Harriet gasped. “You must!” she exclaimed.
Emma was silent for a moment. “You are right, of course.” Her words were anything but convincing.
Harriet turned her attention back to Ellie. “I understand that you had flowers delivered to you this morning.”
“I did,” Ellie replied. “Three bouquets arrived, though one was from Lord Featherstone.”
Harriet pressed her lips together, then said, “I believe we have adequately expressed our reasons for you to avoid Lord Featherstone.”
“Yes, you have,” Ellie responded. “I have no intention of encouraging him.”
“That is good,” Harriet stated.
Emma leaned forward and poured herself a cup of tea, then took a long sip. “I received flowers, as well,” she revealed as she lowered the teacup to her lap.
“I am well aware,” Harriet remarked. “Did any of the gentlemen you danced with last night pique your interest?”
“I’m afraid not,” Emma admitted.
“That is most disappointing,” Harriet muttered. “I worry that your expectations are too high when it comes to marriage.”
“Can my expectations ever be too high when it comes to being tied down to one man for the remainder of my days?” Emma questioned.
Harriet sighed. “No, you are right,” she said. “I just want you to have what your father and I had.”
“That is precisely what I want,” Emma remarked. “I want to fall in love and be deliriously happy.”
“A good marriage takes more than falling in love. It requires proper work. The key is to fall in love with your husband over and over again,” Harriet said.
“That is rather odd advice,” Emma commented.
Harriet grinned. “Once you are married, you will understand.”
Thorne stepped into the room. “Mr. Cosgrove is here to call upon Miss Bentley.” He met her gaze. “Are you available for callers?”
“Of course she is,” Harriet answered for her.
Thorne tipped his head in acknowledgement before he departed from the room.
Harriet met Ellie’s gaze. “Remember to smile and to list all of your accomplishments,” she advised. “Also, be mindful to only speak about polite topics.”
“That is terrible advice,” Emma muttered.
“What advice would you give Ellie, then?” Harriet asked.
Emma smiled. “I would encourage her to be herself, because there is only one of her in the world.”
Before Harriet could reply, Mr. Cosgrove stepped into the room and bowed. “Thank you for agreeing to see me, Miss Bentley.”
“Do come in and take a seat,” Harriet interjected, gesturing towards a chair next to her.
“Thank you, Lady Bideford,” Mr. Cosgrove acknowledged as he came to sit down. He tipped his head at Emma. “How are you faring?”
Emma gave him a pleasant enough smile. “I am well, Mr. Cosgrove,” she replied. “And yourself?”
“I am doing quite well.” He turned his gaze towards Ellie. “I would be remiss if I didn’t ask how you are faring, as well.”
“I am well,” Ellie said with a smile.
