“Secondly, I have ordered the dower house at Duffield to be opened. We think it is best that you quit this house and London and live there from now on. You are well past the age to retire from society, anyway, and I am sure you will find enough families of good repute in the area for your social requirements. Finally, you must write letters of apology to Lord Deele for your interference in his affairs, and to Lord Davenport for the masquerade you enacted upon him and his guests. I have already written to him to say these events were prompted by mid-age megrims, and you should lean upon that explanation. Perhaps that will go some way to ameliorating the scandal.”

“And if we do not?” I asked. I was rather proud that I spoke the words rather than shouted them.

“You have no choice, Augusta,” Harriet said. “Duffield and I feel that our child must have aunts of impeccable reputation. If you do not follow our advice, we cannot allow you to be part of our child’s life.” She turned to Julia, a kind smile upon her face. “I am sure you do not wish to miss out upon the joys of being an aunt, Julia. I know you are fond of children.”

We had all somehow ended up looking at Julia.

She took a breath—a quiver within it, for she did not like such confrontation—and stood. “Duffy, Harriet, thank you for coming today. I am so pleased to hear your good news.” She lifted her chin. “However, Augusta and I will not be quitting our home and taking up residence in the dower house. We will not be writing letters of apology. And we will certainly not be cutting all ties with the men that we love. Quite the opposite. I will not be told where to live or how to conduct my life. And I will especially not be told whom I can love. Nor will Augusta.” She turned to Harriet. “And shame upon you, sister, for using your unborn child as blackmail to force us into the lives that you want us to live for your own convenience. Shame on you.”

Harriet gasped. “Duffield, surely you will not allow her to speak to me in such a way.”

Duffy’s face darkened. “Julia, Harriet is the senior in rank here. You must show her the respect she deserves. I thought you understood the importance of position and family.”

“I do, Duffy. But I fear you do not.”

“Julia, be sensible. If you do not do as we ask, I will be forced to disown you. I cannot have you and Augusta bringing more shame upon yourselves and our family. I will disown you! What do you say to that?”

Julia picked up the small bell on the table between us and rang it. Our footman promptly opened the door and bowed. “Samuel, please show Lord and Lady Duffield out.”