Again, Tiberius failed to see the urgency in his wife's declaration. But perhaps that was to be expected; society was the realm of women, not men, and he did not tend to concern himself with it very much.

"You haven't seemed particularly interested in being a proper society wife before now," he pointed out. "Spending weeks roaming the woods like a feral cat. And the one party you did throw, you cursed the guests," he continued. "So if we're to judge based on your performance thus far, it seems entirely likely you'll be outmatched. In fact, I think it would be difficult for Ellory not to outdo you, unless she manages to poison the first pot of tea she serves her guests."