“Then don’t make new ones,” Rosamond said. “Come to the opera with us tonight. You can hide in the back of the box if you would prefer.”
Enid knew that she had a choice. She could continue on as she had or she could try to be brave, which was something that was eluding her at the moment. If she went tonight, she knew the gossips would not be kind to her. But, on the other hand, she would be gossiped about no matter what. So why shouldn’t she enjoy herself?
Her mother spoke up. “I will watch over Marigold this evening. You do not need to worry about her.”
Enid brought her gaze up and said, “I would like to go to the opera.”
Rosamond clapped her hands together. “That is wonderful news. Malcolm will be so pleased by your decision.”
“What will Father say?” Enid asked. “I have no doubt that he will be furious about my decision.”
Her mother gave her an encouraging smile. “Let me deal with your father.”
A thought suddenly occurred to Enid. “I have nothing to wear for this evening,” she confessed. “All my gowns are entirely inappropriate for an evening at the opera.”
“You need not worry about that. I have already had my lady’s maid alter one of my gowns for you to wear,” her mother said.
“How did you know I would agree to go this evening?” Enid asked.
Her mother’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “I had a suspicion.”
Enid hoped that this evening didn’t turn into a disaster. She may have been born into this life, but she had given it up when she had eloped with John.
Osborne stepped into the room and announced, “Lady Lizette Westcott and Miss Bolingbroke have come to call.”
Rosamond rose. “Please send them in,” she said.
After the butler went to do her bidding, it was only a moment before Lady Lizette and Miss Bolingbroke stepped into the room.
Lady Lizette embraced Rosamond and said, “It has been far too long since we last spoke.”
Rosamond laughed. “We spoke yesterday.”
“Yes, but I do miss you living under the same roof as me,” Lady Lizette said. “It was much more fun.”
Enid turned her attention towards Miss Bolingbroke, who was standing back. “How are you faring?” she asked.
“I am well,” Miss Bolingbroke replied. “And you?”
She smiled. “I am well, as well.”
“I am glad that we are both well,” Miss Bolingbroke said, returning her smile.
Gesturing towards an upholstered armchair, Enid asked, “Would you care to sit?”
“I would, but I am afraid I am unable to,” Miss Bolingbroke sighed. “My mother is forever going on about my wrinkled gowns. It would be best if I stand here and do not move to ensure I do not create more wrinkles.”
“Surely your gown won’t get too wrinkled by sitting down,” Enid encouraged.
“One would think, but my mother believes the reason why I haven’t found a husband is because of my wrinkled gowns,” Miss Bolingbroke said. “That, or my questionable personality.”
“There is nothing wrong with your personality,” Enid pressed.
Miss Bolingbroke blew out a puff of air. “Tell that to my mother.”
Rising, Enid walked closer to her new friend. “If you choose to stand, then I will stand with you,” she said.
“Thank you,” Miss Bolingbroke murmured. “That is most kind of you.”
