you see how young Stanstead and my cousin looked at one another?”
“I did.” Almeria shifted her girth on the sofa. “The doctor is right. I must lose some of this weight I’ve gained. He does have me on a reducing diet.”
Clara bit her tongue from commenting. Even as a young matron, her friend’s fondness for sweets was well-known. “What do you think about Lord Stanstead and Vivian?”
“It is hard to know.” Almeria drew her brows together in a frown. “He
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