Turning back towards Mattie, her sister instructed, “You need to change, and quickly. We do not want to keep Lord Winston waiting.”
For once, Mattie and Emma were in agreement. She made quick work of changing into the black gown.
Her sister shot her a concerned look. “We still have time for you to fix your hair.”
Mattie reached up to adjust the neat chignon at the base of her neck. “What is wrong with my hair?”
“Nothing,” her sister started hesitantly, “but it is rather plain. You should try harder when in the presence of the Lockwood family. They are known for their sophistication, and your current coiffure may give the impression that you are not.”
Mattie frowned. “I think I will take my chances,” she said as she headed towards the door.
As they headed down the stairs, Emma brushed past Mattie and entered the drawing room first.
Winston and Elodie were standing in the center of the room, engaged in a conversation of their own.
Emma gracefully dropped down into a low curtsy. “Lord Winston. Lady Elodie. Welcome to our humble home,” she greeted.
Mattie couldn’t help but think that her sister could have a career in the theatre, if she so desired. She curtsied as well, addressing her friends with equal politeness. “My lord. My lady,” she said.
Elodie raised an eyebrow. “Why are you being so formal?” she asked. “Is the Prince Regent in attendance?”
Mattie laughed. “I’m sorry, Elodie.”
“That is much better,” Elodie declared beforeturning her attention to Emma. “Miss Emma, I hardly recognized you. It has been too long since we have last met.”
Emma’s eyes flickered to Lord Winston before settling on Elodie. “Thank you for noticing, my lady. I hope to debut soon, although the exact date is still undecided.”
Winston bowed slightly. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Emma. And thank you for allowing me to accompany you and your lovely sister to the village today.”
“No, it isourpleasure, I assure you,” Emma stated as she batted her eyelashes at him.
As Winston’s gaze fell upon Mattie, his eyes seemed to search hers, but for what, she could not say. “Miss Bawden,” he spoke in his deep baritone voice.
“Lord Winston,” she replied.
Elodie approached Mattie and looped arms with her. “The carriage is waiting out front,” she informed them. “I wanted to take the coach but Winston was insistent that we take the open carriage.”
“The open carriage allows for better views of the countryside,” Winston said.
“Yes, but there is a greater chance of swallowing a bug,” Elodie declared.
Winston chuckled. “Then I suggest keeping your mouth closed, dear sister.”
As they made their way outside, Mattie caught Winston staring at her. But instead of looking away, he winked at her. In that moment, she realized that the feelings she had tried so hard to rid herself of were still there. She cared for Winston, more so than she should.
Chapter Eleven
Winston sat in the open carriage as it traveled towards the village. He gazed out at the passing countryside, feigning interest in the rolling hills and lush green fields, but his true focus was on Mattie. She seemed troubled, her usually bright eyes holding a sorrow that tugged at his heartstrings.
He wanted to say or do something that would offer her some form of comfort. But what could he possibly say to ease her pain?
Winston cleared his throat, drawing Mattie’s attention. “I have failed to ask how you are faring.” There. That was safe.
Mattie offered him a weak smile. “I am well. Thank you for asking.”
“You mentioned your cousin was struggling,” he continued. “How is she handling the passing of her parents?”
Before Mattie could answer, her sister, Miss Emma, interjected, “Franny is moping about, making everything about her.”
