Page 68 of His Forsaken Bride

Oswald regarded her in surprise.

“Bryce has many excellent qualities which you need to appreciate. Such as trustworthiness and a strong moral compass.”

He made a non-committal noise, not knowing how else to respond. He guessed that this was how Fenella imagined a good wife operated. She tried to think of constructive ways to help her spouse. It was unfortunate it made him remember Thane’s letters. He almost wished he hadn’t read the damn things.

“He likely knows that you contrast him with his predecessor,” she mused. “And that would make him overly-anxious and lacking in confidence.”

“I know how he feels,” he muttered darkly.

“Pardon?”

“Why don’t you tell me about your day,” he suggested instead, hoping for safer ground.

Her expression cleared. “Trudy did very well on her first day. Indeed, I am persuaded she will be quite an asset to the household. She has been a maid before, and I can only think Meldon did not mention it because her employer was a merchant.”

“Meldon is quite the snob in his own way,” Oswald acknowledged mildly.

“And your wife is now a patron of the arts,” she said grandly. Then ruined it by looking almost instantly uneasy. “Mr Entner is writing a play about a donkey and its labors. He says it is a metaphor of man’s struggle to raise his stock in the world.”

Oswald considered this a moment. “The subject matter appealed to you?” he asked doubtfully.

“No,” she admitted. “But poor Mr Entner has five children and no regular employ.”

“I see. You do realize that we will probably have to sit through a performance of this play at some point?”

Fen looked guilty. “I thought, if it is very bad, I might ask Lady Eden Montmayne to accompany me instead of you.”

“To spare my feelings?” he teased. “Or because you would prefer Eden Montmayne’s company?”

She smiled at his words. “I would not wish you to sit through it if it is very bad,” she explained. “Whereas Lady Eden must share some of the responsibility in his selection, for she short-listed the candidates.”

“That does seem fair,” he conceded.

“Lady Eden is very sophisticated for one so young, is she not?” asked Fen wistfully. “She is so very graceful and knowledgeable. It is small wonder she is a lady in waiting to the queen.”

“That is certainly her reputation.” Her reputation was also for being a managing perfectionist, exacting and extremely uptight, but he did not mention this.

“Speaking of accomplished women,” said Fen. “I saw Lady Sumner also at the gathering.”

“Oh?”

“I thought she seemed a little cool with me, but then she is quite reserved, is she not?”

“I’ve never really thought about it,” he admitted. This conversation was turning out to require a lot more input than he had anticipated. He shifted uneasily, which of course, made Fen shift about also until they were both resettled. He wondered how much longer they would need to verbally share their day.

“It was not just me that thought it,” she hastened to assure him. “Both Hester and Lady Bess Hartleby thought her manner was decidedly off-kilter.”

“Bess Hartleby?” Repeated Oswald.

“Yes, for Hester introduced me. By the way, she wants you and I to dine with her and Lord Schaeffer one night this week.”

Oswald frowned. Everyone was asking them to dinner these days! Couldn’t a man get a moment’s peace with his own wife!

“I do like Hester,” said Fen fondly. “Bess seems nice, though a little…eccentric. She has sponsored a painter who will be painting her portrait with her six dogs.” She hesitated. “Do you remember…?” she began, then stopped.

Oswald’s ears pricked up. “Remember what?”

“Tis nothing…”