“What of it?” Aunt Tabitha snapped, clearly irritated. “Do you imagine, Eugenia, that such a minor flaw in appearance ought to keep you from considering a gentleman for marriage? How would it be if every gentleman you met refused to see past the flaws inyourappearance?”
Eugenia’s face turned bright red and tears welled up in her eyes. Esther felt stunned that Aunt Tabitha would speak so harshly to her daughter.
But Aunt Tabitha wasn’t finished. “I’m sure Esther knows better than to dismiss a gentleman for the fact that he’s bald,” she said. “And just look at her. She could likely have her pick of the gentlemen at the ball! But she’s wise enough to take the best match, even if she doesn’t think he’s the best looking. Isn’t that right, Esther?”
Esther didn’t know what to say. Eugenia looked like she was about to cry.
“A bald gentleman may have many other fine features,” she said at last. “He may also be a scoundrel without a penny to his name. I do think there’s much more to consider when choosing a suitor than what his hair looks like.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Aunt Tabitha said smugly.
“But I also think that Eugenia ought to go into her first ball with high hopes,” Esther said, doing her best to keep her tone light and innocent. “Don’t you think so, Aunt Tabitha? There’s every chance that the most attractive gentleman there might take a fancy to her.”
Aunt Tabitha’s expression was hawkish. Suspicious. “And what of yourself, Esther?” she asked. “You wouldn’t want the most handsome gentleman for yourself?”
Esther smiled benignly. “It’s just as you said, Aunt. I wouldn’t dismiss a gentleman as a prospect based solely on what he looked like. He might have something else to offer that I would find even more valuable or appealing than looks.”
“You are a clever one, aren't you?” Aunt Tabitha asked, her eyes narrowing.
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Esther said, feigning modesty. The truth was that shewasclever, and she knew it. But it would be unseemly to say so. “I only meant to say that I think Eugenia has every chance of finding a match at the ball—someone who will make her happy.”
“Some young ladies need to learn not to set their sights too high,” Aunt Tabitha said. “I suppose that’s a lesson you’ve never had to learn yourself, Esther. But, clever as you are, there are still things you don’t know. I hope this Season will be educational for you.”
“I hope so too,” Esther said, smiling placidly and pretending she didn’t hear the threat implied in what her aunt had said.
A maid arrived with a tea cart. All three ladies fell silent as she poured cups of tea for them.
When the tea had been handed out, Aunt Tabitha cleared her throat. Clearly, the verbal sparring between herself and Esther hadn’t been enough to dissuade her from trying to make her voice heard and to take control of this conversation.
“Bolton Manor,” she said, “is one of the finest old homes in this part of the country. I don’t believe you’ve ever been there, Esther?”
“I don’t believe I have,” Esther agreed. “I haven’t spent much time in this area, of course. When Ihavebeen here, it’s mostly been to visit you, Aunt Tabitha. When was the last time?”
“Oh, years ago,” her aunt said dismissively. “I believe Eugenia’s father was still alive. Tell me, why is your mother so difficult about travel? She always insists that we come to you! And here I am, a poor old widow, alone in the world…she really shouldn’t be making me take to the roads alone. It’s improper.”
“Well, I don’t know,” Esther admitted. “My parents don’t include me in their planning to that extent. They tell me what we’re going to do, and I comply.”
“Of course you do,” Aunt Tabitha said. “I’m sure you’reverycompliant.”
Esther sat back in her chair and sipped her tea. If her aunt was so determined to continue insulting her, she was welcome to try. Esther wasn’t going to play along.
“Mother,” Eugenia said. “Esther came to stay with us this time. So we should just be happy she’s here, shouldn’t we?”
“Should we?” Aunt Tabitha smiled unkindly. “Surely you realize, Eugenia, that your aunt and uncle only sent Esther to us because our home is closer to the most important balls of the Season?”
“Well, that makes sense, doesn’t it?” Eugenia asked.
“And if my brother’s home had been the more advantageously located, do you believe he would have taken us in for the Season?” Aunt Tabitha asked her daughter. “Do you believe he would have wanted to give you the opportunities that we’re so generously giving to your cousin?”
Esther set down her teacup. “Aunt Tabitha,” she said, “Why are you saying these things?”
“Because I want to be sure that you realize how fortunate you are to be in our home,” Aunt Tabitha said. “It’s thanks to my generosity that you’re able to attend this Season at all.”
“I realize that,” Esther said. “I’m very appreciative.”
“One would hardly know it by the way you’re behaving,” Aunt Tabitha sniffed.
The way I’m behaving?
