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If only she had taken the time to cultivate a close relationship with a woman her age, someone to confide in. She needed—wanted—a friend.
She turned at the delicate clearing of a throat to find Lady Honoria.
“Miss Pratt, may I have a word?”
If Priscilla could choose a friend, it would be Honoria. True, they had little in common, different in temperament as night to day. But Honoria had treated her kindly and had an unfailing ability to see the best in people, something Priscilla sorely lacked. Rather than solidify a friendship, the one thing they did have in common was precisely that which prevented Priscilla from confiding in her.
Dr. Timothy Marbry.
How could Priscilla unburden her heart to the very woman the man had been courting?
Earnest urgency shimmered in Honoria’s eyes, and a prick of anxiety trickled down the pathway of Priscilla’s spine. “Of course.” They moved to a quiet corner of the terrace unpopulated by others.
“I’m not sure how to approach this,” Honoria said, her gaze fixed on the stone terrace beneath them.
“I’d rather have you say it to my face than behind my back where I might hear it from the wagging tongues or read it in a scandal sheet.”
Again, Priscilla’s words proved why the two would have a fraught friendship. Presuming Honoria had words of criticism, as Priscilla no doubt would have for one such as herself, she’d jumped to the worst conclusion.
Erroneously.
Honoria’s fair skin paled. “Oh, no. You misunderstand. If anything, I admire how you’ve conducted yourself this afternoon. The courage you’ve shown is quite extraordinary.”
Courage? Priscilla glanced at the lemonade, wondering if perhaps something strongerhadbeen added which had undoubtedly altered Honoria’s perception.
It rendered Priscilla practically speechless. Still, she choked out two words she truly meant. “I apologize.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. It’s no wonder you would think that, considering the treatment you’ve received.” Honoria sent her a look that somehow conveyed sympathy without pity.
Doing her best to mimic the expression, she said, “Whatever you have to say, I’m listening.”
“I wished to speak with you about Dr. Marbry.”
Whump!An object the size of a boulder dropped in her stomach, heavy and foreboding. “What about him?” The words came out in a croak that would rival any bullfrog’s nightly call.
“He’s very kind and considerate. Attentive in all that matters. It’s just that . . .” She shook her head, as if debating what to say next.
Priscilla held her breath. Had Honoria noticed the desperate look in Priscilla’s eyes each time she gazed at Timothy? The longing, the desire? And worse, had she noticed that Timothy returned those looks with as much feeling?
In short, had they been found out? She waited for Honoria to continue, learning from her past mistakes.
Pain lanced her heart afresh that Honoria would suffer as well. “Just what, Honoria?” She knew she should address her properly as was befitting her station, but something inside told her that Honoria needed the friendship she herself sought.
“It’s only that I’d hoped . . . foolishly, perhaps, that I might experience a love match.”
Priscilla swallowed, forcing down the lump that had risen to her throat. “And Dr. Marbry hasn’t met your expectations?”
Honoria’s gaze shot to Priscilla’s, and their eyes locked in sisterly camaraderie. “Oh, please don’t blame Dr. Marbry, Miss Pratt.”
“Priscilla, please.”
Honoria gave her a wan smile. “Priscilla, yes. It’s not his fault he doesn’t hold such affection for me. As I said, he’s kind and thoughtful. However, I must shoulder some of the responsibility. I fear my feelings for him are more like those for a brother.” Pink flushed her cheeks. “And I hoped for more . . . ardent feelings.”
Unsure how she should respond, Priscilla held her tongue and waited.
“Am I expecting too much? My father said Dr. Marbry has expressed his intention of offering for me, although he has yet to do so. I have a suspicion he might hold a tendre for someone else.”
Ah, that Priscilla could address honestly. “I don’t think you need to worry about Dr. Marbry loving another. If it is what you wish, I believe he would make you a faithful and loyal husband.”
