Read Online Her Grace in Disgrace (The Widows of Woburn Place) by Claudia Harbaugh - Free Book Online Page A

that golden red hair, green eyes
and a vitality that made her attractive and engaging.
    “You would be correct, Miss
Kennilworth.” A mischievous smile lit up the young girl’s face. Gradually Lady
Joanna’s smile faded and she stuck her chin out. “I have told my parents that I
will not marry. They do not believe me and will most likely try and force me.
My father says he will not, but he tires of my lack of interest. He has begun
pressuring me, but I will not be bullied!”
    Isobel admired her spirit.
She herself had spirit like that once, for all the good it did her. Something
made her want to protect this girl, this hoyden, from the very things that
ruined her own life. “What are your options?”
    “Options?” inquired Lady
Joanna.
    “If you do not marry what do
you plan to do? Live with your parents for their lifetime? And if they pass on,
are you provided for at all?” Isobel knew she sounded harsh, but wanted to
press upon this idealistic young woman the seriousness of her predicament.
    “I had not thought…” began
Lady Joanna.
    “And if they force you to
marry, what should you do then? Have you somewhere to go?” persisted Isobel
mercilessly.
    “They cannot force me,” Lady
Joanna replied, her chin thrust out. “This is not the dark ages.”
    “Can they not? It may not be
the dark ages, but unmarried women have little or no power, even in this
enlightened age,” Isobel declared baldly.
    “And you know this from your
own sad experience,” Lady Joanna said sympathetically.
    “Yes, Lady Joanna, I am
indeed a cautionary tale come to life. Behold and beware!” Isobel said with a little
laugh.
    Lady Joanna giggled at this
as Isobel had meant her to do. For a few moments the two ladies, simply
listened to the music in quiet and reflection. Out of the corner of her eye,
Isobel could see Lady Doncaster periodically casting nervous glances at her
daughter who was cozily chatting with “Her Grace in disgrace”. But, Lady Stoughton
was expounding on something that was no doubt of the most vital importance and
Lady Doncaster would not risk the Marchioness’ censure by walking away.
    “I would not mind marriage so
much if I could find a man that I could really talk to, someone who would
respect me, respect my ideas.” Lady Joanna said after a few minutes of
contemplation. “A kindred spirit. I dream of such a union.”
    “Ah, so there is a romantic
hidden under your hoydenish shell,” declared Isobel with a smile.
    “I confess there is, though I
am loathe to admit it to many.” Lady Joanna flashed a playful grin at Isobel.
“Do you not wish for such a union, Miss Kennilworth? A partnership with mutual
respect and admiration?”
    “My goodness, you should meet
my Aunt Maude. She has similar notions of wedded bliss,” Isobel said, avoiding
the question altogether. “She has the idea that a successful marriage can only
be made a man and a woman with complimentary temperaments.”
    “I would love to meet your
Aunt and hear more about her ideas,” piped back Lady Joanna, her eyes
sparkling.
    “Perhaps when we return to
London there will be an opportunity to do so.” Isobel could not promise the
minx.
    “London,” sighed Lady Joanna.
“Back to the routs and balls and endless dancing.”
    “Do you not care for
dancing?”
    “I love to dance, but for
myself,” Lady Joanna said cryptically.
    “Whom else would you dance
for?” Isobel raised her eyebrows.
    “My mama, my papa. It is not
just about dancing, but one must perform in order to attract the most desirable
parti, to snag the elusive bachelor.” She nodded toward Miss Parrish as she
continued to play the piano. “Miss Parrish seems to play for herself, something
I admire. But I was taught that playing an instrument, stitching a sampler,
painting a watercolor, and engaging in witty conversation had but one goal in
mind; to catch a husband. For that reason, I never took to any of it. I find
that very few husbands, once caught, care a