"Then don't be second best," he snapped. "You talk as though Ellory is going to easily surpass you socially, but she's hardly a dazzling prodigy when it comes to society life. Throw some parties, invite her, and ignore her. Charm the guests. Let her try and outshine you and watch her fall flat on her face and don't say a word." He took another short sip of his coffee, and when he continued his voice was lower and more contained. "Leave the son to me and do your part as a society wife, and you'll have nothing to worry about by this time next year."