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Benedict cast a skeptical look at his brothers and paused at the edge of the carpet, crossing his arms over his chest. “Now, who am I not allowed to speak to?”
Henry cast him a look. “Dorothea has written to Cousin Matthew and informed him that she intends to remain at school for the summer holiday.”
“Ah,” Benedict said, his brow clearing from confusion. “And our dear mama requires that we ride to York posthaste to ensure ourselves that the little terror is well?”
“You were not asked,” Lady Edith said primly. “James will go.”
“And I think it wise for you to come with me,” James said. “You can prove to the chit that you harbor no ill feelings toward her, and she is welcome at Chelton whenever she wishes.”
Lady Edith’s expression cleared, and she brought her palms together not unlike in prayer. “That is just the thing, James. Why do you not bring Dorothea home with you? If she does not wish to pass the summer with Lord Claverley, perhaps she could do so here. She needn’t remain at that school any longer.”
“And risk offending our great savior?” Benedict asked, his voice dripping with disdain. “I still do not understand why you must beg help from Cousin Matthew. Why can you not chaperone the girl about London?”
“I would need to be in London to do so,” she reminded him crisply.
“Ah,” Benedict said, a lazy smile crossing his lips as he lowered himself on the chair nearest the fire. “But we have Mrs. Bradwell now, who can travel to London without great physical distress.”
My stomach flipped over, and I fought every inner desire to scratch my itchy skin, which seemed to worsen alongside this unpleasant conversation. I did not know the first thing about chaperoning a young lady, and given the way James and I were forced to wed quickly, I doubted very much that anyone would trust me as a chaperone either.
“That would not work,” Lady Edith said, folding her embroidery and returning it to her work basket. “We depend upon your cousin’s name in order to secure a match for Thea.”
“Whyever—”
“Please do not press me,” she said, closing her eyes. She appeared inordinately unwell, greatly taxed by the conversation, and I rose.
I could not, perhaps, run a great house like Chelton yet or chaperone her goddaughter around London, but I did know how to assist an overtired mother.
“Lady Edith, you appear as though you could use a hot cup of tea and some rest.”
She lifted her gaze to me, a soft line forming between her eyebrows. “That sounds very pleasant, Felicity.”
She stood, and I took her by the arm and led her from the room without another word from any of her sons. Their deep voices could be heard in conversation once we left the drawing room, and Lady Edith let out a sigh. “I love my sons, but their obstinance can be trying at times.”
“I am certain all mothers could say the same for their children.”
Lady Edith smiled. “You are likely correct.”
“Would you like a bath as well? I can ring for water to be heated.”
“No, a short rest will do just fine.”
I walked Lady Edith to her chamber—though in truth, she led me, for I did not know where I was going—and left her outside her door.
“We can begin on the invitations later this afternoon,” she promised. “After you remove that uncomfortable gown.”
So, my itching hadn’t gone unnoticed. A warm blush spread up my neck. “Shall I ring for your tea?”
“I can manage.” She paused, her shrewd gaze sweeping over me. “Thank you, Felicity.”
There were a small handful of things she could have been thanking me for, and I did not know precisely which it was—the way I spoke about Miss Northcott or presented myself to the earl, or the way I extricated Lady Edith from the drawing room when she appeared to need it. But regardless of the particulars, I felt we had surpassed a pivotal moment in our relationship and determined not to ruin it with a question. I nodded softly and closed the door behind me.
Now, to see if I could find my way downstairs again—after I burned this gown.
