“Are you sure? I can have my tea after I fetch you a cup.”
Bett shook her head. “That’s not necessary. Go and enjoy your tea.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Lydia said and left the room.
As soon as the door clicked shut, she looked through the stack of letters. Most of them were from her mother and sister Serena, and one was from Olivia, telling her that the earl had proposed, and she had accepted. They would be married soon. What happy news for her friend!
She recognized Miss Bent’s handwriting on the last letter. Bett and Emma had been close friends for years, and Bett had missed seeing her lately, as Emma had been away visiting her aunt. She tore open the letter.
Dearest Bett,
I’m pleased to inform you that I’m back at Fleming Manor after my visit with my aunt. While it was a delightful visit, I’m happy to return to the peace and quiet of Fleming Manor.
I have missed you and would very much like to visit with you at your earliest convenience.
In friendship,
Emma
While Bett was sorely disappointed that there was no letter from Mr. Hughes, the fact that her friend Emma was back at the Fleming estate lifted her spirits. She pulled out a sheet of paper and dashed off a quick note.
Dearest Emma,
I’m so pleased you enjoyed your visit with your aunt. I’d be delighted if you came to tea the day after next. I have missed you, too.
In friendship,
Bett
She sanded and folded the note and set it aside. She’d have Lydia give it to Adams for delivery to the Fleming manor when her maid returned. Bett picked up the letter from her sister. Serena couldn’t stop talking about how excited she was for her upcoming Season this Spring. Bett remembered the thrill of going to London for the first time. It had been magical, and she’d met Stephen there. Although she’d had a successful Season, she didn’t want her sister to rush into anything just to say that she also married during her first Season. She wanted Serena to find a gentleman who stole her heart and worshipped the ground she walked on, as Stephen had done. That wasn’t too much to ask, was it?
Society could be a cruel mistress, and she would never forget how thetonhad turned on a young woman of her acquaintance when she’d been caught on a balcony with a gentleman and no chaperone. A simple kiss had led to her ruin. To save her reputation, the young woman had been forced to marry the older gentleman, and they’d left London shortly after being married. Bett had always wondered how she fared. That was not a fate she would wish on anyone.
Marriage was for a lifetime, and she knew first-hand that it was imperative to find the right person to marry. Society could be treacherous to navigate, and she hoped Serena would heed their mother’s advice while in Town. She had no doubt her sister would be much sought-after, with her startling blue eyes and honey-blond hair, along with a decent-size dowry.
Serena was the perfect English miss, with a sweet and loving personality to go along with her stunning beauty, but she had to be cautious if she didn’t want to be ruined. Every young lady was taught they shouldn’t be alone with a gentleman, and Serena was no exception. What her sister knew was one thing; what sheactually did, however, wasn’t always in her best interests. Serena would have to curtail her natural enthusiasm and not put herself into any compromising situations.
Bett wondered if her mother was up to the task alone. Perhaps she should travel to London to help with Serena’s debut. It was certainly something to consider, and it would help her think about something besides Mr. Hughes.
A half-hour later, Lydia returned with her tea. “Here you are, my lady. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long.”
Bett accepted the cup. “Not at all. I was reading my correspondence. Serena’s very excited for her Season.”
“I can imagine. Will you be joining her and your mother when they go to London?”
“I don’t know, although I’ve given it some thought.” She picked up her letter to Emma. “Please have this note delivered to Fleming Manor.”
Lydia took the letter. “Right away, my lady.”
It would be good to catch up with her friend.
After a refreshing cup of tea, Lydia helped Bett change for dinner. “There you go, my lady. Looking as beautiful as ever,” she said, pinning the last wayward curl into place.
“I shall see you later, Lydia.” She left her bedchamber and made her way to the family parlor, where Peter and Cecily were already enjoying a glass of sherry.
“Bett, I’m so very happy you’ve returned. Did you enjoy your visit?” Cecily asked, patting the seat next to her.
“I did indeed. It was wonderful to see her again,” Bett said, sitting beside her.
