“At least last year I got to sit in the back,” Hyacinth said.
“Yes, you did,” Penelope replied, turning on her with suspicious eyes. “How did you manage that? Felicity, Eloise, and I were all up front.”
Hyacinth shrugged. “A well-timed visit to the ladies’ retiring room. In fact-”
“Don’t you dare try that tonight,” Penelope warned. “If you leave me up here by myself…”
“Don’t worry,” Hyacinth said with a sigh. “I am here for the duration. But,” she added, pointing her finger in what her mother would surely have termed a most unlady-like manner, “I want my devotion to you to be duly noted.”
“Why is it,” Penelope asked, “that I am left with the feeling that you are keeping score of something, and when I least expect it, you will jump out in front of me, demanding a favor?”
Hyacinth looked at her and blinked. “Why would I need to jump?”
“Ah, look,” Penelope said, after staring at her sister-inlaw as if she were a lunatic, “here comes Lady Danbury.”
“Mrs. Bridgerton,” Lady Danbury said, or rather barked. “Miss Bridgerton.”
“Good evening, Lady Danbury,” Penelope said to the elderly countess. “We saved you a seat right in front.”
Lady D narrowed her eyes and poked Penelope lightly in the ankle with her cane. “Always thinking of others, aren’t you?”
“Of course,” Penelope demurred. “I wouldn’t dream of-”
“Ha,” Lady Danbury said.
It was, Hyacinth reflected, the countess’s favorite syllable. That and hmmmph.