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

whit about their wives’ watercolors
or needlepoint seat covers.”
    “You are a philosopher, Lady
Joanna. Where did you learn such wisdom?”
    “Hardly, though my governess
is a bit unusual, for a governess. Now, you mustn’t tattle and tell mama, but
she has exposed me to a wide array of thinking; Rousseau, Plato, Aristotle, the
Bible and not just the stuffy parts… even Mary Wollstonecraft. I do not really
enjoy reading philosophy for it often confuses me, but I enjoy discussing it,
in a practical sort of way,” admitted Lady Joanna.
    “Well, then, you must engage
Lord Saybrooke in conversation, for he also loves to discuss religion,
philosophy and how it is incumbent upon all human beings to do what they can to
positively impact the world around them. He used to be a vicar.”
    “Truly? I would relish a
chance for such a discussion, but I fear it might not be prudent,” sighed Lady
Joanna.
    “Why ever not? Lord Saybrooke
is a kindly sort of man, to most people; you need not fear him,” Isobel
reassured the young woman.
    “Oh, I am not afraid of Lord Saybrooke;
I am not willing to tangle with Miss Hyde-Price. She has her trap set out for
Lord Saybrooke, and knowing what I know of Miss Hyde-Price, I dare not get in
the way of that trap. It could be very dangerous.”
    Isobel looked at the little
blond cherub, smiling sweetly as she chatted with Lady Cynthia and Henrietta.
    “Miss Hyde-Price?”
    “Do not let her angelic
appearance fool you,” answered Lady Joanna, also taking in the beatific picture
that Miss Hyde-Price made. “She is anything but sweet.”
    “Of whom are you speaking,
Joanna,” came a voice behind Isobel’s shoulder.
    Lady Joanna looked up at her
mother and sighed, something Isobel noted that Lady Joanna did with frequency.
“Miss Hyde-Price, Mama.”
    “Good heavens, Joanna,” said
that lady in hushed tones. “Be careful what you say. The Hyde-Prices are
excellent ton and very influential.”
    “Yes, Mama. Sorry, Mama,”
intoned Lady Joanna flatly.
    “Now, it is time you took
your place at the piano. The gentlemen will be returning shortly. You must
display yourself to your best advantage.”
    “Mama, I play the piano
poorly and certainly not with the passion that Miss Parrish played.”
    “What has passion to do with
it? Just play the correct notes and all will be well.”
    “Which gentleman would you
have me impress? How will I know whether to play Bach or Mozart or a country
tune?” Lady Joanna managed a straight face and a sincere timbre to her voice.
Isobel was glad her back was toward Lady Doncaster because she could not
suppress a smile.
    “Just play the piece you know
the best. Come now. Do not bother Miss Kennilworth with your childish prattle
any longer.”
    “Oh, but I enjoyed my
conversation with Lady Joanna very much. You have a remarkable daughter, Lady Doncaster.
I am sure she will be the toast of this season. You must be very proud of her.”
Isobel turned to look at Lady Doncaster and bestowed on that lady her brightest
smile.
    Lady Joanna covered a laugh
with a fit of coughing just as the gentleman entered. Out of the corner of her
eye, Isobel noticed Lord Mercer taking his wife aside. She wondered what was in
the note that was delivered to Lord Mercer at dinner. In the meantime, Lady Doncaster
hurried to ring for a glass of water for her daughter, just as Lady Joanna’s
coughing ceased. Isobel and the reluctant debutante exchanged knowing smiles.
    “The toast of the season?”
laughed Lady Joanna.
    Just then, Lord Mercer
cleared his throat. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I fear I have had some devastating
news from my estate in Surrey. There has been a fire that has taken a number of
lives and many of the crofters’ cottages. I regret that I must leave on the
morrow, for I am needed there. However, nothing need change here at Adelphi. I
beg that you would all stay as planned and keep my wife company. I hope to be
back by week’s end for the ball. ”
    Isobel