Chapter 21
Bett gazed out the windowof the drawing room at all the leaves that had seemingly turned brilliant colors overnight. Perhaps it was merely because she hadn’t been taking as many walks in the garden as she used to and hadn’t noticed the slow change. She’d always loved October weather, especially in the country. The air was crisp without being frigid, and the landscape was awash in colors of red, yellow, and orange.
She sighed, wondering what she was doing with her life. She loved her in-laws, but of late, she felt suffocated. Even though Cecily now had a wet nurse for baby Stephen, she was still nervous around the child, which made the baby fussy whenever she picked him up. As many times as Bett tried to reassure her sister-in-law that she was a fine mother, nothing seemed to convince Cecily, not even the fact that Stephen was thriving and was a delightful baby.
Peter seemed thrilled with the child as well, but Bett knew that he was thinking more about Cecily being back in his bed, based on the way he’d been nuzzling her neck lately. She wasn’t so sure Cecily was ready for marital relations again, but that was one line she would not cross. Cecily could decide for herself if she wanted to return to her husband’s bed and possibly fall pregnant again.
Bett had foolishly thought that once the child was born, everything would return to normal and she could go about herbusiness once again without Cecily becoming upset every time Bett left her side even to venture into the garden.
This afternoon was one of the rare days that she had a few moments alone because Peter and Cecily were closeted in his bedchamber. How did her life become all about making sure Cecily was feeling good about her mothering skills? This wasn’t what she’d planned for her life, and frankly, she was growing tired of being her sister-in-law’s constant support.
She heard the crunch of gravel on the drive and wondered who in the world would be visiting. Peter was still adamant about Bett having any company at Crenshaw Manor, and Bett didn’t like his heavy-handedness about what she could or could not do. He may have been the head of the family, but he was not her husband.
She was walking to the parlor door when she heard Adams say, “Lady Armstrong, good day. How may I be of assistance?”
“Good day, Adams. It’s Lady Robertson now, and I’d like to see the dowager Lady Williams.”
As soon as Bett heard Olivia’s voice, she rushed into the foyer. “Lady Robertson!”
“It’s so lovely to see you,” Olivia said, rushing to her and bussing her cheeks.
“Please do come in. I was in the drawing room, admiring the splendid colors in the trees.”
“That sounds lovely.”
“Adams, please have a tea tray delivered and show Lady Robertson’s maid to the kitchen for a cup of tea while I visit with my friend.”
The butler turned to the maid. “This way, miss,” he said, walking down the hallway to the kitchen.
Once the women were inside the drawing room with the door closed, Olivia wasted no time and said, “Bett, are you well?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“You haven’t answered any of my letters, and I was quite concerned that you’d fallen ill.”
“Letters? I haven’t received any letters.”
“You haven’t? That’s odd. I sent one from London, letting you know we were heading to Harrison Manor, and then another one inviting you to visit me there.”
“You’ve seen Lord Harrison? How is he faring?”
“As best as he can, I suppose, but you did not respond to his letter either.”
“I received no letter from Lord Harrison.”
“That’s odd. He told me he wrote to you.”
“That is odd indeed,” Bett said. “I wonder what could have happened.”
“Robertson is with him now. I traveled with Mr. Walker so I could see you. He was headed back to Fleming Manor.”
“Mr. Walker is a fine gentleman. I’m glad you didn’t have to travel here alone.”
“I was relieved as well, and I think Robertson was too. He didn’t want to leave Lord Harrison at this vulnerable time. I’ve come with a message from Lord Harrison. He wishes to extend an invitation for you to visit him as well.”
“He does? Even during his mourning period?”
“Yes. He’d very much like to see you again. He has strong feelings for you, but recent events have prevented him from calling on you personally.”
