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“My darlings!” Their father’s voice came from behind them. They turned and both smiled as he rushed down the grand staircase. He was dressed in his best tailcoat, a crimson-colored double-breasted waist coat was visible underneath. Around his neck was a large white cravat and golden cufflinks, a gift from his daughters, sparkled on his wrists.

“You look fit for Court!” Sophia said with a chuckle. Their father colored up at the compliment.

“By Jove, do not flatter me.” He winked at them. “I do thank you. We are a rather handsome party if I may say so.”

He took Ruth by one arm and Sophia by the other and together they made their way toward the dining room. The Duke and his wife were already waiting for them outside of the room.

“Why, don’t you look lovely.” The Duchess exclaimed with a wide smile. Ruth wanted to return the compliment but then realized the compliment was not meant for her at all, but Sophia. And Sophia alone. The Duchess had eyes only for her sister. By rights, she did look lovely.

She wore a gown made of primrose-colored mull with silver tinsel embroider. The hem was especially striking and hand-stitched by one of the seamstresses in their employ. Her sleeves were capped and puffed, showing off her beautifully slender arms.

As well deserved as the compliment was, Ruth could not help that whenever praise was heaped upon her sister for her beautiful looks, she found herself even more acutely aware of her shortcomings. She would always pale in comparison to her sister.

“Shall we?” The Duchess indicated for the dining room. As the party made their way, the Duke turned to Ruth.

“That is a very fine gown, Lady Ruth. It complements your eyes.” She smiled in gratitude even though she knew he only said it to make her feel better. She glanced down at herself. She wore one of her favorite gowns, a simple light blue number made of lace with a white underdress that gave it all a very ethereal flair.

When they entered the dining room, Ruth realized the Marquess was not with them. She’d assumed he was already in the dining room but the table, while filled to the brim with dishes, was empty. The Duke and Duchess took their places at the head and foot of the table, while her father sat to the right of the Duchess. The chair across from her father was evidentially meant for the Marquess, while she and Sophia sat on either side of the Duke.

Ruth surveyed the offerings on the table, realizing that she’d not eaten much at all that day and her stomach was growling.

She spotted trays upon tray filled with seasonal vegetables, among them her favorites – glazed carrots. Cold cuts and an assortment of cheeses sat beside several types of pies, biscuits, and an assortment of hot rolls. There was a fillet of roasted pork and mashed potatoes - all of it looked so delicious.

As soon as they sat, the footman came around and placed bowls of white soup before them while another filled their cups with white wine and claret without asking. It seemed this was the drink of choice at dinner.

The Duke picked up his spoon and addressed his guests.

“I apologize for my son’s tardiness, although I am sure he will join us shortly. However, I would not want to leave you wanting, as I am sure you’re famished. As for me, I prefer my soup hot.” He was about to sink his spoon into the steaming soup when footsteps sounded out from the hall. A moment later Lord Rotham entered the room.

“I apologize,” he said and slid into the seat beside his mother who frowned at once.

“Pray, what has kept you?” she demanded.

“I called on Lord Bronwyn,” he said as he spread his napkin on his lap.

“Did you not just see him this morning? What can be so important that you must call on him twice in one day?”

“Now, now. It is good to have a companion one can keep company with,” the Duke said. “However, please do not be so tardy in the future.”

“Of course, Papa.” He did not meet Ruth’s eyes when she looked at him. She wondered why he was telling Banbury tales as she’d seen him return more than an hour ago.

Likely he suffered nerves and could not bring himself to enter the dining room before then. He must be embarrassed at my having caught him in his attempt to hide from me.

“I trust Lord Bronwyn is jolly as he was this morning?” the Duke asked as they ate.

“He is as well-humored as always. In fact, Lord Bronwyn has offered us the use of his Pall-Mall set, should we care to play.”

The Duke smiled at this. “Cornelius, Lord Bronwyn is my son’s good friend. His father, the Earl of Caster, owns the neighboring estate. You may recall him from the House of Lords. Very sociable people. You will like their company.”

The thought of being introduced to yet more people, no matter how nice the Duke deemed them, terrified Ruth, especially in light of today’s events. She knew that she was in no position to decline should such a visit be announced.

“I must say, I am not in favor of outside activities. It is not good for one’s complexion,” the Duchess chimed in. “Do you not agree, Lady Sophia?”

Sophia looked up, her spoon in mid-air. Sophia, like Ruth, loved to be out of doors. She noticed her sister swallowing as she thought of a way to answer the woman without contradicting her.

“I enjoy the outside, but I simply adore museums and such,” she finally said.

“And I favor the use of a parasol when outside,” Ruth added, not wanting to leave her sister to contend with the Duchess on her own. The Duchess, however, seemed to prefer bestowing her attentions solely on Sophia.