But his concern was- if Mr. Moore knew he had feelings for Lady Enid, who else knew?
Enid stepped out of the nursery, closing the door behind her. She had just put Marigold down for a nap and she was beginning to think that she could use one as well. She had the most fitful night of sleep because she was afraid. Now that she knew her fickle heart could be so easily turned, she knew she needed to protect herself.
It didn’t matter that Lord Rushcliffe was the most handsome man of her acquaintance or how time seemed to slow down every time she saw him. She couldn’t act on her feelings, nor would she. Furthermore, Lord Rushcliffe had given her no indication that he favored her, and that was good.
Despite all that had happened to her, she believed in love… but for other people. She didn’t dare presume she was worthy of finding a love match. It wasn’t in the cards for her, no matter that her heart had been turned to Lord Rushcliffe.
Her focus should remain on Marigold, and she would push down the yearnings of her heart. She had meant what she had told Lord Rushcliffe over dinner the night before. He was a good man, and he deserved a woman that didn’t have a tainted reputation.
Her heart would remain locked away. That was the safest thing for her.
As Enid glanced down the corridor that led to her bedchamber, she knew that sleep would elude her. It would be best if she went in search of her mother. She assumed her mother was in the drawing room right now, waiting for her callers.
She walked down the stairs and crossed the entry hall. Once she stepped into the drawing room, she saw her mother was sitting next to Rosamond on the settee and they were working on their needlework.
Her mother glanced up when she walked in. “Is Marigold down for her nap?”
“She is.” Enid sat across from them. “I had hoped for a nap but I decided against it.”
“Why is that?” her mother asked as she pulled the needle out of the fabric.
Enid sighed. “My thoughts are forever jumbled and I would just lie awake with my thoughts.”
“Anything you wish to share?” her mother inquired.
“Not at this time,” Enid replied. She didn’t dare reveal her feelings for Lord Rushcliffe. Then her mother would start scheming and no good would come from that. It would be best if she remained quiet on the subject.
Rosamond spoke up. “Would you care to go to the opera this evening with us?”
“I am not sure if that is wise,” Enid said. “I fear that I would attract far too much attention, and not the good kind.”
“Let the people stare,” Rosamond asserted, lowering the needlework to her lap. “You live your life as you see fit and do not give the naysayers any heed.”
Enid knew that Rosamond was trying to encourage her, but even she couldn’t change her damaged reputation. No one could help her. “I do not want your reputation to suffer by being associated with me,” she said.
“Let me worry about who I associate with,” Rosamond encouraged.
“You are kind, and I know you mean well—”
Rosamond spoke over her. “Is there a yes somewhere in there?”
“It is a no,” Enid replied.
“Well, I do not accept that.” Rosamond reached for a cucumber sandwich on the tray. “It would be a mistake if you didn’t come.”
“I think it would be a mistake if Ididcome,” Enid corrected.
Rosamond took a bite of her sandwich and was silent for a moment. Then she said, “Malcolm thinks it would be for the best if you came. As do I.”
Her mother interjected, “I agree. You should go.”
Enid opened her mouth to object, but Rosamond continued. “Life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. You need to get out of these walls and live your life to the fullest.”
“I am happy here,” Enid asserted. “It is safe, comfortable.”
“If you continue to play it safe, I promise you that you will die with regrets,” Rosamond pressed.
Enid lowered her gaze to her lap as she fidgeted with her hands. “I already have too many regrets.”
