Chapter 5 #2
He stepped back, leaving her alone in the quiet room, the polished table gleaming under the candlelight.
Cecily folded her hands in her lap, willing them to be still.
You can do this. Whatever awaits, you will meet it with dignity.
She lifted her chin and waited for the others to arrive.
The earl and Lady Viola entered the dining room together, their steps unhurried and composed. Cecily rose slightly as they approached, her hands tightening in her lap before she forced them to relax.
Lady Viola drew the eye at once. She was tall for a woman, thin and lithe, with a pale, elegant face that appeared carefully cultivated. Her long brown hair was arranged neatly, and her brown eyes held a calm confidence with a touch of arrogance in her expression.
Cecily felt a small twist in her stomach. Her own gown suddenly seemed too simple, and her hair too plain.
Do not compare yourself, she thought. You are here because you were invited.
Lady Viola laughed softly as she entered, her hand resting on the earl’s arm. The earl did not laugh with her, but there was a slight curve to his mouth, the closest Cecily had ever seen him come to amusement.
Lady Viola’s gaze swept around the table, and when she noticed Cecily, her expression shifted. Surprise flickered first, followed by a quick, assessing look.
The earl guided Lady Viola to her seat before turning slightly toward Cecily. His voice was steady.
“Lady Stanhope, this is Miss Cecily Marwood. She serves as the children’s piano tutor.”
Lady Viola tilted her head, though her eyes lingered on Cecily with open curiosity. “A pleasure,” she said, although her tone suggested she was still deciding whether it truly was.
Cecily returned the nod. “I am pleased to meet you, Lady Stanhope.”
Weatherby stepped forward to pour wine. As he leaned near Cecily, he spoke quietly, his tone warm.
“You are doing very well, Miss Marwood.”
Cecily managed a small smile.
You belong at this table, she thought. Hold your ground.
She kept her shoulders straight, aware of every movement around her. The room felt formal and unfamiliar, yet she refused to let that unsettle her. She had earned her place through work and discipline, and she would not let uncertainty undo what she had built for herself.
She folded her hands neatly and waited for the dinner to begin.
The footmen brought in the first course, moving quietly around the table. Cecily kept her eyes on her plate, willing her hands to stay steady.
They began to eat in a silence that bordered on awkwardness. The earl focused on his soup with a brooding intensity, and Lady Viola seemed content to let the silence stretch until it became uncomfortable.
It was Lady Viola who broke it at last.
“Miss Marwood,” she said, her tone light but edged, “I confess I am curious. It is not common for a piano tutor to dine with her employer. How did you come to be invited this evening?”
Cecily looked up, startled. “I … I was asked to attend.”
Lady Viola’s brows lifted. “Indeed. And for what purpose?”
Cecily opened her mouth, unsure what answer would satisfy. “I cannot say, Lady Stanhope. I only accepted the invitation.”
Lady Viola smiled, though it did not reach her eyes. “How very interesting.”
Cecily felt heat rise in her cheeks. What am I meant to say to that? Why is she asking me this at all?
The earl set down his spoon with a quiet clink. “Lady Stanhope, Miss Marwood has been assisting the children with admirable dedication. I thought it appropriate that she join us.”
Lady Viola turned her head slightly, her smile sharpening. “Of course. How thoughtful of you.”
The earl attempted to shift the conversation. “Miss Marwood, earlier, you mentioned the children’s progress in their music lessons. I was hoping you might—”
Lady Viola cut in smoothly. “I imagine the children are progressing as well as can be expected. Speaking of progress, my brother has just secured a most advantageous position in Parliament. The Stanhopes have been quite celebrated for it.”
The earl’s jaw tightened.
Cecily lowered her eyes to her plate, feeling intensely uncomfortable.
He tried again a moment later. “Miss Marwood, I recall you said Julian has taken an interest in—”
“Politics has been quite lively this season,” Lady Viola said, her voice bright. “My family has been at the center of several important gatherings.”
Each time the earl turned toward Cecily, Lady Viola redirected the conversation with fluency.
Cecily felt herself shrinking inward, unsure how to reenter the discussion without seeming to intrude.
Eventually, she stopped trying and listened quietly as Lady Viola spoke at length about the Stanhopes’ recent successes.
This is pointless. She will not allow me a word. I should never have come.
The door opened, and Mrs. Bracknell entered with Julian and Amabel. “The children have come to say goodnight to Lady Stanhope.”
Julian stepped forward shyly, and Amabel curtsied. Lady Viola smiled at them with polite interest.
“I will leave them with you as I must finish preparing for tomorrow’s lessons,” Mrs. Bracknell said from the doorway. With a small nod, she withdrew from the doorway.
Julian edged closer to Lady Viola, trying to stand properly as he had been instructed.
He reached for the table to steady himself, his small fingers brushing the linen.
His sleeve caught against a shallow dish near the edge.
The movement was slight, almost nothing, yet it was enough to send the dish wobbling.
It tipped with a soft clatter, and a bright splash of sauce leaped across the front of Lady Viola’s gown.
The stain spread quickly over the pale fabric. Lady Viola drew in a sharp breath and pushed back her chair, her eyes fixed on the mark with rising disbelief.
Lady Viola gasped. “Good heavens. Look what you have done.”
Julian froze where he stood, his face draining of color as the room fell abruptly still.
Cecily rose at once. “Julian, it is all right. Accidents happen.” She knelt beside him, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. “You are not in trouble. We will see it cleaned.”
Lady Viola’s eyes widened. “Miss Marwood, that is hardly the way to address such carelessness.”
Julian’s chin trembled, and Cecily drew him a little closer. “He is already upset. There is no need to add to it.”
Lady Viola’s tone cooled. “You are too indulgent. A firmer hand would serve him better.”
“I believe he needs calm at the moment,” Cecily said, keeping Julian near her side.
Lady Viola gave a short, disapproving breath. “You may believe what you like, but it is not how a household is properly run.”
“Then I will take the children upstairs.”
She did not wait for permission. She guided Julian and Amabel toward the door, her steps steady even as her throat tightened.
She left the dining room with her head held high, but inside, she was shaking with anger.