A Little Knowledge Read Online Free PDF

she ignored the comment.
    “Will there be a men-only court too, your Grace?” one of the Peonias asked.
    “I beg your pardon?”
    Surely Cathy had heard that?
    “I asked, your Grace, if there are plans to start a court for gentlemen only. If the ladies are to enjoy such a privilege, surely the gentlemen of Londinium shouldn’t be denied it either?”
    “You have got to be joking!” Cathy laughed incredulously.
    “I assure you, madam, I ask in all seriousness. Why shouldn’t the gentlemen of Londinium be given the same privilege?”
    Will watched her fists clench and realised his own were gripping the arms of the throne.
    “Oh, let me think,” Cathy began in exactly the tone of voice that meant a storm was on the way. “I know I’m only a feeble-minded woman, so please do forgive me if I have misunderstood, but I thought the gentlemen would be satisfied with the right to own property, to have an income independent of his spouse—even of his family, should he choose to develop it—and the freedom to go where he chooses, be it in the Nether or Mundanus. And seeing as the gentlemen of Londinium can enjoy Black’s as a male-only club, I had assumed that the need to spend time in the company of men would be satisfied. Am I to understand that you feel underprivileged, sir? Disadvantaged in some way? Pray tell us all why you feel it would be unfair for women to have one new opportunity when so much is denied us.”
    The Peonia’s cheeks flushed red. “Pray tell us , madam, why you feel the women of Londinium require such a formal salon. Surely with their carefree lives, there is little of merit to discuss? Nothing that would require a formal court.”
    “You can’t think of a single reason why women may need a place where they can voice an opinion without the judgement of men? Are you not demonstrating that need yourself? But then I suppose, if you think women are nothing more than decorative objects without a single thought of merit between their ears, this need would be mystifying.”
    Will forced his expression to remain neutral. He couldn’t let any of them see how angry her thoughtless behaviour was making him feel. It was one thing for her to speak this way in the privacy of their own home, but to do so in front of Londinium?
    “You are most forthright with your opinions, your Grace,” Bertrand Persificola-Viola said. “I beg you to release our friend from the jaws of your sharp wit.”
    “You make it sound as if he is a victim, sir,” Cathy said. “Surely a man cannot be wounded by the opinion and passion of a mere woman?”
    The corner of Bertrand’s mouth twitched, as if he were as much amused by her as insulted. No doubt he would make his opinion on the Duchess known very soon, and Will knew he would need careful handling again.
    Cathy sat back on her throne, cheeks flushed, still shaking.
    “As ever, gentlemen,” Will said, eager to close the proceedings, “you know that I and the Marquis are available at any time to discuss your needs and concerns regarding life in Londinium. The Duchess and I bid you good night.”
    He offered his hand to Cathy, who rested hers upon it, and they stepped down from the dais. The assembled parted ahead of them, bowing as they passed, until they reached the doors that were opened by two of Will’s men dressed as pages. Even before the doors closed behind them an uproar of commentary and speculation filled the throne room.
    “Not a word,” he whispered to Cathy, and steered her towards the stairs as he struggled to contain all the things he wanted to shout at her. When he was certain no one had left the court to pursue a private conversation, he let go of her hand. “You were rather harsh with the Peonia, Cathy.”
    “I merely corrected him. If my brother had done the same, you wouldn’t have batted an eyelid.”
    “You humiliated him with your sarcasm.”
    “He deserved it. Sexist b—”
    He grabbed her hand and pulled her to a stop. “You have to be