Free Nina Coombs Pykare by A Daring Dilemma Page B

you who is being ridiculous.”
    Mama bristled but Aunt Hortense hurried on. “Licia is not going to sit at home alone just because you have some addlepated notion in your head.”
    Mama pouted. “She’s an ungrateful daughter. And I’m most unhappy with her.”
    Licia heard the hard words, but they did not penetrate her heart. At that moment nothing could hurt her. She was still basking in the glow of Ravenworth’s smile.
    “Aunt Dorothea, what bits of London gossip did you overhear last night?” Penelope was obviously trying to introduce a less sensitive subject. And she proved successful.
    Mama’s pout disappeared. “The dear duchess—you know, she stayed by me all evening, and she said the most glowing things concerning Dezzie’s come-out. Well, she had heard about this lady. I cannot recall her name. At any rate, this lady had taken up with one of those artist fellows. A sculptor, I think.”
    Licia’s eyes went to Penelope. Her cousin had paled and was now staring resolutely at the wall, her hands rigid in her lap. Pray God she wouldn’t say something and give herself away.
    Aunt Hortense straightened. “My word, some women have no sense of social consequence. An artist, you say. Why, an artist is lower than . . . than a Frenchman!”
    Licia saw that Penelope was struggling with herself. If she spoke now, she might well give the whole thing away.
    And so she herself spoke. “Dear aunt, I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
    “Understand what?”
    “I thought you were most appreciative of Mr. Turner’s paintings.”
    Aunt Hortense looked surprised. “I am, child. The man does such wonders. He’s a veritable genius.”
    “Then why is an artistic person not fit company for a lady?”
    Aunt Hortense smiled patiently. “My dear, talent and class do not necessarily go hand in hand. A lady must marry within her class.” She cast a glance at Mama whose pout showed signs of returning. “Or above it.”
    “So a lady cannot marry a man of genius even though she might love him?”
    Aunt Hortense’s smile was becoming strained. “Of course she cannot. Her family would disown her.”
    “But, Aunt, what if he were an upright, honorable man?”
    “That doesn’t signify.” Aunt Hortense was now frowning. “I hope that you or Dezzie are not considering such a scandalous thing.”
    Here, at least, Licia could be truthful. “Of course not, Aunt. Neither of us have any such inclination.”
    “Good. I should hope not. Penelope, where are you going?”
    Penelope paused in the doorway. “I find that I am still fatigued from last night , Mama. It was such a brilliant party. So I thought I might lie down for a while before dinner.”
    Licia got to her feet. “I, too, have some things to attend to in my room. If you’ll excuse me . . .”
    Aunt Hortense nodded. “Run along. Don’t know what’s wrong with young people these days. No stamina. Why, in my time . . . ”
    * * * *
    “Thank you,” said Penelope when they had reached the safety of her room. “I thought I should explode! Harry is such a wonderful man. And just because he is a commoner, our love is doomed. Oh, Licia, what shall I do?”
    Licia shook her head. “I simply do not know. Aunt Hortense seems quite firm.” She sighed. “I believe I understand you when you speak about being happy anywhere with him. But there is something to what your mama says too. You must have shelter—food and clothing.”
    Penelope’s laughter held no amusement. “Look at me, Licia. I am a plain woman. Not ugly, perhaps, but plain. And I do not care. I do not need—or even want—fine gowns and furnishings. Why, I wager that Harry and I could live comfortably for an entire year on the cost of that one atrocious gown. All I need is Harry’s love.”
    She drew herself up. “Since it appears that Mama will never give in, I shall have to prevail on Harry. I do not intend to give him up.” She pressed a hand to her temple. “But now I am afraid I do have the