CHAPTER SEVENTY THREE – AN END TO THE DISRESPECT

This last bit she delivered with a pointed look in Madison's direction, as if inviting her to take the same discourteous bait Marcus had earlier regarding her age and status. Madison simply sipped her brandy, regarding the woman over the rim with a serene countenance. Gertrude's nostrils flared infinitesimally, clearly nettled at having her veiled provocation so deftly rebuffed. She rallied quickly with a tight smile, seamlessly transitioning into the role of imperious hostess. "At any rate, I believje I shall retire now. Thank you all for a simply marvelous time!" Without waiting for acknowledging murmurs, she pushed away from the table and breezed toward the doors - chin aloft and shoulders squared. An awkward silence swelled in her wake, no one seeming quite certain how to proceed. Marcus and his younger sister, Penelope, exchanged matching looks of open petulance before abruptly rising as well. "You'll have to excuse us," Penelope piped up in sugary tones, leveling her