Lady Eastbury studied her niece as they settled in. “You’re blushing again.”
Leticia pressed her lips together, unwilling to give the truth away.
Lady Eastbury smiled and took her hand. “Come. Let’s finish our tea when we get home. I daresay I rather like this Lord Ashcombe.”
Chapter Fourteen
Leticia turned slightly,adjusting the fall of her gown as she studied her reflection.
On the vanity before her, the brooch lay in a shallow dish, a teardrop stone in an aging silver setting, crooked in the clasp as though someone had tried to mend it and failed.
She had picked it up twice that morning, her thumb brushing the bent edge. Twice, she had thought to pin it in place.
And twice, she had put it down again.
Her aunt had once called it “a piece of paste,” but Leticia had loved it because it was hers. Because it had been her mother’s. Because sometimes value wasn’t measured in gold or worn for others to see.
A knock at the door pulled her from the moment.
“Come in,” she called.
The door opened to reveal Erica Notley, perfectly composed in a pale lilac day dress trimmed in velvet. Her gloved hands held a flat parcel tied with satin ribbon.
“I hope I’m not intruding,” Erica said, her smile just short of warm. “Lady Pembroke asked me to deliver this, some updated fabric samples. She’s in a frenzy of decisions and asked your aunt for help. I offered to deliver them on my way.”
Leticia accepted the parcel with a polite nod. “Thank you. I’ve just come from Ashcombe Hall myself.”
Erica blinked. “How lovely. I haven’t been in ages.”
“It was… more welcoming than I expected.” Leticia paused, then added, “I saw a portrait there, of my aunt, my mother, and the previous Lord Ashcombe.”
Erica’s smile shifted, almost imperceptibly. “A rare piece. I remember that one. Your mother? I didn’t know she was part of the Ashcombe family’s history.”
“I was just as surprised as you are,” Leticia said evenly.
Erica said nothing for a breath too long. Then, with practiced ease: “I imagine the tea was excellent, too.”
Before Leticia could respond, another knock interrupted them. Gabriel stepped into the doorway, Lady Eastbury just behind him.
“My apologies,” he said. “I hoped to steal Lady Salisbury for a walk, if she’s amenable.”
Erica turned with practiced ease. “Gabriel,” she said, almost fondly. “Still punctual. I was about to trouble your Lady Salisbury myself, but it seems I’ve been outmatched.”
Gabriel smiled faintly. “You’ll forgive me for the interruption?”
“Of course.”
Lady Eastbury crossed to Leticia’s side and took the parcel. “We’ll look these over after tea, shall we?”
Erica’s smile returned. To Leticia, it was cool and polished rather than warm.
Gabriel glanced toward the hallway. “I’ll leave you ladies to it.”
“If you’re stepping out, I’ll join you,” Erica offered quickly, her tone light.
Lady Eastbury’s voice interrupted, light but firm. “Miss Notley, you haven’t forgotten why you came?”
Erica blinked. “The samples. Of course.”
