Page 28 of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins

“And how much of any of these subjects did you master?” I couldn’t help asking, smiling to let them know I was more amused than disapproving.

“Well, now, that’s a good point,” Mr. Merritt said, also smiling. “I was forced to memorize several poems and even some prose, and I conjugated my share of Greek verbs, but I daresay I remember none of it now.”

“You did better than me, Merritt,” Lord Markeley said. “What do you think of the importance of such subjects of study, Miss Robbins?” Lord Markeley’s gaze held a glint of mischief.

“Yes.” Mr. Merritt focused his striking blue eyes on me. “As an educator, you must have an opinion.”

“I’d venture to guess she thinks we should have been better students,” Lord Markeley said. The viscount was almost as handsome as Mr. Merritt, but taller and thinner, with coarse brown hair and brown eyes.

“Truthfully, having grown up in a school for ladies, I have littleexperience with the education of gentlemen, but I should think their education would be better applied to the tasks they would naturally be expected to know and perform in their future adult lives, whatever that might be, and only apply themselves to literature and languages if they feel so inclined—beyond a rudimentary knowledge of each, so that they don’t embarrass themselves in company.”

“Ah, thank you for that, Miss Robbins,” Mr. Merritt said, attempting to bow to me, even though the table was between us.

“Yes, thank you, Miss Robbins,” Lord Markeley said. “The next time my mother scolds me for spending more time running away from my tutor than studying, I shall repeat your words as a great educator and authority.”

“I beg you would not characterize me so.” I chuckled, realizing he was mostly in jest. “I am neither a great educator nor an authority.”

I glanced at the head of the table, where Lord Brookhaven was glowering down at us. Did he disapprove of how loud we were being?

Lady Rutledge and Miss Rose Rutledge both looked quite unamused. I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen anyone look so dour.

But then one corner of Lord Brookhaven’s mouth turned up slightly. Could this change in demeanor be due to his amusement at the Rutledges’ disapproval? I was delighted to think so.

The dinner was delicious, I was sure, but I hardly noticed. I was not so stuffed as I’d been the evening before either, as I was too busy talking with Mr. Merritt and Lord Markeley to eat overmuch. I even talked past the viscount to include Millicent in the conversation, which the viscount didn’t seem to mind at all. In fact, he seemed rather amused and surprised by me.

My mood was quite elevated by the gentlemen’s attentions. It was almost as if I was someone else. I was lively and vivacious, speaking my mind while keeping my conversation proper. I never felt ... prettier.

I only wished it was Lord Brookhaven who was seated next to me instead of Lord Markeley, sharing my lively, pleasant mood and sometimes-clever words.

As it was, I hoped he didn’t think I was shamelessly flirting with the gentlemen. The thought made my stomach sink, but I was enjoying myself so much, I decided I didn’t care. Not very much, anyway.

Why did Lord Brookhaven have to escort Rose Rutledge to dinner, which meant she was sitting beside him again? Lord Brookhaven spent much of his time staring morosely down at his plate, since those on his other side, Mr. Skidmore and Mrs. Allen, seemed quite engrossed in their own conversation. Rose, having her father on the other side of her, seemed less in the mood for talking than usual.

I felt rather sorry for Lord Brookhaven, but it was his dinner party. If he wished for livelier conversation, he should stop seating Rose Rutledge beside him. In fact, Lord Brookhaven could escort anyone he wished, or he could move the place cards to wherever he wanted his guests to sit.

I grinned as I imagined him taking the place cards and moving them around just before dinner, placing me beside him in the highest place, rather than the lowest.

“What are you smiling about? Pray tell, Miss Robbins.” Lord Markeley then turned to Millicent. “What do you think she is smiling about? You are her friend. Does she laugh at us when we are not nearby?”

“Oh no, I don’t believe Miss Robbins would laugh at anyone.” Millicent was looking quite earnest as she stared at the viscount. “She is very kind.”

“Thank you, Millicent.” I winked at her.

“A wink!” Lord Markeley exclaimed, looking across at Mr. Merritt. “She is winking now. A very bad sign for us, eh, Merritt?”

“Indeed it is. I’m afraid Miss Skidmore is the kind one.”

I simply shook my head, allowing myself a small, mysterious smile. In the interest of not taking the gentlemen’s bait, I said, “Miss Skidmore is very kind and generous. That is certainly true.”

“Ahh,” Lord Markeley said, nodding, and Mr. Merritt frowned knowingly, then winked at me.

It was all in good fun, but Lady Rutledge cleared her throat and growled, “High spirits—perhaps too high for the dinner table.”

I glanced at Lady Derringer, terrified she would appear angry with us for being too loud. She gave me a crooked smile, as if to let me know she did not share Lady Rutledge’s disapproval. Nevertheless, the conversation was much more subdued for the rest of dinner.

We all retired to the music room, the men forgoing their usual smoking and drinking, and Miss Priscilla Allen was prevailed upon to play on the pianoforte and sing a duet with her brother Percy Allen. I enjoyed hearing the music and the verses of the song. It was a pleasure I’d had at Mrs. Southey’s school many times, but I’d not heard any music since I’d come to Lowndesbury House.

After two more songs, Miss Rose Rutledge took a turn. Truly, she had a very refined voice—much better than Miss Allen’s, of which Miss Rutledge was surely well aware—but she only played the one song before saying, “Mother, won’t you play something that will allow us to dance?”