Page 123 of A Devious Secret

Marielle placed her empty teacup onto the tray. “I do not care for Lady George.”

“Neither do most people, but she is well connected in high Society,” her aunt said. “You would be wise to hold your tongue around her. She is known to be quite a gossip.”

“I am well aware,” Marielle said. “I have heard that she was rather vocal of her disapproval that a daughter of a shipbuilder managed to marry the son of a marquess.”

“I wouldn’t give it much heed,” her aunt advised.

“I don’t put much stock in other people’s opinions about me,” Marielle said.

Her aunt nodded approvingly. “That is most fortunate.”

Balfour stepped into the room and announced, “Lady Haddington has come to…”

Before the butler could finish his sentence, Evie stepped into the room with a smile on her face. “Good morning,” she greeted.

“You appear to be in a fine mood,” Dinah remarked.

“I am,” Evie replied as she removed the blue bonnet off her head. “I was able to get Lord Easton to donate a substantial sum to Georgie’s orphanage.”

“How were you able to do such a feat?” Dinah asked.

“Would you believe me if I said that I asked nicely?” Evie smirked.

Dinah gave her sister a knowing look. “I would not.”

Evie waved her hand dismissively in front of her. “Regardless, the orphanage has enough funding to run for many years to come.”

Dinah turned towards Gemma. “Georgie is always looking for more patrons, if you are interested.”

“I’m afraid I wouldn’t have anything to contribute,” Gemma said reluctantly.

Evie gave her a curious look. “Did your husband not leave you a jointure?”

“He did not,” Gemma replied. “Henry said that proves that Baldwin didn’t care for me as much as he claimed.”

“That is poppycock!” her aunt declared. “Baldwin adored you.”

“I know, but Henry was just trying to get a rise from me,” Gemma said.

“Why was he trying to do that?” Evie asked.

Gemma winced. “He was trying to convince me to be his mistress,” she admitted.

Evie visibly tensed. “What a cod’s head!”

“I won’t disagree with you,” Gemma said.

Dinah interrupted, “None of us will, but, dear sister, do try to be less vulgar.”

With a laugh, Evie came to sit down on an armchair. “I did not mean to hurt your delicate constitution.”

Dinah went to address Gemma. “You must excuse my sister,” she started, “she was raised in a barn.”

“I find her to be a delight,” Gemma admitted.

Her aunt reached for the teapot and asked, “Would you care for a cup of tea, Evie?”

“I would, thank you,” Evie replied.