"Although Genevieve has always preferred unusual company."
More laughter followed. Another guest raised an eyebrow. "You mean stable hands?"
Victoria gave a helpless little shrug. "I mean exactly what I said."
The room erupted with amusement. Nathaniel clenched his hands.
Across the ballroom, Genevieve had heard every word. So had Charles. His expression darkened immediately. He started forward; Genevieve touched his arm, stopping him.
"Do not." Her voice remained calm—too calm.
Charles looked furious. "They are insulting you!"
"I know."
"Then let me respond!"
Genevieve shook her head. "Please."
Nathaniel watched the exchange from a distance. His respect for Charles increased; his anger toward Victoria intensified.
The situation deteriorated rapidly afterward. One of the older society women approached Genevieve directly. She smiled pleasantly; the smile never reached her eyes. "My dear, I hope you will forgive an older woman's concern."
Genevieve remained polite. "Of course."
"Young ladies should be careful about appearances."
Silence spread around them. Nearby conversations slowed; people listened. Genevieve understood immediately; so did everyone else.
"I am not sure I understand."
The older woman tilted her head. "Associating too closely with servants can create misunderstandings."
The ballroom seemed to freeze. Charles stepped forward; Genevieve stopped him again. Nathaniel felt something dangerous building inside him.
The woman continued: "Society can be unkind."
Genevieve stood perfectly still. "Indeed."
"Particularly when boundaries become blurred."
A few guests laughed quietly; others looked away. Lord Carter stood less than twenty feet away: he heard everything; he did nothing. Nathaniel's attention shifted toward him—waiting, hoping: surely, a father would intervene; surely, he would defend his daughter. Lord Carter remained silent.
The disappointment on Genevieve's face lasted only a second. Yet, Nathaniel saw it clearly: the realization hurt her more than the insults themselves—her own father would not stand beside her.