Due to continued requests, the band left off playing classical pieces and veered almost entirely to a lively, modern-jig songbook. A fair number of guests embarked upon spirited singing.When someone made a call for the bride and groom to give a song, the earl and countess agreed that it was time to express their thanks to Lady Frinfrock, to say good-bye to Tiny and Miss Breedlowe, and to retire for the night. They would have escaped cleanly, too, if Idelle had not cornered Piety alone near the row of torches that led to the house.“Well done, daughter,” Idelle said coolly.“Thank you,” Piety said softly. It had been her mother’s first effort to speak to her that day, and it startled her. She hadn’t thought that Idelle would seek her out.“So you’ve married an earl.”“So I have.”“He’s penniless, of course. And his regard for you seems to alternate between vulgar affection and cold remoteness, but you have not sought my counsel—you never have—so I leave you to your own result.”“He is a good man, Mother,”
