Chapter Eighteen #2
Rowena purchased the bonnet. Not that she needed it, but when she wore it, she would think of Lord Marley and how he had found her attractive in it.
While the milliner wrapped it for her, they strolled about the shop.
She noticed a smudge on her spectacles. She removed them, and Lord Marley quickly whipped out a handkerchief.
“Allow me,” he said, and she passed the spectacles to him.
He held them up to the light, taking the handkerchief to wipe the smudge. Then he frowned. Bringing them closer to his own eyes, he stared through the lens, moving his head slowly as he viewed the other hats on display.
Lowering them, he said, “You do not need to wear spectacles, do you?”
Guilt flushed her cheeks. “No, my lord. I do not.”
“Then why do you insist upon never been seen without them?” he demanded. “Do you choose to hide behind them?”
She nodded. “They were a part of the armor I donned each time I dressed for a ton event. I had already been rejected too many times. The spectacles—and the way I dressed—were to protect me from further hurt. If you are not noticed, then you cannot be hurt,” she explained, knowing how pathetic that made her sound.
“You are no longer in town, Miss Stanhope. You have changed your manner of dress to a more flattering one. Why not also give up the spectacles?”
Heat filled her cheeks. “I actually had before this house party began. Because I would be around several strangers, I chose to wear them again.” Shrugging, she added, “They seemed like an old friend.”
He folded them, placing them into the inside pocket of his coat. Even though she longed to abandon using the spectacles, Rowena’s protest died in her throat when he reached and took her hand.
Gazing deeply into her eyes, he said, “Please do not wear them again, Miss Stanhope. Shine—and let the world see who you truly are.”
He then released her hand before the small gesture could be seen.
The milliner said, “Here you go, Miss Stanhope. Thank you for your business.”
She turned to accept the parcel, but Lord Marley took it instead.
“Let me carry it for you,” he said, leading her from the shop.
Since they had visited everywhere in the village, she told him they should head to the bakeshop now. Rowena kept swallowing, trying to force down the lump which had lodged in her throat.
The four other couples had already arrived before them, and Miss Tweedham said, “We have already ordered tea and sticky buns for all.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Lord Marley said. “That was most thoughtful of you.”
No one mentioned the fact that Rowena was no longer wearing her spectacles, and no one commented when she kept silent during their time in the bakeshop.
Their group left Mossleigh, and the ladies gravitated toward one another, each sharing what purchases she had made in the village as they strolled back toward Pebblestone.
She walked arm-in-arm with Miss Tweedham, knowing that her cousin would soon offer for her friend.
Rowena was glad she knew of the happy news ahead of time because at this moment, her spirits had sunk lower than at any other time since her father’s death.
They arrived at Pebblestone, and the ladies went to freshen up and deposit their purchases in their bedchambers. When they returned downstairs, they were met by Lord Pebble, who instructed them to go to the stables.
“Horses will be readied for you so that you might enjoy your afternoon ride,” the viscount said. “Remember, you will be taking tea at Lord Howell’s today.”
At the mention of the baron’s name, she noted that Lady Sarah blushed. She stepped toward her friend and asked, “Are you enjoying the house party, Lady Sarah?”
“Very much so, Miss Stanhope. I am also eager to see Lord Cramer’s and Lord Howell’s estates. I do hope we will get to see Mary when we call at Meadowbrook.”
“She is a delightful child,” Rowena said, her friend quickly agreeing.
They went out to the stables, and she saw that Aurora had been saddled for her.
A groom helped her to mount, and soon they cantered along the lane to Lord Cramer’s estate.
The earl proudly showed his property to them, answering several questions from Lord Marley.
She could tell Lord Marley was serious about assuming his duties and learning all he could to make Marleyfield thrive.
After an hour, they rode more of the countryside, and she couldn’t help but enjoy her time on horseback.
Aurora was a dream to ride, and Rowena did so several times a week.
They reached Baron Howell’s estate, and he showed them around as Lord Cramer had. Once they had seen his property, which was smaller than that of Lord Cramer’s or Pebblestone, he said, “Let us leave our horses in the stables. My grooms will water them while we are at tea.”
Once they had an opportunity to freshen up, they went to the drawing room.
Lord Howell’s cook had outdone herself, with an array of sandwiches and sweets alike.
Since they were all so hungry from their long ride, everyone ate well.
The baron had asked for Mary to be brought down to the drawing room, and she had insisted upon sitting in Lady Sarah’s lap.
Rowena studied her friend and knew she would be a good mother to this child and any other offspring she and Lord Howell might have.
“Shall we be going?” Mr. Tompkins asked.
“Wait. I have one more thing to share,” Lord Howell said. He crooked his finger at Mary, and she climbed from Lady Sarah’s lap and came to him.
“Remember the present?” he asked. When his daughter nodded, he added, “Go and bring it to me.”
Mary scurried across the room, picking up something off a table and bringing it back. She handed it to her father. Everyone present leaned closer, trying to see what it was.
Then the baron took his daughter’s hand, and they both went to stand before Lady Sarah. He took to one knee. Rowena heard a few gasps.
“Lady Sarah, you know that I became a widower over two years ago. While Mary and I have done our best to move forward, we both realize something is lacking at Meadowbrook.”
Lady Sarah smiled at the pair, obviously knowing what would come next.
Lord Howell smiled. “What is missing is a woman’s touch.
Mary is in need of a mother. Meadowbrook has need of a baroness to look after it.
Above all, I wish for a companion to share my life and, hopefully, more children.
Mary and I would like to ask if you might honor us and become my wife and her mother. ”
Lady Sarah’s eyes misted with tears. “Yes, my lord. It is most definitely yes.” She looked to Mary. “I will be happy to help raise you and love you, Mary, my dear.”
The baron opened the small box his daughter had brought to him. “I wanted you to see this, my lady. It will be your wedding ring. It has been in my family for five generations. Five Howell brides have worn it.”
“I will wear it with pride, my lord,” Lady Sarah said, her voice breaking.
Mary began jumping up and down with joy. Lady Sarah was swamped with embraces from the other women, while Lord Howell received congratulations from the men.
“I have already spoken with Lord and Lady Pebble,” Lord Howell shared. “They are happy to allow you to stay at Pebblestone for the next three weeks while the banns are being read. We can wed in the Mossleigh church unless you would prefer to do so in your home parish.”
Lady Sarah radiated happiness now. “Our home will be here, my lord. I would prefer for our wedding to take place here, as well. I do want to send word to my parents to let them know.”
Rowena only hoped that Lady Sarah’s parents would journey to Dorset for the ceremony.
“Now, you can leave for Pebblestone,” Lord Howell told the group. “I wish to remain at Meadowbrook and show Lady Sarah more of the house since it will soon be her home. We will dine here and then join you in the drawing room at Pebblestone later this evening.”
Their party, smaller now, returned to the stables and rode back to Pebblestone.
All the way there, Rowena thought of how her two good friends would now live in the neighborhood.
She would be able to see them any time she liked.
Yet a curtain of melancholy had dropped over her.
Though she would always have Lady Sarah and Miss Tweedham as friends, their paths in life would diverge drastically now.
They would become wives and mothers, while Rowena would be left alone.
She dismounted from Aurora and heard, “A penny for your thoughts.”
Turning, she found Lord Marley next to her. Tamping down her sadness, she smiled brightly.
“Isn’t it wonderful about Lady Sarah and Lord Howell?” he asked.
“Yes, it is very good news indeed.”
Rowena hurried away, joining Miss Lawson and linking arms with her as they returned to the house.
Because Lord Marley was the last person she wished to be with now.