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Chapter 71
It was nearing the date of Dinah’s wedding to Lord Browning. The day before the wedding, Lucy hosted a party at the house on Harley Street. She invited all of her and Dinah’s close friends—Susan, Violet, and Rosemary. For the little townhouse, it would be a very large party, indeed. The largest since the days of Lucy’s parents.
She had done a thorough clean herself, going to the flower stall down the street to purchase bundles of flowers to make a few strategic arrangements to decorate the space. She had also prepared a large selection of small finger sandwiches, tea cakes, and other delicious treats. It would be a simple tea, but with good friends and excellent discussion.
“How are the preparations coming?” Aunt Joan asked, peering into the kitchen.
“They are going well,” Lucy said, wiping her hands on her apron. She had on her striped muslin, and was just finishing putting the watercress and cucumber sandwiches together.
When she turned to look at her aunt, she was surprised to find that she was dressed to go out, with her cloak and bonnet on. In her hand, she held her gloves and reticule.
“Aunt Joan?” she asked. “Will you stay for the party?”
“Oh, no. I want you to all have fun. You don’t need an old woman hanging about.” Aunt Joan waved her hand.
“Oh, but we’d love to have you here.” It was true—Lucy had counted on her staying.
“I have plans to go and visit Mrs Trent. She’s feeling under the weather, as you know.”
“I do.”
Aunt Joan touched Lucy’s cheek. “Tell Dinah that I’m so happy for her.”
“I will.”
Aunt Joan bustled out of the house. Lucy glanced around. She knew that her time there was coming to an end. Aunt Joan planned to continue living there, after Lucy’s marriage.
It made Lucy sad, in a bittersweet way. For so long, it had just been Lucy and Aunt Joan. Now, though, Lucy was getting a larger family. And soon, children. For she and Silas were both in agreement—they wanted to have as many as possible.
She stood in the kitchen, surrounded by plates of sandwiches and cakes, and one tear slipped down her cheek. Quickly, she brushed it away and went to fetch water for tea from the pump out back.
***
The party for Dinah was a joyous event. The young women all sat on the settee and armchairs, with cups of tea and platefuls of cake and sandwiches. The floral arrangements had been declared tasteful, and then the conversation had turned to books and politics.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. They had just finished arguing about the necessity of the current campaign overseas.
“Thank you for throwing this, Lucy,” Dinah said in a low voice. The others were deep in discussion.
“I’m happy to do so. I have one last present for you.” She took out the package, wrapped in paper from where she had left it on the other side of the settee.
“I think I know what this is!” Dinah exclaimed, tearing the brown paper off of it, to reveal the painting of the lovers. All of the others had stopped talking and were now paying close attention.
Dinah beamed at her. “Thank you. This is my absolute favourite.”
“You’re welcome.”
“And so,” Lady Violet said. “Our dear Dinah will be the first of us to be wed.”
“But not the last,” Lady Rosemary announced.
“Far from it!” Dinah agreed. “Lucy should be married before summer. And I daresay, Rosemary will be not long after.”
“I fear that I’m the only one of us without an intended,” Violet said. “Someday, I will surely find him.”
“You never know, he might be hiding in plain sight.”
Violet, Rosemary, and Susan all got up to get themselves some more tea from the table. Dinah leaned in towards Lucy.
