Page 34 of The Gentlewoman Companion

Louisa wondered if she should take a stand against those things. She didn’t want to. Since their niece Miss Cron had participated, perhaps Louisa could indulge as well. And besides, Lady Halverton had hosted the party without hesitation.

“I will send Nellie to you directly, my lady.”

Once in her room, Louisa sat by the window watching the stars until Nellie finished with Lady Halverton.

“Well? And so how was it?” Nellie asked, closing the door.

“A triumph! Well, not everyone was kind. Mr. Henry Trelawney is a karn, but his sister is so graceful, I cannot help but admire her. Though she did insinuate I could not afford to pay, should I lose the game. But then she asked to go riding together.”

“She sounds like a janjansy.”

“Not insincere, I don’t think. She was simply teasing.”

“Well, I hope you enjoy the outing.”

“And Lady Halverton and Lord Halverton supported me in every sense. Even Mr. Alexander was kind, though I believe he was most interested in moving the game along. But…Lord Halverton stunned me.”

Nellie unpinned Louisa’s hair and brushed through it. “What did he do?”

“I think he is a friend.”

“And that surprises you?”

“Well, yes. He is far above me, and I am an employee. But when anyone treats me as such, the Halvertons will have none of it. He went out of his way to invite me to conversations and set down the Trelawneys. I think he and his mother have a good opinion of me and that others will soon come around.”

Louisa saw Nellie raise an eyebrow in the mirror. “You best work on liking yourself, Miss Louisa.”

She studied herself in the mirror for a long moment, then said softly, “I like myself much better when other people do.”