Winston cleared his throat. “She is more than welcome to join us, but be wary of Elodie when she is buttering her bread.”
Mattie gave him an odd look. “Why?” she couldn’t help but ask.
“That is when Elodie has a knife, and she is not afraid to wield it,” Winston said with a wink.
“Come along, Child,” Lady Dallington encouraged.
As Mattie walked with Lady Dallington, she noticed Winston trailed closely behind. “I just came to tell you the most wonderful news.”
“Which is?” Lady Dallington asked.
Mattie beamed. “My father has granted permission for you to host me this Season.”
Lady Dallington returned her smile. “What wonderful news!” she exclaimed. “We have so much that we must do to prepare.”
They entered the dining room and Winston pulled out a chair for Mattie. Once she was situated, she murmured her thanks, secretly pleased when Winston sat down next to her.
“I shall need to create a list of everything we must do in anticipation of this upcoming Season,” Lady Dallington declared. “We must get you a whole new wardrobe, accessories…” She paused thoughtfully. “How are you on dancing?”
Mattie winced slightly. “I dance well enough.”
“That will not do,” Lady Dallington said firmly. “We shall need to get you lessons with the dancing master. Dancing in the countryside is much different than dancing in Town. Winston can help with that.”
“I am but your humble servant, Mother,” Winston replied with a hint of amusement.
Lady Dallington leaned to the side as a footman placed a plate of food in front of her. “I could use less sarcasm from you. But, if you have no objections, you shall be Mattie’s dance partner when the dancing master arrives.”
“I would be happy to,” Winston responded.
Mattie snuck a glance at Winston, surprised by how easily he agreed to such a thing. He almost seemed pleased by the prospect of dancing with her.
A footman placed a plate in front of Mattie and she reached for her fork and knife, realizing she hadn’t eaten breakfast in her rush to share her news.
Elodie stepped into the dining room and smiled. “Good morning, Mattie,” she said.
“Good morning,” Mattie responded, smiling back.
Coming to sit across from her at the table,Elodie gave her a questioning look. “Not that I am complaining, but I am curious as to what brings you by at such an early hour.”
Mattie put her fork and knife down, eager to share her news. “I came to inform Lady Dallington that I will be joining you for this Season.”
Elodie bobbed her head in approval, her eyes sparkling. “That is wonderful news,” she exclaimed. “Just think of all the gentlemen that will be vying for your attention.”
“I doubt that,” Mattie said, glancing at Winston. She noticed that his jaw was clenched.
Reaching for her teacup, Elodie continued, “Oh yes, it will be such fun to see gentlemen falling over themselves to make a good impression on you.”
Mattie hadn’t considered that. But she should have. The point of having a Season was to find a match. “You flatter me, Elodie, but I do not know…”
Elodie spoke over her. “Do not worry. Winston will be with us to ensure only the gentlemen with the most noble intentions will dance with us.” She turned her attention towards her brother. “Isn’t that right, Winston?”
A muscle pulsated just below Winston’s ear and Mattie wondered what she had said—or done—that could have upset him.
“Yes, I will remain by your sides,” Winston said through clenched teeth.
Elodie looked satisfied by his response. “We are going to have such fun this Season. We will go on carriage rides, visit the Royal Menagerie and eat ices from Gunter’s.”
Melody entered the room and Elodie immediately announced, “Mattie is here because her father has agreed to let her have a Season.”
