Page 30 of Her Baseborn Bridegroom

“Oh yes, let’s!” agreed Linnet joyfully. “I would like that so much.”

“And I too,” said Enid. “My husband Lambert was my best friend. And since he has gone . . . ” she sighed. “I have missed friendship.”

“You are so young to be a widow,” said Linnet.

“I am five and twenty,” corrected Enid. “I was married for ten years. I doubt I will ever enter matrimony again. Lambert was . . . unique.”

“How so?” asked Linnet softly. She was trying to imagine Enid as a bride at fifteen. So young to marry! And yet, not unusual with nobility.

“He respected women, listened to me. He was kind, considerate, thoughtful. How many women can say that of their husbands?” asked Enid wryly.

Linnet thought of Mason. “I am very fortunate in my husband too,” she said decidedly.

Enid smiled. “I’m glad,” she said kindly. “After such an upbringing, you deserve every happiness, Linnet.”

“Thank you.”

Lady Sybilla gave a snore so loud it seemed to wake her for a moment and she shifted in her seat.

“I ride,” said Enid urgently. “And I am my own mistress now so I can go out and about. Would you . . . ?”

“I look forward to spending more time in your company,” said Linnet hurriedly. “I do not ride yet, but I intend to learn.” It was true, although she had only just thought of it at this very moment.

“Excellent,” said Enid warmly. “I sometimes ride into town on an errand, or for some shopping . . . ”

“I need new shoes,” blurted Linnet. “Leather shoes or boots. Something more hard-wearing than my slippers.”

“Shall we say . . . tomorrow?” suggested Enid. “I could come by in our carriage and collect you?”

“That would be perfect,” said Linnet.

They both smiled widely at each other as Lady Sybilla sat up and started complaining that the afternoon sun was shining in her eyes and blinding her.

X

Mason poured more warm water into the basin and stripped to his waist. Linnet was seated on the bed behind him giving him an account of the Jaunceys’ visit. She thought he had only been listening with half an ear, but now he frowned.

“Who’s Chilton?” he asked coolly.

“The younger brother,” explained Linnet. “Enid was married to his older brother Lambert, who died.”

“Who is Chilton married to?” he asked, swinging round and narrowing his gaze on her.

“No one,” she answered. “He’s not married. He only recently came into the title and lands.”

“And why does Lady Jauncey want you to meet her unmarried son?” he asked pointedly.

Linnet bit her lip. “Well . . . Um. Enid seemed to think that, well, Lady Jauncey might have thought—” she broke off distractedly. “Just to be neighborly,” she finished off brightly.

He swung back round to finish rubbing himself down with a square of linen.

“I really like Enid,” Linnet was rambling on. “We’ve decided we shall be firm friends.”

“You’re not to go to the Jauncey place,” he said abruptly, throwing down his towel.

“What? Why not?” she could hear the dismay in her voice.

“To an unmarried man’s house. I think not, Linnet.”