AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Eleven
“An elephant, perhaps?” Lydia guessed.
“I think perhaps one of those politicians that uncle was describing at breakfast,” Michael laughed.
Lydia and Kitty both laughed at his joke while Joseph continued to hang his arm from his nose, swaying back and forth. The three watching were clutching their sides in laughter. Even during their game, Lydia was keenly aware that Michael was sitting very closely next to her.
“We give up, Joseph!” Kitty cried, brushing away tears.
“Yes, do tell us,” Lydia pressed, covering her mouth to dampen her giggles.
“Whatever could you have been?”
Joseph sighed dramatically, falling back onto the couch next to Kitty. “Good heavens, how could you not tell? I was London Bridge!”
“Falling down?” Kitty giggled.
Amid their laughter, they hardly noticed a footman come in with a letter on a plate.
“A letter for you, my lady,” the footman said, holding the tray out to Lydia.
“Oh!” she cried, picking it up and thanking the man. “It’s from my sister.”
She broke the seal on the letter and began reading, but almost immediately turned the letter to face away from Michael, hoping he wouldn’t impolitely read over her shoulder.
My dear Sister,
I am happy to hear of your adventures at Marigold. I must admit that I am quite jealous that you have escaped the heat of the city. With you gone, the air feels much thicker and presses down on us all. I do not mean to make you think that all is not well here. In fact, we are still quite enthralled with our societal successes.
Just last night, Johanna received a proposal from Mr. Weller. Mother has cautioned her not to accept quite yet, though Mr. Weller is most obliging to allow her to the end of the Season. She is most enamored with him, yet we all feel that she does not know much of the world and she is not yet eighteen years old.
Marcia and Lucretia are having the grandest time. I do not believe they are taking the whole affair very seriously. They enjoy the attention from all the handsomest men and are now known as terrible flirts. Without you here to scold them, mother is dividing her attentions between wrangling them and helping me to attract anyone at all.
There I go again, stating the situation poorly. I have had several gentlemen callers since you were last here. I have tried my best to be charming and flattering, but I do not seem to be having much success. Any advice that you might have would be much appreciated.
Your presence is greatly missed, by all of us here, society in general, but most especially, me. I understand your reasoning for venturing to Marigold, but I cannot help but feel that this two-week diversion is a waste of your time and a detriment to us here.
I ask that you forgive me for my sour mood. I am envious of the fun that you are having, though I must warn you to not have as much fun as you seem to wish for. Please keep us in your thoughts.
Your morose sister,
Trinity.
After reading the letter, Lydia started to fold it, her mood darkened dramatically. She could see the others watching her expectantly for news from the city. Trying not to blush, she could not help but feel embarrassed for the scandalous thoughts referred to in the letter.
“Oh please, do tell us the news from London. How are your sisters getting along?” Kitty asked, excitedly.
“Fair enough,” Lydia replied dismissively, holding the letter tightly.
Michael raised an eyebrow at her. “You seem saddened. Is everything well?”
“Yes, yes, everything is well. Trinity appears to be missing me terribly already. It makes me feel quite guilty for leaving her in her time of need.”
“You mentioned at breakfast that she is the most timid of your sisters?” Kitty asked.
“Timid? No, that is Johanna. Trinity is shy, much preferring quiet, intimate settings to Assemblies and balls. It sounds like she is having a difficult time navigating the Season without me.”
“You aren’t contemplating returning to London, are you?” Joseph asked, looking surprisingly displeased.
