Page 6 of Wit, Wiles and Courtship

Dorothea sighed and leaned back in the chaise longue. “Miles insists I take my breakfast in bed, and I have no desire to argue with him on the matter. It is all I can do to come down for dinner, for I am tired.”

“That is only natural, I suppose.”

A soft knock was followed by Sophia’s entrance. She came first to her niece and dropped a kiss on her head, saying, “Good morning, sweet girl.” She laid her hand on Camilla’s arm in greeting and went over to one of the chairs placed near Dorothea.

“I wonder what we shall do today,” Camilla mused. “It is too hot for anything out of doors.”

Dorothea threw aside the small blanket that was over her lap and fanned air into her skirt. “I believe Miles has challenged Pembroke in billiards. I am sure they will happily make up pairs if Felix and Evo wish for it.”

“Perhaps,” Sophia replied. “Felix is determined to teach Evo how to play chess, for he thinks it necessary if he wishes to develop any aptitude in strategy or governance. I suppose he will have to convince him to sit long enough, though.”

“Has Evo shown any desire to enter into politics one day?” Camilla asked doubtfully.

“He has little choice, I should think,” Dorothea said, covering her mouth with a yawn. “Excuse me.”

“Shall I ring for tea?” Sophia asked.

Dorothea shook her head. “I had breakfast not long ago. Perhaps I will take a little nap. Will you ring for Nurse to come?” Sophia had no sooner agreed than the baby’s nurse knocked and entered.

“My lady, I’ve come to ask if I should take the baby to the herb room and watch over her while she sleeps? It is cool by the kitchen, and Cook will not begin dinner for another two hours.”

“An excellent idea.” Dorothea indicated for Camilla to hand her the baby, and she did so, feeling immediately cooler. If her sister and niece needed to sleep, there was no reason to stay.

“I shall leave you then. Enjoy your rest.” As a matter of fact, Camilla thought, a little slumber on such a hot day did not seem a bad idea, even if she had not the excuse of convalescence.

“I will join you,” Sophia announced and followed her into the corridor after bidding Dorothea to rest well. “It does seem warm in her room. It must be ideal in the winter when the sunlight keeps out the chill but ’tis less so in the summer.”

“Where will you go now? To rest?” Camilla asked hopefully.

Sophia shook her head. “As a matter of fact, I should like to talk to you if you are not busy.”

With regret, Camilla watched her chance for a nap slip away. “Of course. Where shall we go?”

“To your room, if you’d like.”

It must be serious then, Camilla thought. Then again, Sophia was so discreet she scarcely uttered commonplaces even when sitting in the bosom of her family. Perhaps it was just for a coze. They had not really spoken since arriving in Kington, thanks to the excitement of their niece’s arrival.

Miles had spent the whole week before the birth pacing, and Dorothea laughingly scolded him that the wood floor was not thick enough to endure it. The lying-in had lasted nearly twenty-four hours, which was enough to worry even Joanna, who had the most sanguine nature of the family apart from the earl. After the birth, they were united in their love of Augusta and spoke of little else. Evo, whom they had thought superfluous for the lying-in, had finally arrived and brought with him a return to some semblance of a daily routine. And now, Pembroke was here.

They entered Camilla’s room, which was only large enough to hold one chair. Sophia took a seat on the bed, and Camilla sat on the armchair, stretching her legs out before sitting more properly. “Felix and Miles seem to be getting on well.”

The Harwoods had only been married for two months, and Miles and Felix had not known each other for long before the wedding. Dorothea’s husband had advised Felix on how to approach Sir Timothy, the earl’s guardian, to discuss terms.

“Yes, I think they enjoy each other’s company.” Sophia laughed softly. “I suppose it was inevitable. As the only two gentlemen in a household of women—that is, until Evo and Pembroke arrived—they must look upon each other as something of a saving grace.”

Camilla smiled, the fluttering at hearing Pembroke’s name chasing away all fatigue.

“How are you finding your time in Herefordshire now that Pembroke is here?”

Camilla looked up in surprise, and with consternation found Sophia regarding her steadily. “Why do you ask me?” As much as she dreaded the answer, she suspected she knew it already.

Sophia took her time in responding. “When I was in love with Felix—before he had declared his own feelings—you had guessed the state of my heart, did you not?”

Camilla thought back. “Yes, I think I did.”

“I am sure you did, for there were occasions when you left us without chaperonage, and I remain convinced it was to give us a chance to become better acquainted.”

“Well, I knew you were shy,” Camilla replied. “I wanted to help your cause however I could. So yes, there were times I made myself invisible. I wanted to be sure he could see your worth—and I am glad he did.”