Finally, one of her friends had come to Town. She was so happy and couldn’t wait to see Helena again. She went to her bedchamber to retrieve her gloves, bonnet, and reticule. “Ellie.”
Her lady’s maid poked her head out of the dressing room. “Yes, miss. Do you need something?”
“Yes, I’m going to visit with the Marchioness of Evans.”
“Of course, Miss Weston. One moment, and I’ll get my bonnet and gloves. You must be so pleased your friend is in Town.”
“I am indeed. Meet me downstairs when you’re ready, and I’ll tell Prescott to have the carriage readied.”
“Of course. I’ll only be a moment.”
It didn’t take long for the carriage to pull up to the front door. Lydia and Ellie walked outside, and the driver handed them up.
“Thank you, Owen,” Lydia said.
“My pleasure, Miss Weston.”
“We’re going to visit Evans House.”
“Very good, miss,” Owen said, closing the carriage door and climbing up to the driver’s perch. He flicked the reins, and the horse walked on.
Within twenty minutes, Lydia was letting the knocker bang down on the door of Evans House.
The butler opened the door. “Miss Weston, good day to you.”
“Good day, Mr. Wright. I’m here to see Lady Evans.”
“Of course, she’s in the parlor. Please come in.”
Wright opened the door, and Lydia and Ellie entered.
Lydia turned to her maid. “Ellie, why don’t you go to the kitchen and have a nice cup of tea? I plan to visit with Lady Evans for a while.”
“Thank you,” Ellie said with a curtsey and walked down the hall to go below stairs.
Wright escorted her to the parlor and announced her: “Miss Weston to see you, Lady Evans.”
Helena was seated on the sofa, embroidering a fine piece of linen. “Lydia! I’m so pleased to see you,” she said, putting her work down. She stood, hugged her friend, and bussed Lydia’s cheeks.
“Helena, I was so happy to receive your note. It was perfect timing.”
“Oh?”
“Things have been hard, to say the least.”
“Come sit with me and tell me how you’ve been doing these past eight months. I’ve missed you while we were in the country. Letters can only convey so much.”
“I’ve missed you as well,” Lydia said, tears pooling in her eyes.
“My dear, what’s wrong?”
“Everything.”
“One moment. Let me ring for a tea tray,” Helena said, getting up and walking to the bell pull.
“Lady Evans, do you require something?” Wright asked within moments.
“Yes, a tea tray, please.”
