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I slipped the final volume of Udolpho into my reticule and pulled on my gloves. One never did know when one would be presented with time to read, and I hated to be unprepared. Besides, if I had any hope of sleeping in my own bed tonight, I needed to finish this novel during the daylight.
Lady Edith awaited me downstairs, and I could sense her impatience when I stepped into the drawing room. Thankfully Fanny had the foresight to bring a breakfast tray to me while she readied my toilette, and I would not need to ask my mother-in-law to wait longer while I ate. She did not appear to be in a mood for trifles such as breakfast.
“Ah, there she is,” Lady Edith said, placing her embroidery in her basket with great forbearance.
“Wait, Mother. There is something I need to speak to Felicity about before you leave.”
James stood at the window, his hands clasped casually behind his back, and my heart leapt at the dashing figure he presented. His jaw was freshly shaven, his hair styled as it typically was, and everything in pristine order from the shine of his boots to the knot of his cravat. Had he readied himself while I’d slept? It was such a foreign concept, I could not help but feel my neck heat. I recalled his bare chest lying beside me, and my blush deepened.
Lady Edith stilled, looking from her son to me, then settled her hands in her lap. “Very well.”
I approached him at the window, aware of the strength of his gaze as it followed me across the room. “Good morning, James.”
He dipped a brief nod. “Were you able to sleep well?” he murmured. I glanced over at his mother, who sat far enough away in the spacious room, her hands occupied with her embroidery. At least the woman gave us privacy.
“Yes. I cannot recall the last time I slumbered so deeply.” Proof that he had likely readied himself for the day in his own chamber and I had not heard a peep. “Thank you for your assistance. It was very kind of you.”
“Yes, I’m quite the saint,” he said, a hint of humor to his tone. “I certainly received nothing from the arrangement.”
He spoke with sarcasm, but I did not know why. “Indeed. You suffered a hysterical woman waking you in the middle of the night, broken sleep, and half of your bed.”
James ran a hand over his jaw. “None of those were a sacrifice, Felicity. You are welcome anytime.”
My pulse jumped at the very thought, and I looked to the window, certain my face would flame if I searched out James’s greenish eyes now. “Your mother is waiting for me.”
He cleared his throat. “Before you go, I did have something to speak to you about.”
I faced him.
“It occurred to me that you might be more comfortable during the ball if you had someone attend who made you comfortable. Since your parents cannot make it—”
Chose not to make it.
“—I wondered if you would like to write to your cousin in Scotland and invite her to stay for a visit?”
“Oh, truly?” I asked, inhaling in my excitement. I’d posted an invitation to my aunt, her new husband, and my cousin Daniel in case they were in residence at Arden Castle, but I hadn’t thought to extend the invitation to Jane because of the distance of her house. If she was invited to remain for a visit, that would make the journey to Cumberland worth it for her and Ewan.
“She and her husband are welcome for as long as you wish to have them, of course.”
I took James by the shoulders and reached up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, James.”
His eyes sparkled. “You needn’t thank me. All I’ve done is produce the idea.”
“I will write to her straight away.” I turned to do just that and paused, Lady Edith’s frown reaching me from across the room. “I will write to her when we return from town,” I amended quietly.
James chuckled softly. He rested a hand against my waist and leaned in, his quiet voice tickling my ear. “Do not let Mother fool you. She is not nearly as frightening as she attempts to appear.”
His breath chased a chill down my spine.
“On the contrary. She frightens me exactly as much as she intends.”
