“Jack Milburn, the previous occupier of this house, was a cavalry officer,” Lady Selby said casually. “He died at Minden, without ever drawing his sword in action.” She smiled. “When the infantry was winning everlasting glory, the cavalry sat and watched. A stray cannonball took the head clean off poor Jack’s shoulders.”
“That’s very interesting,” Bess said.
“Jack’s swords have never been blooded. They are virginal,” Mrs said. “Unlike you, Bess, I would imagine.”
Bess took a deep breath.
Don’t let her rile you, Bess!
Don’t let her rile you, Bess!“I hope your sons like being disinherited,” Bess retaliated sweetly. “Poverty will challenge their characters.”
Both women wore long, loose skirts and a tight tunic, with their hair pulled back to hang in a tight tail down the back of the nec
