Dearest Emma,
There has been a change of plans. Lady Williams isn’t feeling well and cannot host tea today. I shall be happy to join you at Fleming Manor if that is convenient. Please send your reply as soon as possible.
In friendship,
Bett
She sanded and folded the note before turning to Lydia. “Please have Adams deliver this note to the Fleming Manor immediately and wait for the reply.”
Lydia took the note. “Of course, my lady. I shall see to it.”
Once Lydia was gone, tears of frustration rolled down Bett’s cheeks as she paced back and forth. How dare Peter curtail her activities like this? She was a grown woman. It was so unfair, but as she was unmarried and living under his roof, she was under his protection. He had all the power, and she had none. The situation chafed more than ever.
By the time Lydia returned, Bett had dried her tears.
“My lady, Adams has sent a messenger to deliver your note,” Lydia said.
“Thank you, Lydia. I hope to join Miss Bent for tea today. I await her reply.”
“Very good. Is there anything I can get for you?”
“No. I’m fine. I think I’ll take a stroll in the garden. It’s such a lovely day.”
Lydia nodded before disappearing into the dressing room.
There was no sense in stewing in her room. That wouldn’t do her any good, and she needed some fresh air. Bett made her way down the stairs to the foyer.
“Good morning, Lady Williams. Are you in need of assistance?” Adams asked.
Bett shook her head. “I’m going for a stroll in the garden.”
Adams opened the front door. “Enjoy the garden.”
Bett walked outside and inhaled deeply. It was a glorious day, and as she walked toward the garden, her sense of peace returned. Too bad she couldn’t stay in the garden forever. She walked down the path, past the blooming rose bushes, as their sweet aroma scented the air. “It’s so lovely out here,” she murmured.
When she married Stephen, she’d thought Crenshaw Manor would be her home forever and had not only lovingly redecorated the manor but also revamped the gardens to include all of her favorite flowers. Now she no longer had any say about either the house or the garden, if Peter or Cecily decided to redo everything. It made her sad to think that there would be no trace of her left at Crenshaw Manor.
She shook her head to dispel her melancholy. There was no sense in dwelling on things she couldn’t change. It was time to look forward to finding a husband and having a home of her own once again.
If Mr. Hughes was no longer interested in her, she would travel to London in the spring with her mother and sister and enter the marriage mart. It wasn’t something she was looking forward to, but there weren’t any other options available to her. The good thing was that she was of age and didn’t need Peter’s permission to marry.
A few hours later, she walked back to the house where Adams was waiting in the foyer.
“This letter has just arrived for you, Lady Williams,” he said.
Bett took the letter and headed upstairs. As she walked down the hallway to her bedchamber, she said a silent prayer that Emma wouldn’t mind hosting tea today. Once in her bedchamber, she broke the seal and read the letter.
Dearest Bett,
I’m sorry to hear that Lady Williams isn’t feeling well. I would have liked to visit with her.
I would be delighted if you would join me today. Please come for luncheon so that we may spend the afternoon together. I look forward to seeing you soon.
In friendship,
Emma
This was the best outcome Bett could have wished for. She left her room in search of the butler, who she found talking with the housekeeper. “Adams, please have the carriage readied. I’m going to visit Miss Bent at Fleming Manor.”
