Free Rhonda Woodward by Moonlightand Mischief

Seasons?”
    Mariah fiddled with the silver inkwell lid while she searched for a proper answer. She did not intend to tell these women that she and her mother had only hovered on the fringes of Society.
    “I particularly enjoyed Lady Farren’s entertainments. And of course the theater and the opera are always diverting.”
    Mrs. Ingram and Lady Walgrave exchanged glances.
    “I do not believe I know Lady Farren. Do you, Lady Walgrave?”
    “No, I am not acquainted with Lady Farren,” Lady Walgrave quickly replied.
    “Lady Farren is a relation of the new Duchess of Kelbourne,” Mariah siad.
    “Ah, I see. What of Almack’s? My memory must be failing me, for I do not recall meeting you there.”
    Mariah decided she liked Lady Walgrave even less than she had last night. The lady knew very well that there would be little chance for someone like Mariah to receive approval from any of the patronesses, and to quiz her about it revealed the lady as patently disingenuous.
    Even Mr. Woburn turned from the window to gaze at Mariah with sudden interest.
    Feeling a flash of anger, Mariah looked directly at Lady Walgrave. “I never attempted to gain vouchers.”
    Lady Walgrave’s blond brows rose in surprise. “How singularly unique. I have never met anyone who did not wish to attend the assemblies. I believe Miss Thorncroft is an original,” she finished on a girlish titter that set Mariah’s teeth on edge.
    Making no reply, Mariah turned back to her letter. After carefully dusting it with fine sand, she picked it up and rose to leave. Giving everyone her most polite smile, she said, “Please pardon me. I should have joined my mother some time ago.” Without waiting for a response, she dropped a shallow curtsy and left the room.

Chapter Seven
    “This engraved silver goblet was given to the third Baron Morley by King Charles the Second in 1678. Baron Morley was my lord’s great-grandfather several times over.” Mrs. Billings picked up the goblet and held it up for Mariah’s interested inspection.
    “There is a very good painting of him on the other wall, miss,” the housekeeper said, replacing the goblet and moving farther down the great hall. “You can see the goblet depicted on the table next to him.”
    Mariah followed the housekeeper, her slippered feet whispering along the polished floor. Glancing around the vast room with pleasure, Mariah owned that she was thoroughly enjoying her impromptu tour of the earl’s home—even more so because, to her immense relief, the rest of the guests appeared to be otherwise occupied.
    Moving closer to the large portrait the housekeeper indicated, Mariah studied the earl’s ancestor with great interest.
    The man in the painting wore a long, curly wig, and lace fell from underneath the wide cuffs of his fancy blue coat.
    Her gaze traveled back up to the face. The current earl bore little resemblance to the man in the painting. Lord Morley had a rather plain face. The only resemblance to his descendant was the proud expression and the blue eyes.
    “If you will come this way, miss, I will show you several interesting portraits that explain the importance the Morleys have played in the history of our country. There is also a lovely painting and miniature of Alice of Surrey.”
    Feeling curious at the note of pride in Mrs. Billings’ voice, Mariah turned from the portrait to follow the knowledgeable housekeeper.
    As they moved farther down the hall, Mariah continued to marvel at the multitude of artwork and fascinating objects—all on display to show the illustrious history and extreme wealth of the Morleys.
    How the earl could put all of this in jeopardy by gambling away fortunes made Mariah shake her head in dismay.
    On the verge of asking Mrs. Billings a question, Mariah heard footfalls echoing from the other end of the hall. Turning, she saw Lady Walgrave and a few other houseguests approaching—including the earl.
    With her heart pounding furiously, Mariah did not know