Free Marchington Scandal by Jane Ashford

said Lord Stonenden, “ and her family, which is more than one can say for the scaff and raff one is continually meeting in town these days.”
    His implication was so clear, and so insulting, that several people gasped. Katharine herself, though grateful for his intervention, thought he was being excessively harsh.
    â€œI don’t see what that has to do with anything,” answered Winstead, his voice squeaking more than ever.
    Lord Stonenden stepped closer to him. The contrast was marked. “Naturally you do not.”
    The thin dandy quailed before him, then looked to Sir Thomas for aid. The artist, who had appeared increasingly uncomfortable during this exchange, shifted from one foot to the other and murmured, “Here, gentlemen.”
    Lord Stonenden’s lip curled. “You are charitable.”
    Mr. Winstead, routed, turned on his heel and stalked from the room, throwing Katharine a glance filled with such venom that she shivered.
    â€œDon’t heed him,” said Stonenden, who had returned to her side. “No one else will. He is the veriest worm.”
    â€œYou were very severe with him,” replied Katharine.
    â€œHe deserved it. I can’t abide toadeaters.”
    She gazed at him in astonishment, and he laughed. “No, he wasn’t toadeating you . But he does Lawrence, and he has tried his tricks with me. He is tolerated because he writes a column for one of the artistic journals, but he is a man of no birth and indifferent education. He will not annoy you again. He hasn’t the courage.”
    His tone was so contemptuous that Katharine could not help but feel a twinge of compassion for the wretched Winstead. The man might be exasperating, but surely no one deserved the kind of set-down Stonenden had given him. Katharine would not have spoken so harshly herself, and she was the one insulted. It was just like Stonenden, she thought, to treat him so. Perhaps it was this very attitude that made Winstead so disagreeable.
    At this moment, Tony joined them. “I say, Katharine, I am sorry about that. Winstead is abominable. Are you much upset?”
    â€œNo, I am all right. But I am still angry with you, so you needn’t look relieved.”
    Tony grinned. “No, come. You must be pleased that Lawrence praised your paintings. And Stonenden, of course. Without me, you would never have shown your things to anyone.”
    Katharine fought a smile, and lost. “Tony, you really are despicable.”
    They laughed together.
    Lord Stonenden cleared his throat.
    Tony turned to him. “You certainly gave Winstead his own again. I felt quite sorry for him.” The other man did not look particularly gratified.
    Looking away, Katharine noticed that several new arrivals were being taken to see her paintings, which now rested against the wall of the drawing room. “Tony,” she exclaimed, “we must gather up those canvases and go. I have had all the ‘praise’ I can endure for one day.”
    â€œYes, I think we should go. Wait a moment and I’ll get them.” Tony went over to fetch the canvases.
    â€œAn enterprising young man,” murmured Stonenden.
    â€œToo enterprising,” laughed Katharine.
    â€œYour work shows real talent.”
    This remark was so abrupt that Katharine blinked. She did not know quite how to respond to a compliment from Stonenden.
    â€œDo you think of selling anything?” he added.
    â€œOh, no. I paint for myself only.”
    â€œI see. And yet, it is important to you.”
    She raised her eyebrows. This conversation was taking the oddest turn. “It is.”
    Tony came up with the paintings under his arm, “Ready?”
    Katharine nodded and took her leave.
    â€œIf I can be of any help, you need only say so,” responded the other man as they walked away.
    â€œWhat did he mean by that?” wondered Tony, following her down the stairs.
    â€œI haven’t the least