His mother patted her hand. “Yes, it would be my honor.”
Miss Bawden grew silent, and Winston’s gaze drifted to the window where rain streaked the glass. Conflict churned within him. He had a mix of sympathy for Miss Bawden’s circumstances and a selfish desire to keep her away. If his mother hosted her for a Season, he would never get Miss Bawden out from underfoot. She would always be there, waiting to torment him, just by her merepresence alone.
Mattie couldn’t quite believe the situation she found herself in. She had never considered the Season before due to her family’s humble circumstances. But everything had changed now that her father was the Viscount of Wythburn. It was as if fate had shifted the pieces on the chessboard, granting her a move she hadn’t anticipated.
But her heart grew heavy. Could she truly participate in the Season, knowing her cousin was still mourning her parents deeply?
“If you don’t mind, may I think on the Season?” she asked. “I am not quite sure if I am ready for such a thing.”
Lady Dallington’s eyes held understanding. “Of course. Take all the time you need,” she said.
Elodie’s voice came from the doorway. “Oh, Mattie!” she exclaimed. “You simply must come to Town with us. We would have such fun.”
Winston chuckled as he rose to address his sister. “I see that your habit of eavesdropping on private conversations has not gone away.”
“If you wanted it private, you should have closed the door,” Elodie said with a shrug. “It was hardly my fault.”
“Do you mean to insinuate that you consciously waiting at the door to overhear conversations is somehow our fault?” Winston asked.
Elodie didn’t look the least bit ashamed by her actions. “Perhaps we both share some of the blame.”
Winston shook his head. “If you will excuse me, I have some things I must see to.” He bowed. “Ladies.”
Mattie gripped the white handkerchief in her hand as she resisted the urge to thank Winston for his kindness. No good would come from that, she thought. Winston was already so full of himself. He didn’t need any further encouragement to swell his ego.
Yet, despite everything, he had shown her a moment ofgenuine kindness and perhaps it was only fair to acknowledge that.
In a steady voice, Mattie called out, “Lord Winston.”
He paused near the door and turned to face her, his eyes questioning. “Yes, Miss Bawden?”
“Thank you for the use of your handkerchief. I shall wash it and return it to you at once,” Mattie said.
For a moment, the corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly, creating the faintest hint of a smile. It was such a fleeting expression that she almost thought she had imagined it. “You may keep the handkerchief,” he replied. “My sisters keep me well stocked in them.”
Mattie noted the warmth in his eyes, a stark contrast to the usual coldness she was accustomed to. “Oh, that is most kind of you,” she responded.
Winston tipped his head in acknowledgement. “Take care, Miss Bawden,” he said softly.
As she watched him depart from the room, Mattie sat back, her thoughts swirling. She found herself momentarily distracted from her grief, pondering the unexpected gentleness she had witnessed in Winston.
Elodie must have noticed Winston’s unusual behavior as well. “That was unnerving,” she remarked. “You two are usually at odds with one another.”
“I know, but I wouldn’t read too much into it,” Mattie said.
“You are right,” Elodie responded as she walked over to the chair that Winston had just vacated. “Regardless, I heard everything, so you don’t need to explain anything.”
Lady Dallington cleared her throat. “Is there something you wish to say to Mattie?”
Elodie nodded. “Yes, I am deeply sorry for your loss,” she said, her tone filled with genuine sympathy. “How areyou faring?”
“I suppose I am as well as can be expected,” Mattie replied with a small, weary smile.
“Well, then, we must give you something else to think about to distract you,” Elodie declared. “Just think of what fun we shall have this Season!”
Lady Dallington gave her daughter a pointed look. “Truly, Child. You need to learn to be more sympathetic.”
“It is all right,” Mattie assured her. “I doubt that Elodie was acquainted with my aunt or uncle.”
