“As was I. But my powers of persuasion are not to be underestimated,” her aunt responded. “Besides, you do have a dowry of fifteen thousand pounds. That is not something to scoff at.”
White approached them with a black bonnet in his hand, extending it to Edwina.
Edwina accepted the bonnet with a gracious nod andmurmured her thanks before placing it on over her loose chignon.
“Shall we?” her aunt asked, gesturing towards the front door where their coach awaited.
A knock came at the door and the butler went to open the door, revealing the tall, silver-haired Mr. Stanley. He had been her father’s man of business for as long as she could remember, and now he worked in the same capacity for her uncle. His warm smile immediately put Edwina at ease, just like it always had when she was a child.
Stepping into the entry hall, Mr. Stanley bowed. “Lady Dallington. Lady Edwina,” he greeted. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“We were on our way to the village to do some shopping,” Edwina shared.
“Very well, do not let me stop you,” Mr. Stanley said as he stood to the side.
Lady Dallington gave him a pointed look. “I expect your business with my husband will conclude before our supper.”
Mr. Stanley nodded. “I shall ensure that it does, my lady.”
“Thank you,” Lady Dallington said.
Turning his attention towards Edwina, the concern was evident in Mr. Stanley’s voice as he asked, “How are you faring, my lady?” His brown eyes bored into hers, searching for any signs of discomfort or stress.
Edwina mustered up the most convincing smile that she could. “I am well.”
Mr. Stanley didn’t look convinced, but thankfully he did not press her. Instead, he remarked, “It is a lovely day to go shopping.”
“It is,” Edwina agreed, trying to match his enthusiasm.
Her aunt interjected, “We must depart if we want to enjoy our time shopping at a leisurely pace. We can’t very well be late to supper, now can we?”
Edwina eyed her aunt warily. “How long do you intend to shop for ribbons?” she asked.
“All day, if I have my way,” her aunt declared as she gracefully exited the manor. “Come along.”
With a tip of her head at Mr. Stanley, Edwina followed her aunt out and stepped into the waiting coach.
After they were situated, her aunt broke the comfortable silence. “It has been far too long since we went into the village for some shopping,” she said with a contented sigh.
“It has been,” Edwina agreed.
Her aunt studied her with a discerning eye before saying, “I saw you on the lawn with Lord Hilgrove earlier. You two appeared to be getting along quite well.”
“Appearances can be deceiving,” Edwina replied.
“Lord Hilgrove is hurting, just as you are,” her aunt gently reminded her. “It is often beneficial to surround yourself with others who understand what you are going through. It helps in the healing process.”
Edwina adjusted the strings of her bonnet under her chin, considering her aunt’s words carefully before revealing, “I have decided that I am going to help Lord Hilgrove.”
Her aunt lifted her brow. “How exactly are you going to do that?”
“I don’t know all the particulars yet, but I can sense his pain,” Edwina admitted. “I want to do something meaningful with my life instead of wallowing in grief.”
“An admirable goal, my dear, but if I may point out, you are still struggling yourself,” her aunt remarked.
Edwina understood her aunt’s concern but she was determined to follow through with her plan. “That is precisely why I need to look beyond my own heartache and help another.”
Her aunt looked doubtful but didn’t argue further. “Lord Hilgrove is not one to ask for help, and he may not appreciate your intentions.”
