“Thank you. That’s very kind of you,” she said.
“I can hardly wait to introduce you to thetonat our ball. Which reminds me, I have something for you,” Gretchen said, picking up a slim box on the side table and handing it to Lydia.
“For me?” Lydia asked.
“Absolutely. They belonged to your mother, and now they’re yours.”
Lydia opened the box to reveal a beautiful string of pearls and earbobs to match. “Oh, my goodness. These are beautiful. How can I ever thank you for your kindness?”
“There’s no need, my dear. They’re yours by birthright, and I never thought I’d get to pass them on to anyone. You’re truly a gift to us.”
“Thank you so very much,” Lydia said, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “I will cherish them always.”
“I hope you’ll wear them at the ball on Friday,” Gretchen said.
“Yes, Icertainly will. Thank you again.”
“Speaking of the ball, we’d like you both to join us for a light supper beforehand if that’s agreeable,” Albert said. “I shall send a note around to Lord Hutchinson as well.”
Lydia looked at her aunt, who nodded. “Thank you. We’d be delighted.” She instinctively knew not to ask about an invitation for her father. She was being presented as the granddaughter of a viscount, not a merchant’s daughter. It would be hard enough to be accepted by thetonwithout reminding them that her father was in trade.
After chatting for another hour, Lydia and Agnes took their leave. In the the carriage on the way home, Lydia could hardly contain her excitement. “Aunt Agnes, it was so wonderful to meet my grandparents. How can I ever thank you for your courage in writing that letter?”
“Seeing how happy the Surrys were to meet you, I feel I should have said something years ago. Your life would have been so different, and I feel like I’ve robbed you of that opportunity.”
Lydia grabbed her aunt’s hand. “No recriminations. I wouldn’t change a single thing about my life. With your bravery, you’ve given me my grandparents and the opportunity to marry the man I love without being ostracized by Society. I couldn’t ask for anything else.”
“I couldn’t sit by and watch you be miserable any longer. It broke my heart,” Agnes said.
Lydia nodded. “My heart was broken as well, but now it’s filled with such joy, I cannot even express how happy I am.”
“I’m so glad, my dear.”
It didn’t take long to reach the Weston townhouse, where Owen handed the women down.
“Thank you, Owen,” Lydia said as they walked up the front steps.
Prescott opened the door. “Welcome home, Mrs. Kennedy, Miss Weston.”
“Thank you,” Lydia said.
“My dear, I think I’ll go rest. It’s been quite an eventful day,” Agnes said.
Lydia kissed her aunt’s cheek. “Of course. I’ll check on you later.”
There was no sign of her father, and she didn’t seek him out.
“Miss Weston, a letter arrived for you while you were out,” the butler said.
Lydia thanked him and retrieved the letter from the table. She recognized the handwriting and went upstairs to her bedchamber to read it in private. Once there, she broke the seal and read.
Dearest Lydia,
I was shocked to read your letter, and so overjoyed at your happy news! You’re going to be a marchioness. And the Surrys are your grandparents? You must tell me everything. Please come by tomorrow at your earliest convenience.
In loving friendship,
Helena
