Page 45 of A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

Blackstone’s comparison to the stuffed owl sat stuck to him as Marlowe and Norman’s words bounced between his ears like a billiard ball struck too hard against the side of the table.

Pushing the conversation as firmly from his mind as he could, Edward rolled his shoulders and fixed a pleasant expression on his face to greet the ladies in his waiting carriage.

He looked up at his carriage only to see that it was empty.

His brow furrowed. Where was Felicity? What was she doing at that moment? And why did her absence when he expected to see her annoy him so much?

“Where are Miss Price and Miss Daphne?” he asked the coachman, not even moving to step inside.

The coachman winced. “Erm…my apologies, Colonel, but Miss Price accepted an invitation to accompany another lady on an outing. Didn’t seem like she could get out of it?”

Edward stiffened. An outing? With whom? Where? He narrowed his eyes. “Take me to them at once.”

* * *

The warmth of the parlor fire provided a comfortable contrast to the brisk April air outside, though Felicity hardly felt at ease with the brisk direction of the conversation. Mrs. Norman’s needle threaded smoothly through her embroidery hoop, her voice mild but pointed.

“You must forgive me, Miss Price,” she said, glancing up with a cheery smile, “but I cannot help but remark upon the way you and Colonel Halstead worked together so delightfully during our picnic.”

Felicity adjusted the tray of biscuits on the table in front of her, carefully composed, though her stomach twisted at the remark. “Worked together?” she echoed lightly. Her mind raced to recall the details: the way Edward had spoken to her, moved to help stay the pages of her book, walked alongside her as they trailed the young people. Nothing about their conduct had been inappropriate, surely?

Mrs. Norman’s smile deepened, revealing a dimple in one cheek. “Yes. I watched you two closely. It was quite…instructive.” Nothing about her tone seemed malicious. Her words at least seemed sincere.

That gave Felicity leave to relax somewhat, but her soft laugh still came out rather forced. “I should not think instructive is the correct word. We merely ensured Daphne could enjoy herself, a thing we somehow manage despite our disagreements on how best to keep an eye on her.”

Across the room, Daphne and Miss Norman sat close together near the window, speaking in hushed tones, the occasional giggle breaking through. Their conversation was their own, the youthful ease between them entirely natural. As it should be. They seemed completely unaware of the older women’s conversation.

Mrs. Norman set her embroidery aside, watching Felicity with something akin to amusement. “He listens to you, you know. More than he realizes, I think. More than either of you realize.”

Felicity’s fingers twitched against her skirts. “The Colonel and I are allies, nothing more. We have a shared interest in Daphne’s success, her happiness.”

“Of course,” Mrs. Norman agreed with good-natured mildness. She tilted her head, watching Felicity as though trying to look beneath the surface. “I imagine there is nothing more frustrating than a reluctant ally. And yet, I saw something else between you. Something companionable.”

“I suppose we must get along, to an extent, for Daphne’s well-being.” Heat was rising up her neck. She needed to keep the blush away, and sipping the tepid tea hardly helped. “It is not a permanent arrangement.”

The married woman hesitated a moment, her expression turning almost pained. “My dear, I do not mean to imply anything untoward.”

Felicity’s lips pressed together, but she refused to answer with anything other than politeness in her tone. “Governesses and companions often reside in bachelor households,” she pointed out, her voice even. “I am not unique in my situation.”

Mrs. Norman gave a soft hum. “No, you are not. But forgive me for being so blunt, Miss Price—you are unmarried, and while the circumstances are clear enough, there are those who may whisper. You know how Society is, Miss Price.”

Felicity did know. Far too well. She folded her hands neatly in her lap, nodding. “Which is why my focus remains entirely on my niece. Once she is settled, I will move on. Colonel Halstead understands that.”

Mrs. Norman’s expression softened. “That may be, but I hope you will allow yourself to make friends while you are here. If nothing else, I should like to be counted among them.”

Felicity blinked at the genuine kindness in the other woman’s voice. A quiet warmth settled in her chest, and though it was foreign and unexpected, she did not reject it. Instead, she gave a small, sincere smile. “That is very kind of you, Mrs. Norman.”

The lady returned her smile. “I do like what I know of you, Miss Price. I intend to prove myself a true friend. Women need each other in this world, you know.”

Before Felicity could respond, Daphne and Miss Norman’s hushed conversation dissolved into another fit of giggles. She turned slightly, catching the unmistakable brightness in Daphne’s expression. The laughter, the carefree way she spoke at a rapid pace; it was a sight Felicity had worried she would never see again after Anthony’s passing.

Mrs. Norman followed her gaze. “You see? Even the young ones need each other,” she murmured. “And I must say, your niece is flourishing under your care.”

Felicity exhaled, the tension easing from her shoulders. Yes. That was what mattered.

The rest of the visit passed quickly, and without any more uncomfortable topics broached. Their social calendars had been compared, aligned, and advised upon. The young ladies were happy. They could climb into their carriage and fetch the Colonel from his club at last.

Now why had she thought that—at last?