Removing her hand, her mother sat next to her. “I received a letter from Lady Bideford,” she revealed.
“What did she say?”
A slow smile came to her mother’s lips. “She has agreed to host you for the Season.”
Ellie’s brow shot up. “Truly?”
“Yes, and she is expecting you shortly.”
Ellie felt excitement building up inside of her until she glanced down at her cotton gown and realization dawned. “I can’t go to London for a Season.”
“Whyever not?”
“What will I even wear?” Ellie asked. “Most of my muslin gowns have been replaced with cotton ones.”
Her mother reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of bills. “You won’t need to worry about that,” her mother said. “I sold off a piece of my jewelry for this specific purpose.”
“Which one?” Ellie asked.
“You don’t need to concern yourself with that,” her mother answered dismissively. “What is important is that you can acquire new dresses with this money.”
Ellie shook her head. “I think this is a bad idea,” she said. “I don’t belong in Town; at least, not anymore.”
“That is nonsense,” her mother declared. “You are the daughter of a viscount. If you don’t belong, then who does?”
“I don’t have a dowry, Mother.”
Her mother gave her a sad smile. “I thought about that, and I don’t want it to stop you from enjoying yourself.”
“What man would want me without a dowry?”
“Your father married me without a dowry,” her mother reminded her.
Ellie sighed. “I daresay I will not be as fortunate.”
Her mother leaned closer. “You are a beauty in your own right,” she said. “Any man would be fortunate to have you as his wife.”
Mrs. Webster spoke up from the hearth. “I agree with your mother. You are beautiful, on the inside and out.”
“Thank you, but—”
Her mother spoke over her. “More importantly, you must leave Maidstone.”
“Why?”
With a frown, her mother said, “I fear for your future if you don’t.”
“You need not fear on that account,” Ellie assured her. “I have no intention of accepting Lord Worthington’s offer.”
Mrs. Webster interjected, “You mean ‘offers’, dear. He has been relentless in them.”
“Lord Worthington has already made our life rather difficult,” her mother said. “I fear that it might get worse as time goes on if you don’t accept his offer.”
“How is that even possible?” Ellie asked in disbelief. “He has relegated us to this small cottage and has only given you a small portion of your jointure.”
“I am well aware, but we still have a roof over our heads and a housekeeper,” her mother said. “We should be grateful for what we have.”
“Father would be mortified by the way Lord Worthington has been treating you.”
