Chapter 15

Mrs. Finch and Harriet both stared at Beatrice. The idea of apologizing to a spinster with a mediocre dowry was visibly agonizing to them; it upended their entire worldview.Beatrice looked at Harriet: she saw the panic, the humiliation, the sheer desperation to cling to a rung on the social ladder. Six years ago, Beatrice might have felt a spark of vindictive joy; now she only felt pity. It was a miserable way to live."That will not be necessary," Beatrice said gently, breaking the heavy silence.Agatha frowned. "Beatrice, do not let them off the hook.""There is no hook, Your Grace," Beatrice replied, keeping her eyes on Harriet. "An apology extorted under threat of social ruin is completely worthless. I do not want it. Miss Finch and I understand each other perfectly well. Let us leave it at that."Harriet's mouth parted slightly. She stared at Beatrice, confusion warring with relief on her face. For the first time, the golden girl looked entirely lost."You may go," Beatrice said quietly.Mrs. Finch grabbed her daughter's arm, dropping another hasty, awkward curtsy, and practically dragged Harriet out of the alcove, letting the velvet curtains fall shut behind them.Agatha sighed, picking up her spoon again. "You are too merciful.""Mercy requires power, Your Grace," Beatrice pointed out, her voice flat. "I have none. I merely refuse to participate in their degradation. It is exhausting.""It is," a deep voice agreed from the shadows just outside the alcove.The heavy curtain was pushed aside, and Leopold stepped in. He looked at his mother, then at Beatrice. The stormy gray of his eyes was entirely focused on her; he had watched the entire exchange."The carriage is ready, Mother," Leopold said, though he didn't look away from Beatrice. "The orchestra is playing the final set. The guests will be departing soon."Agatha smiled, a slow, immensely satisfied expression. She reached for her cane. "Excellent. I have had enough of this circus. Miss Hastings, it was a profound pleasure sharing supper with you."Beatrice stood, dropping a polite curtsy. "Your Grace."Leopold stepped aside to let his mother pass. Agatha walked slowly through the curtains, leaning on her cane, leaving the two of them alone in the dim light of the alcove.

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