Emilia picked up the teapot and poured three cups of tea. It was silly that she felt so nervous, especially since she had done this hundreds of times.
After she handed them each a cup of tea, she picked up her own teacup and took a sip. She wasn’t quite sure what she should say or do. What must they think of her? She was a terrible hostess since she had already run out of things to say.
Lady Roswell smiled. “I read about your incredible change of fortune in the newssheets this morning.”
“Oh, you read that,” Emilia murmured.
“How are you adjusting to your new life?” Lady Roswell asked.
Emilia bit her lower lip. Dare she admit what she was truly feeling? What if they betrayed her trust and she became a laughingstock amongst theton?
Lord Chatsworth leaned forward and placed his teacup onto the table. “You may speak freely to Anette,” he said. “She may say the most outlandish things, but she will not betray your confidences.”
“It is true,” Lady Roswell confirmed. “Whatever you say to me will stay between us, now and forever.”
Emilia had no reason to trust them, but she found herself doing so anyways. Her voice remained remarkably steady,despite the whirlwind of emotions inside of her, as she admitted, “I have no idea what I am doing.”
Lady Roswell laughed. “Truthfully, none of us do. We just pretend like we do.”
“I doubt that to be true,” Emilia said. “I grew up in a cottage and I became a teacher. How can I possibly mingle with theton?”
“You are overthinking this,” Lady Roswell remarked. “You are an heiress now. The same rules do not apply to you.”
Lord Chatsworth spoke up. “What my sister-in-law is trying to say, but failing miserably, is that you are in a unique position. You don’t need to marry to provide for yourself.”
Emilia glanced down at her gown and said, “But just look at me. It is evident that I do not belong, even with my fortune.”
“Your gown is rather simple, but a new wardrobe would fix that problem,” Lady Roswell said. “Until then, you can borrow some of my gowns. We are of similar size and I do not wear the pale colors now that I am married.”
“You are being far too generous, but I couldn’t borrow your gowns…”
Lady Roswell put her hand up, stilling her objections. “I shall have them sent over at once,” she said. “You may wear them until you have your own gowns commissioned.”
“The dressmaker is coming today to take my measurements,” Emilia shared.
“Good,” Lady Roswell said. “I cannot help but notice that you are not mourning your father by wearing all black.”
“I didn’t know my father so it seems silly to mourn him,” Emilia admitted.
Lady Roswell grew quiet. “I think in your case it is appropriate for you not to mourn him, given the circumstances. Besides, it is more important for you to be seen in public, and often.”
“That is a relief,” Emilia said.
“Now that is resolved, we must speak about your hat situation. Do you have an abundance of hats?” Lady Roswell asked.
“I have two hats. One that I wear to church service and my other one that I take on walks,” Emilia replied.
Lady Roswell’s hand started moving at an animated pace. “We need to get you more hats, at once. It is imperative that you have a closet full of hats.”
Lord Chatsworth chuckled. “I daresay that you are being a tad bit overdramatic. After all, you are making it sound as if it is life or death.”
“It is,” Lady Roswell insisted. “A proper lady is never seen in public without a hat. It just isn’t done.” Her eyes grew wide. “Good heavens, I sound just like my mother.”
Emilia felt herself relax and she even let a laugh escape her lips. It felt good to laugh, even if it was just for a moment.
Lord Chatsworth met her gaze and said, “I knew that Anette would help you, albeit in her own way.”
“Thank you,” Emilia said, hoping her words properly expressed her gratitude. “I feel so lost, not knowing what to expect.”
