“Nonsense, my dear, it was my pleasure. I do hope you and your new husband enjoy yourselves.”
“I’m sure we will,” Fletcher said. “I’m surprised to see so many of thetonhere. Frankly, I expected another scandal.”
Lady Devon flicked her hand in a dismissive wave. “Of course, there were a few who declined the invitation, but most here really do wish you both well.”
Lady Kathryn was standing beside her mother. Audrey had found their friendship to be everything she hoped it would be. Kathryn had a keen mind and enjoyed nature almost as much as Grace did, which gave her an idea.
“Lady Kathryn, may I have a word?” Audrey asked.
“Of course,” Kathryn said, turning to Lady Devon. “Mother, I shall return momentarily.”
“Excuse me, my darling,” Audrey said to Jacob. “I’ll only be a moment.”
The two young women slipped through the French doors to the garden beyond.
“Audrey, is something amiss?”
Audrey shook her head. “No, not at all, but I wanted to talk to you in private before I approached your lady mother.”
“I’m not following. What do you wish to say to me?”
“I was wondering if you’d like to accompany us to Dandridge Manor. Fletcher is taking us there in three days, and I know how much you love nature. I thought a trip to the country might be a welcome break from some of the trepidation you feel attonevents. Would that please you?”
Kathryn reached for her hand. “Oh, Audrey, you know me so well, even though we’ve only known each other for a short time. I celebrate the day your husband accepted my mother’s dinner invitation. You’ve made this Season bearable for me. I know I’m a disappointment to my mother, but not everything can be fixed with money.”
“Kathryn, you are not a disappointment. You’re a true and loyal friend with whom I would like to spend more time. My sister Grace is eager to spend time with a fellow nature lover as well. Now, shall I speak with your mother and ask her permission for you to come with us?”
“Audrey, you mustn’t worry about me. You’ve just been married. You and Fletcher deserve some time alone. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
Audrey chuckled. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time alone. And don’t forget, my sisters will be with us as well, so you won’t be intruding.”
“If you’re sure, then I’d love to accompany you and get away from London for a while. I don’t believe mypresence will be missed,” she said with a sad chuckle.
“Kathryn, you mustn’t be so hard on yourself. I would say the gentlemen of thetonare the fools for not recognizing how wonderful you are.”
Kathryn squeezed her hand. “You’re too kind.”
“Let’s go secure your mother’s permission and inform your maid to start packing your things. I must admit I’ve never been to Dandridge Manor, so I cannot say what conditions we’ll find.”
“I’m not worried,” Kathryn said. “A change of scenery is just what I need.”
When they walked back into the ballroom, it took a few moments to find Lady Devon in the crush of people. They finally located her talking with Lady Castor.
Kathryn whispered in her mother’s ear, “Mother, may I have a moment of your time?”
Lady Devon looked at her daughter and then at Audrey before excusing herself from Lady Castor’s company. They walked out into the hallway for some privacy.
“My dear, why do you look troubled? Has something happened?” Lady Devon asked, looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation.
“Not at all. Lady Fletcher has invited me to accompany her family to their country estate, Dandridge Manor in Reading.”
“Reading? That’s at least a two-day journey from London. What about the rest of the Season?”
“Mother, I love you fiercely for supporting me, but I’m neither blind nor stupid. I’m no beauty, and when I speak of things that interest me, beyond the weatheror the latest gossip, I see men’s eyes glaze over, and they cannot depart my company fast enough. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but there will be no marriage proposals for me this Season.”
Lady Devon opened her mouth to object, but Kathryn persevered. “It’s fine, really. I’ve reconciled myself to the fact that I may never receive a proposal and would greatly appreciate a break from all these activities. May I go with the Fletchers?”
Lady Devon pulled her daughter into her embrace. “My darling daughter, you’re so special. I’m truly sorry the gentlemen of thetoncannot see that. If you wish to go with the Fletchers, then you most certainly have my blessing. I will miss you dearly.”
