Chapter One
England, 1813
A burden.
That is what her uncle had called her. A troublesome burden. Lady Edwina Lockwood knew that she shouldn’t be eavesdropping on a private conversation, but she couldn’t help herself. Seated just beyond her uncle’s study, she overheard him discussing her and her future.
Did she even have one?
When her father was alive, she had a promising one. But now she didn’t know what her future would hold. It frightened her, to say the least.
“What would you have me say, Catherine?” her uncle shouted. “There aren’t enough funds available to give Edwina a Season.”
Her aunt responded in a hushed voice, “Shh. Keep your voice down. Do you wish for everyone to overhear our conversation?”
“Why should I care what they think?” her uncle asked,albeit in a more reserved voice. “Do you wish to deprive our twins, Elodie and Melody, of their first Season?”
“No, but we can manage with a lot less to ensure Edwina has a Season. I am sure we can find a way—” her aunt attempted.
Her uncle spoke over her. “You say that now, but how is that fair to our daughters? Besides, I doubt Edwina would attract a suitor anyway. She is pretty enough, but she is very mousy.”
“Mousy?” her aunt questioned.
“I do believe that Edwina is afraid of her own shadow,” her uncle clarified.
Edwina rested her head against the wall, releasing a sigh.Mousy. Just another word that her uncle described her as. The worst part is that he wasn’t entirely wrong. She was reserved, far more than she should be, but she was struggling. Her life had been taken from her in a blink of an eye when her father had died, nearly four months ago, and now Brockhall Manor felt no more like a home, despite her growing up here.
Once her uncle had inherited her father’s title of the Marquess of Dallington, he moved his family into Brockhall Manor and immediately went about making changes. He even brought along his own butler.
In a firm voice, her aunt declared, “Edwina is a delightful young woman, and any gentleman would be lucky to have her as a wife.” Her words were spoken as if she were daring her husband to contradict her.
Edwina always found solace in her aunt’s unwavering support. Having an ally made her feel less isolated, a comforting presence in the face of loneliness.
Her older cousin’s baritone voice came from above her. “What are you doing, Edwina?” Bennett asked, his voice holding more curiosity than censure.
Bennett stood tall, his dark hair brushed forward, lookingvery much the part of a dashing earl. In his eyes, she found the reassuring kindness that had become a familiar trait.
She brought her finger up to her lips, indicating he should be quiet. She didn’t want to get caught by her uncle.
Bennett crouched down next to her and lowered his voice. “I would be remiss if I did not remind you that a lady should not eavesdrop.” He paused, a smile playing on his lips. “At least, you shouldn’t get caught.”
Edwina dropped her hand. “Your father is discussing my future,” she explained. “I had little choice in the matter.”
With a glance at the open door, Bennett asked, “What is my father saying this time?”
“There aren’t enough funds to give me a Season since Elodie and Melody will be debuting this Season,” Edwina replied.
Bennett looked displeased by what she had revealed. “What did my mother say about that?”
“She is trying to convince your father otherwise, but he is rather adamant about it.”
“My father is many things, but his frugality knows no bounds. The coffers aren’t as full as he would like, but we can tighten our purse strings,” Bennett said. “I shall talk to him and get this matter resolved. You need not worry.”
But Edwina did worry. If she didn’t have a Season, what would become of her? Would she be relegated to the role of a companion or, even worse, a governess?
Bennett placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I know that look,” he started, “but everything will work out.”
“How?” she asked. “If I don’t have a Season, what will I do?”
