Chapter 31
The following Wednesday they once again attended Almack’s, and Marcus danced with Jemima for the waltz. Afterwards, as they sipped the sweet orgeat, they were once again interrupted by the tall, handsome woman whom Jemima had so greatly disliked on the earlier occasion that they had met.
“My lord Southwell, what very good care you take of your young ward,” Lady DeClere said. “Are you enjoying the season, my dear?”
The remark was delivered in a way that anyone might take it for politeness, but Jemima knew that it was meant as a slight.
“One’s first season must always be an adventure, must it not?” Jemima said. She took some enjoyment from the other woman’s slight wince at the reference to “first”.
“Indeed it must.” Lady DeClere turned her attention from Jemima to Marcus. “Lo
