“It sounds lovely,” Miss Burton said.
“I agree,” Miss Adams said.
After conversing for a few more minutes, they left to secure their own table.
“Well, that was surprising,” Lydia said. “I was expecting the worst.”
“Those two know you’ll soon outrank them and it would behoove them to show proper respect to the future Marchioness of Hutchinson.”
“I wonder where Miss Darvey is.”
“I heard Lady Knight whisked her out of London the day after the Surry Ball. No doubt she thought being away from Town would help quiet the scandal her daughter caused.”
“Really? I didn’t know that. I was wondering why I hadn’t seen her around Town. Wait, how do you know she’s left Town?”
Agnes chuckled. “My darling girl, if you want to know what’s going on with theton,all you need to do is ask the servants. They know everything.”
Lydia chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
By the time they got back home, it was nearly teatime, and Lord Hutchinson was due to arrive anytime.
“I’ll be down in a moment,” Lydia said, heading toward the stairs. “Shall I take your bonnet and gloves up as well?”
Agnes nodded. “Thank you,” she said, handing them over.
Once in her bedchamber, Lydia splashed cold water on her face and patted it dry. She fixed a couple of loose hairpins before checking her appearance in the mirror one last time. It was time to greet her betrothed.
George had just arrived and was handing his hat and cane to Prescott when she descended the stairs.
“Hello, my darling,” she said.
He walked to her and kissed her cheek. “Two more days, and I won’t be limited to merely kissing your cheek,” he whispered.
Lydia felt the blush steal up her face. She was looking forward to finally being with the love of her life. “I know. It’s all so exciting, isn’t it?”
“It is indeed,” he said, holding out his arm and escorting her into the parlor. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Kennedy.”
“Lord Hutchinson, lovely to see you again. Please sit. The tea tray has just arrived,” Agnes said.
“None of this ‘lord’ stuff. We’re to be family soon—you must call me George.”
“That would be lovely, and I’m Agnes.”
Lydia poured out the tea, wondering for a moment if her father would join them. There was an extra teacup on the tray, but as usual, Thomas was nowhere to be seen.
“How was your day, my darling?” George asked.
“Busy, and you’ll never guess who we saw at Gunter’s!”
“Who?”
“Miss Adams and Miss Burke. We had a lovely chat.”
“Really? Was Miss Darvey with them?”
“Lady Knight has taken her to the country,” Agnes said.
“Oh, I see. That’s probably for the best. I’m not surprised those two were cordial to you—they know it’s better to be friends with a future marchioness than enemies.”
