AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Lizbeth only sighed. “Very well.” Once Lizbeth finished arranging Edwina’s hair, she helped her to put on her walking shoes and handed her a cloak for her shoulders. Heading downstairs with determination, Edwina stopped upon seeing a great bouquet of flowers on an end table in the foyer.
“Those came for you this afternoon, Miss,” the butler said.
Edwina took the card from next to the vase, signed only briefly, “Fergus Argenon, Duke of Hillow.” A knock came on the door, causing Edwina to jump. The butler opened the door, revealing Leticia.
“Lady Somersby,” Edwina gasped, dropping into a curtsey. Leticia waltzed into the room, her eyes landing quickly on the flowers.
“Oh my, you have a suitor,” she breathed, smiling. “How charming. I was just coming by for a better introduction. I thought we might get to know each other better.” Edwina tried not to stammer. She wanted to be off to see her father at once, but society expected her to politely entertain guests. She could not even pretend to be indisposed.
“I would love to, but I was about to head out,” Edwina tried to say.
“Someone expecting you?” Leticia asked, moving to the parlor. Edwina did not want to say that she would be off to visit her father in the gaol, so she just took her shawl off and handed it to Lizbeth, who quickly curtseyed and left the room.
“Shall I call for some tea, Miss?” the butler asked.
“Yes, please,” Edwina told him, following Leticia into the parlor, glad that Leticia did not press her for an answer.
“Who are the flowers from?” Leticia asked pointedly, sitting at one of the tables in the parlor.
“A suitor,” Edwina explained, feeling uncomfortable with Leticia’s pressing. “I do thank you for stopping by. I have not made many friends in thetonso far.”
“Yes, you made a late debut into society, did you not?” Leticia asked. “Just last year?”
“That is correct,” Edwina responded, sitting across from Leticia. “How long have you been married?”
“Oh, over two years already,” she laughed. “My, how time flies. I had quite a number of suitors during my first few years in society. Even an offer or two. But I held out, and now look at me. A Countess.”
“That must be so liberating,” Edwina told her politely, smiling up at the maid who brought in a tray of tea, biscuits, and cakes, reminding Edwina that she had been ravenous when she woke.
“Liberating, indeed,” Leticia smiled, sipping her cup of tea. “Tell me, have you had great success in the marriage mart? Any suitors?”
Edwina pressed her lips together. “No, I have not, until now.”
“Why do you think that is?” Edwina tried not to let her anger show on her face. Though Leticia was pretty and smiled plenty, Edwina felt uneasy around her. She seemed like the vain sort of girl that loved being told how she was the best at anything and everything and better than everyone else.
“I think most people find my father and I a little odd,” Edwina said, “but I suppose you already know that.”
“Of course, I do,” she agreed quickly, taking a dainty bite of a cake. “That is why I am here, after all.”
“Why is that?” Edwina asked skeptically. She wanted to devour one of the biscuits in front of her but felt that Leticia might only laugh at her for it.
“I want to offer you help,” she explained. “You are undoubtedly pretty; you just need a little bit of support to appear more of a catch.”
“Is that so?” Edwina asked. “And what help could you offer?”
Leticia laughed as though amused that Edwina did not know. “Oh, my, you are quite a delight. Of course, being in my favor would show everyone that you are a catch. All the men that fell at my feet before would gladly look to you if I so much as looked in your direction.”
“Oh?” Edwina asked, trying not to laugh. “I suppose I could do with a little support, then.”
“See, I knew you would see,” Leticia said. “I would love to have you at supper. I can arrange for other eligible men to be there. Of course, your father could stay home.” Edwina felt her cheeks flush at the insult and the reminder that even if he had been invited, she could not guarantee his presence with him being imprisoned.
“I will look forward to your invitation,” Edwina said, placing her napkin back on the table as though she was finished. Leticia had the good graces to take the hint and stood.
“Very well,” Leticia said with a smile. She took Edwina’s hand in her own, pressing her fingers with familiarity and warmth. “I think we should be very fast friends. I do truly want to help you, Edwina.”
“Indeed,” Edwina smiled politely and showed Leticia to the door. Part of her wondered if Leticia did really want to help her and if her rudeness was just a product of society and the airs that she put on with her station. Even if Edwina did not want to be friends with this girl, she felt she had to for politeness’ sake. Before Leticia returned to her carriage, she turned back, standing on the front steps of the house.
“Oh, and I do hope you found your father,” she began. “My maid said she saw you out this morning, looking for him. If I was you, I would be a little more discreet about how and where you are seen.”
Edwina felt the blood rush out of her face. Leticia smiled at Edwina again, breathing a little, “Hmm” before she turned and got back into her carriage. Edwina clutched her hands into fists, shaking in anger.
“Miss?” the butler asked, reminding her to come back into the house.
Standing in the foyer, Edwina tried not to cry in anger and frustration. No amount of training could have prepared her for the snide remarks and smiling insults she had received from the ton. Where Leticia bragged about being a Countess, Edwina felt resolved to use her power as a Duchess to ensure no one laughed at her or insulted her father again.
“Please call for Lizbeth again,” Edwina told the butler. “I wish to see my father at once.”
