“I miss Mother, too,” Mattie said.
“I know you do.”
Mattie held her Father’s gaze for a long moment before summoning up all of her courage and determination onceagain. “Mother would have wanted me to have a Season without Emma being underfoot,” she said firmly.
Her father’s face fell before he turned his head towards the window. After a long pause, he asked, “The only question is: what am I going to do without you?”
A spark of hope ignited in Mattie’s heart at the uncertainty in her father’s voice, making her believe he was weakening. “I will not be gone forever,” she assured him.
He brought his gaze back to meet hers, studying her intently. “Once thetonsees you for who you truly are, I have no doubt that you will have many suitors vying for your hand.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“No, I suppose not,” her father replied. “You have my permission to attend the Season with Lady Dallington and her family.”
Mattie clasped her hands together in excitement. “Do you truly mean it?” she asked earnestly.
“I do,” her father said, his eyes growing moist. “But that means you need to start preparing now. I assume you will need a whole new wardrobe and accessories.”
“I will.”
“Then I shall see those funds are available to you,” her father stated. “Will there be anything else?” The lines on his face tightened with emotion as he spoke.
Mattie rose from her seat. “Thank you, Father.”
“I have no doubt that you will make me proud,” her father said.
As she approached the door, she spun back around and hurried over to her father. She threw her arms around him in a warm embrace, saying, “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” he responded, returning the hug.
She dropped her arms and departed from the room. When she entered the drawing room, Emma was waiting for her with an expectant look onher face. “Well?”
“Well, what?” Mattie asked.
Emma let out a dramatic sigh. “What did you and Father talk about?” she asked, as if it were her right to know.
Mattie decided it was best just to tell her the truth. “Father said Lady Dallington can host me for the Season,” she said, feeling a sense of excitement building within her.
“And what of me?” Emma asked.
A small smile came to Mattie’s lips. “Which means that you can debut next year,” she replied, watching as Emma’s face lit up with joy.
Emma spun around in a circle. “What wonderful news,” she exclaimed. “Now I do not have to worry about outshining you.”
Mattie chose to ignore Emma’s remark and turned her attention towards Franny. “Shall we go for that walk now?”
“Yes, please,” Franny said.
Just as she uttered her words, Mrs. Watson’s voice came from the kitchen. “Do not dally for too long because supper is almost ready.”
“Maybe we should go on our walk after dinner?” Mattie suggested. “That way we will have more time.”
Franny bobbed her head in agreement. “That is probably for the best.”
Emma walked over to the settee and gracefully lowered herself onto it. “I wonder what we are having for dinner.”
“Mutton!” Mrs. Watson’s voice echoed through the cottage.
