Free Her Grace in Disgrace (The Widows of Woburn Place) by Claudia Harbaugh Page B

neither of the gentleman. She was intent upon one task; to make
herself distasteful to every eligible male by being opinionated, painfully
frank, and in general, extremely obnoxious. Her campaign proved largely
successful, except in one quarter. Lord Pelton, a reputed womanizer and
gambler, was captivated by the little minx. He had no interest in the milk and
water misses that simpered and giggled their way through season after season in
London. Lady Joanna was magnificent! However, Lady Joanna not did notice Lord
Pelton’s partiality, assuming her machinations would put off any man in his
right mind.
    All three Hyde-Prices had
their hearts set on Lord Saybrooke. The outwardly cherubic, but inwardly
conniving Lydia Hyde-Price was doing everything in her power to fix his
interest. Where Lord Saybrooke went, there went Miss Hyde-Price. Despite his
every effort to avoid her, she was able to maneuver a way to be at his side.
She was determined to have him. However, Lord Saybrooke had a decided
partiality in another direction – the Reverend Parrish. He and the vicar spent
many an hour debating good naturedly about life, religion and philosophy. While
the two men disagreed on almost everything, they heartily enjoyed the exchange.
Lord Saybrooke, to his delight, discovered that not even the devoted Miss
Hyde-Price could endure more than a few minutes of the lofty dialogue. Other
than Parrish, Saybrooke had no desire to socialize with anyone save Izzy. And
after their argument in the garden on the first night, Izzy had studiously
avoided him. So, if Mr. Parrish was not available and there was no activity
planned, Saybrooke took solace (and refuge from the onslaughts of Miss
Hyde-Price) in Lord Mercer’s well stocked library.
    Following the three days of
sunshine came three full days of inevitable spring rain. Lady Mercer did her
best to amuse her guests with games, music and an abundance of food. On the
evening of the second day of captivity, however, the overfed and under
exercised guests began to be restless. Thus, when Lady Joanna announced that
she had written a short play, a farce, that they could perform on the following
evening, it was greeted with a great deal of enthusiasm.
    “Those of us who want to
participate in the play,” Lady Joanna told them, “can rehearse during the day
tomorrow. Jenkins, the head gardener has assured me the rain will continue.”
    “If that is true, then count
me in,” said Captain Danvers.
    Lady Cynthia wrinkled her
lovely nose, as if she had smelt a foul odor. “One day of rehearsal? You could
not possibly have a play of any merit with such a short rehearsal time.”
    “It is an amateur theatrical,
Lady Cynthia, not a Drury Lane production. I wrote it two hours today while I
was supposed to be resting. It is simply a lark, something to do.” Lady Joanna did
not try to mask her exasperation with the stiff-rumped Lady Cynthia.
    To everyone’s shock, Miss
Parrish spoke up. “I think it sounds like such fun. I am not much of an
actress, but I would like to try.”
    “Of course, Miss Parrish.
Anyone who would care to join in is welcome. I can always rewrite parts to suit
the actors. We can give a performance in the evening, after dinner for those
who do not care to act.” Lady Joanna said decisively.
    Lord and Lady Stoughton
looked like thunder. Amateur theatricals may be accepted in some circles, but
clearly they believed the activity to be improper in the extreme. Lady Cynthia
was plainly torn until she saw the look of disapproval on her parents’ faces. “I
do not think it would be dignified. I shan’t participate,” she pronounced with
hauteur.
    “Of course it is not
dignified! That is why it will be such fun.” Gasps of disapproval and
half-hidden smirks and giggles followed Lady Joanna’s outrageous statement.
    “Joanna!” cried her outraged
mother.
    Lord Pelton rushed to cover
the awkward moment, giving Lady Joanna a cheeky grin. “I, like Miss Parrish,
admit I am no