Chapter 146 - First moves
Scarlett stayed with Lord and Lady Withersworth for a while, participating in conversations with the group of gentlemen to the best of her abilities. Lady Withersworth wasn’t subtle about her intention to help Scarlett make connections during these talks, but none of the men seemed to mind. Surprisingly, they even appeared pleased with the opportunity. She wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth, however, nor did she intend to waste Lady Withersworth’s efforts. Though the exact reasons behind the woman’s focused support remained somewhat unclear, Scarlett couldn’t deny that it was a positive thing.
Eventually, after becoming more familiar with Lord Withersworth’s ‘friends’—Dean Godwin had acted naturally with her throughout—and promising to introduce some of them to her sister who was in charge of most business matters, the band playing in the corner of the chamber quieted down as a soft ring echoed through the room. People’s attention turned in the direction of the ballroom.
“It appears Duke Tyndall intends to give his address,” Lady Withersworth announced, looking at the group of predominantly elder men. “This is where we will have to say our goodbyes. You have had free rein over my husband for long enough. It will do him good to spend some time with his family as well.”
“We wouldn’t dare to keep him for any longer than we already have,” Arthur Windermere, one of the men, replied. “Nor do we want to,” he added with a chuckle, earning a glare from the man in question. Windermere then turned to Scarlett. “Baroness, it has been a pleasure. Next time the Western Merchant’s Alliance has business in Freybrook, I will make sure that they explore potential prospects with your barony.”
She nodded graciously. “The feeling is mutual.”
She imagined Evelyne would be delighted to hear that, although she herself wasn’t quite sure where the man’s enthusiasm came from. While she had managed to make conversation with these gentlemen, she didn’t think it was on a level where they would actively seek to deepen their connections with her, despite Lady Withersworth’s efforts. The woman must have a lot more pull over her husband’s friends than one would initially assume.
The other men echoed similar sentiments, with Godwin being the last to speak. He studied Scarlett for a moment. “I hope we will meet again soon, Baroness.”
“I am certain that we will,” she said.
If he wanted to, there was probably little stopping him from visiting her whenever he pleased. She understood his personality well enough to know that he wouldn’t shy away from delegating his responsibilities at Elystead Tower to his subordinates while he pursued other interests.
After saying their final goodbyes, Scarlett accompanied Lady Withersworth and the woman’s husband as they made their way back to the ballroom. The space was now filled with people streaming in from the connecting rooms, and the dance floor had been replaced by a stage adorned with dark green velvet banners. A podium stood at the center.
Spotting Evelyne in the crowd, Scarlett noticed the younger woman standing near some tables along with Livvi and, to her surprise, Raimond Abram. The deacon belonging to the Followers of Ittar was dressed in a vibrant, ankle-length red overcoat, his blond hair pulled back into a ponytail as he engaged in animated conversation with the two women.
“My husband and I will try to find wherever it was that our children went,” Lady Withersworth said beside Scarlett. “You are, of course, free to join us, if you wish.”