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Chapter Eighteen
My dear Sister,
I write to you with substantial concern. Mother has received a letter from uncle that has put her into quite a bit of distress. She fears for your reputation, based on uncle’s accounts. She has not shared the specifics, but she has mentioned heading to Marigold at once to ensure you are safe.
With my best effort, I convinced mother that uncle was surely overreacting, being that he has not had much experience with raising daughters. Yet, she is overly concerned, and I think a letter from you would do her well. She asked to read your notes to me, however, I explained to her that I lost them already. If you have any consideration for me, please write to her, or me, in a manner that can be shared.
I do not have much else by way of news. Marcia has taken a liking to a young marquess, equally as young as she. I would have hopes for a match between them, but for their ages. I doubt the affection would last the rest of the Season. We shall see.
No luck for me yet. Several suitors have called since the last Assembly, but only casually. If father or uncle were here, I imagine that manly discussions might be had on my behalf. However, no one can call upon these men to advocate in my, or our sisters’, favor.
I cannot help but feel that it would have been better for mother to have been with you, and uncle here. Though, I remind myself that while uncle should be making arrangements for us, I know that he would be as ineffective as mother, or worse.
As much as I can, I deplore you to be on your best behavior with your scheme. Do not jeopardize us just yet. Johanna is in the highest of spirits and is looking forward to your return for her wedding.
Your sister,
Trinity.
* * *
Mother,
I have heard alarming reports of your concern for my reputation. I want to assure you that I have been on my utmost behavior. With the opportunity to get to know the duke in person, I have found him to have a good and kind heart.
He has been the most accommodating host, and his family has been welcoming, as well. I have gotten to know his cousin, Joseph Conner and his fiancée, Katherine Benrow. The duke’s uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Conner have been in attendance the whole time.
I am looking forward to returning to London in just a week from today. The Duchess of Beaufort’s ball next week is the whole talk of the house. The duke and his family plan to be in attendance and the duke has asked me to attend with him.
I do not have hope that I will secure a true engagement to the duke at the end of the Season. Yet, the more I get to know him, the more I hope in vain to win his affections. Please think more about my heart than my reputation.
Your daughter,
Lydia.
Bent over her desk, Lydia finished her letter to her mother, blowing on the ink to help it dry. She laid the paper back down on the desk, sat back, and sighed. Glancing up briefly, she looked out to the lake, wondering if Michael would make an appearance.
Yet, the water of the lake stayed still, a stark contrast to how she felt inside. Every hour that she spent in the company of Michael grew her affections for him. Holding out hope that he might change his mind about marriage, she wanted to believe that she could convince him to marry her.
Worse, she had started dreading being in the company of Ranora and Kitty with their demeaning comments, and Joseph with his curiosity of her. She wanted to spend more time alone with Michael, yet could not, for her uncle’s vigilance and threats.
Her maid came in, asking, “My lady, shall I dress you?”
She stirred from the desk, rising. “Yes, please.”
Lydia rubbed her temples, trying to rid herself of the stress building in her head as her maid laced her stays. For a brief moment she wondered if it was all worth it.
If she would not be marrying Michael at the end of the Season, and the rest of her sisters were already having their own successes, she thought that she ought to call off the charade and return to London. Perhaps then she could focus on finding the right match for her.
She knew if she went down to breakfast, she would have to politely smile and defend herself against Ranora and Kitty’s snide remarks. Tempted to tell her maid she was going to take a tray in her room, she was about to speak when her maid spoke first.
“I know it’s difficult for you, my lady,” she said, not meeting Lydia’s gaze. “But I’ve worked at Marigold for some time now, and I do believe the duke likes you. Forgive me, for speaking out of turn.”
Lydia was shocked, but not offended by the maid’s bold statement.
“Thank you,” she said politely, checked herself in her mirror, and nodded to the girl.
Feeling strengthened by her words, she picked up her letters and headed down the corridor. Instead of going directly to the breakfast parlor, she found the butler and put her letters directly into his hands, smiling and thanking him.
