“True,” Permilia said with a nod, the motion setting the large diamond tiara Ida had insisted she wear shifting around on her head. “But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the fashions I find in those shops. Truth be told, I enjoy shopping in out-of-the-way places, searching for designs that have a unique style. Besides, the owners of those shops need my money far more than the owners of the fashionable shops do. I, for one, am proud of the fact I have an eye for thrift.”
She gestured to the sparkling white gown she was wearing, one that had tiny paste jewels sewn throughout the folds of the fabric, lending the garment an icy appearance. “My snow-queen ensemble was designed by an innovative woman who works in a little shop in a slightly questionable part of the city. And while I did pay Miss Betsy Miller a rather dear amount for my gown, as well as for the fur muff I had her design to complement the gown, the price I paid would have doubled if I’d sought out the services of a more esteemed establishment.”
“Not patronizing the tried-and-true establishments of society is considered beyond peculiar, and that right there is exactly why you haven’t taken with the fashionable set,” Lucy argued. “Your father, my stepfather, is one of the wealthiest gentlemen in the country, which means you have absolutely no reason to be frugal. It’s downright embarrassing when you’re seen lurking around the poorer sections of town, and it lends clear credence to the idea that you’re undeniably odd.”
Permilia lifted her chin. “Simply because one comes from wealth does not mean one should abandon their thrifty principles. Besides, Miss Miller, the woman I hired to create my costume, needed the funds she earned from me because her rent was past due and she was worried about being kicked out on the street.”
Lucy’s mouth gaped. “You had a conversation with this woman?”
“Of course I did. It’s always seemed rather silly to me to be standing around having your measurements taken while not enjoying the company of the woman taking those measurements.”
Permilia lifted her chin another notch. “And before you dissolve into a fit of hysterics—something your expression clearly suggests you’re about to do—know that I have no intention of abandoning my habit of speaking with whomever I choose. Furthermore, I also have no intention of abandoning my frugal ways, even if those ways embarrass you upon occasion.”
Lucy’s forehead puckered. “Your oddness is exactly why I have yet to acquire a suitable offer of marriage. I have no idea why you have to continue on with your stingy and peculiar attitude when that attitude is ruining my life.”
“You’ve been extended five completely acceptable offers since you made your debut two years ago,” Permilia shot back. “And since you and I barely acknowledge one another when we’re out and about in society, I really don’t understand how you can claim that I’m the one ruining your life. If you ask me, your disenchantment with the gentlemen who’ve cast their attention your way has more to do with your air of displeasure toward life in general, which, in my humble opinion, is a direct result of your unfortunate sense of entitlement and a condescending attit—”
“That will be quite enough, Permilia,” Ida interrupted. “As is so often the case when we’re trying to gently point out some of your more glaring faults, you immediately try to misdirect the conversation by throwing nasty accusations Lucy’s way. She, I must say, has just made a most valid point regarding your position on wealth.”
Ida began fiddling with a diamond bracelet that encircled her gloved wrist. “Possessing abundant wealth is not meant to be a burden, but meant to be fully enjoyed. Surely you must realize that by clinging to your parsimonious ways, while doing absolutely nothing to hide those ways, you’re sabotaging any slight chance you may still have to take within society. You also diminish the chances of attracting the notice of a suitable gentleman, something your father hopes may still happen.”
She released a bit of a breathy sigh. “Your father isn’t growing any younger, Permilia. His hard work will be for naught if you don’t find a worthy gentleman to bring into the family who has the business mentality needed to take over your father’s many endeavors.”
As Ida launched into another lecture, this one regarding the sad state of Permilia’s social ambitions, Permilia shifted against the seat, being careful to maintain her posture as she did so. A second later, her thoughts began to wander, a direct result of having heard the lecture Ida was in the midst of delivering numerous times in the past.