Rhonda was in her dressing room when she entered. “Are you ready for your bath, my lady?”
Harriet nodded and began to unpin her hat while her maid supervised the footman who were filling the tub with steaming hot water. She kicked off her half-boots and pulled off her stockings while thinking about the earl and what her grandmother had said. Had the war damaged him in more ways than the scar on his face? She couldn’t imagine the horrors the soldiers had endured. On this particular topic, she was glad that young ladies were shielded from the truth, but as much as her grandmother counseled her to leave the earl to his solitude, she knew she could not. At some point, she would see him again, and perhaps he’d actually talk to her... at least, that’s what she hoped would happen.
After her bath, Rhonda helped her into a sprigged muslin day dress and dressed her hair in a simple chignon.
“Thank you, Rhonda.”
“My pleasure, my lady.”
Harriet left her bedchamber and strolled into the parlor to find that her mother had come down to join her grandmother. “Good morning, Mama.”
“My darling, you look lovely today. Lavender suits you so well,” Eleanor said, looking up from her embroidery.
Harriet bussed her mother’s cheek. “Thank you. I’m excited to go into Bath later today.”
Wilson, the Dalling Manor butler, walked into the parlor carrying a silver salver with a number of letters. “Lady Dalling,these are for you,” he said, pointing to the first stack. “Lady Collin, this one is for you.”
“Thank you, Wilson,” Eleanor said, removing the letter.
Wilson turned to Harriet. “Lady Harriet, this one is for you.”
“For me?” Harriet didn’t know who’d be writing to her, but when she saw the familiar handwriting, she smiled. “It’s from Mercy. I didn’t think I’d hear from her for a while yet.”
Eleanor nodded. “I’m surprised as well, but news of her wedding trip with the duke is always welcome.”
Harriet broke the seal.
Dearest Harriet,
Wolf and I are enjoying our trip to the Lake District. It’s quite beautiful. I admit that I’m still not used to being addressed as ‘Your Grace.’ I believe it will take some time to be comfortable being the Duchess of Wiltshire.
While we have enjoyed our trip immensely, I miss you, grandmother, and mother so much, and Wolf has agreed we shall come to Bath for a visit before we head to his country seat in Basingstoke. I’m looking forward to seeing you again and hope you’re enjoying your time in Bath.
Your loving sister,
Mercy
“Wiltshire and Mercy are coming for a visit!” Harriet exclaimed.
“Oh?”
Marian broke the seal of her letter, read the note, and smiled.
“Is it from Mercy?” Harriet asked.
Her grandmother nodded. “She’s asked permission to stay with me while they’re in Bath. It amuses me that she thinks she needs to ask. She and His Grace are always welcome.”
“Does she say when they’ll arrive? I haven’t read my letter yet,” Eleanor said.
“They should be here Thursday next,” Marian said.
“It’ll be wonderful to see them again,” Harriet said.
“Indeed,” agreed Marian.
“Did I hear you talking about Wiltshire?” Lord Spenser asked, joining the women in the parlor.
“They’re coming for a visit,” Harriet said. “Isn’t that wonderful? I didn’t think we’d see them until Christmas.”
