The Carlisle Christmas Ball

"I heard a rumour in town today that you are to oversee the Duke's new project."

"Lord Carlisle is so amazing." She drawled.

Beth sent her a glare she wasn't sure she was capable of. "Yes, it is true." Was the lady acting coy thinking about her husband?

"You work?" One asked.

"How belittling!" They exclaimed. "Still I understand. You must earn your keep."

Beth scoffed. They were despicable! Their words hurt as soon as they left their mouths and their smiles made it even more annoying as they insulted her in subtle ways. She had since grown tired and could no longer indulge them. What was the upper-class revulsion for 'work'? If allowed, she would work as much as she could. It was better than sitting around whispering about people.

And did they dismiss her family as poor and out of fortune? They were right, but how could they say such to her face? The gentry was beyond harsh.

"It is a pleasant ball, by the way."