AllFreeNovel
Share Us
On Sunday, braced on both sides by her parents and brothers, Louisa walked into St. George’s Church, praying that all her years of training as a nobleman’s daughter would not abandon her while she did so.
They proceeded up the aisle to their usual pew, and Louisa sat looking straight ahead, trying desperately not to think about the final banns that were to have been read today. But the very fact that she was trying not to think about them meant that that was all she could think about.
There was a part of her that wanted to look about the chapel for William, wondering if he would be here just to see if she would not object to the reading of the final banns. But it was fanciful thinking on her part. Papa had already spoken to the rector.
There would be no final banns read today.
She hardly heard a word spoken during the services, except for a few murmurs that arose in the congregation when the time for the banns came and went. She supposed it didn’t help that the rector paused ever so briefly, shooting a glance at her and Papa as if waiting to be corrected, before continuing on.
Eventually, none too soon for Louisa, the service concluded. “Nearly done now, little sister,” Alex whispered in her ear as they arose. “Only the escape, and then you are through the worst of it.”
She nodded, acknowledging his words of encouragement.
But the escape proved a difficult one. They had barely stepped out of the pew into the aisle when Lady Putnam pushed through the crowd. “I believe I shall see that the carriage is ready,” Louisa heard Papa whisper to Mama just as Lady Putnam reached them. Papa had little tolerance for the lady and her gossipy ways.
“Lady Ashworth, Lady Louisa, a fine day, is it not?” Lady Putnam said in greeting. “And here are your handsome sons as well.”
Alex and Anthony both nodded to her and then quickly excused themselves, leaving Louisa and Mama to face Lady Putnam alone. Louisa should be put out at them for abandoning her, but it was Lady Putnam, after all, so she couldn’t help but sympathize with their innate need to flee for survival’s sake.
“Ah, well, there they go,” Lady Putnam said, watching with an upraised eyebrow. “Young gentlemen are always in such a rush these days, it seems. And speaking of young gentlemen . . .” She waited, and the expectant pause that followed grated on Louisa till she thought she might scream, which would be the worst thing she could possibly do in a chapel.
“You are absolutely correct,” Mama said. “It seems I can hardly keep track of what Halford and Anthony are doing these days. It does my heart good to see that they still make time to join their family at church services, would you not agree?”
Lady Putnam’s face dropped when it became apparent to her that Mama was not going to talk about William. “Yes, very admirable, I must say. Just as well that my Harriet was unable to attend today since your sons had to leave so quickly. She awoke with a bit of a sore throat, and I encouraged her to remain home and rest.”
“Excellent advice,” Mama replied. “I hope she returns to full health soon.”
“Thank you. Ah, there is Charlotte with her papa. Well, a happy Sabbath to you all. Best of wishes, Lady Louisa, and your betrothed, of course.” She nodded politely, but her knowing smile meant she knew something was amiss.
“That’s enough for today,” Mama said. “Even without being told anything, you can bet Lady Putnam will spread the word that the final banns weren’t read today—she will most likely share her opinion as fact that the betrothal has ended.”
“She won’t be wrong, Mama.” Louisa winced inwardly at Mama’s use of the word bet, for it reminded her of William. “The betrothal has ended.”
“Ahem,” a male voice said behind them.
She and Mama both turned at once to see who’d tried to get their attention, but Louisa had already guessed. Because with Louisa’s run of misfortune lately, who else would it be?
“Lord Kerridge, what a surprise,” Mama said, her face a bit paler than it had been moments ago.
“You are looking well, Lady Ashworth.” He turned to Louisa. “Lady Louisa, always a pleasure to see you.”
“Thank you,” she managed.
“May I escort the two of you to your carriage? I noticed that you seem to be without any of your gentlemen at the moment.”
Was he referring to Papa, Alex, and Anthony? Or was he dropping a none-too-subtle hint that he, too, had noticed that the final banns had not been read?
“That’s very kind of you, Lord Kerridge,” Mama said. “Isn’t it, Louisa?”
“Yes,” Louisa replied. “Thank you.”
He winged out an arm for each of them, and Louisa dutifully slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, as she had done on other occasions. So she was utterly caught off guard when something—not a voice, exactly but something—within her heart and mind whispered, “This feels wrong.”
She pulled her hand away.
“Is everything all right?” Lord Kerridge asked her, a concerned look on his face.
She was being foolish. She had simply become more accustomed to William in the past few weeks, that was all, so being with Lord Kerridge felt less familiar now. His offer of marriage still stood. She should be appreciating his thoughtfulness—and she did. “Yes,” she said simply. She placed her hand back in the crook of his elbow.
