Chapter 9
The next day was bright and sunny when Mia pushed back the covers, slipped from the bed, and tiptoed over to the window.
She’d slept later than usual this morning, which surprised her, since today, she was going riding in the park with Kathryn and Lord Easton.
She was anxious to show them how much she’d improved.
A soft knock on the door drew her attention away from the view of the garden. “Come.”
The door opened, and Beatrice walked in. “Good morning, Miss Parker.”
“Good morning, Beatrice. Won’t you consider calling me Mia? Miss Parker is so very formal.”
“I’m sorry. I’m afraid I can’t do that. That wouldn’t be proper.”
Mia stared at the young woman. “How about Miss Mia? Would that be suitable to your sensibilities?”
Beatrice smiled. “Of course, that would be most appropriate,” she said, putting down a tray of hot chocolate and toast on the table beside the bed. “Why don’t you enjoy your morning chocolate while I arrange for your bath?”
“Thank you.” Mia hopped back into bed.
An hour later, she took one last look in the vanity mirror. Pleased with the fit of her new riding habit, she headed down to breakfast. When she walked into the dining room, Fletcher was sitting at the table, but Audrey was nowhere in sight.
“Good morning, Fletcher.”
He looked up from his paper. “Good morning, Mia. I trust you slept well.”
“I did indeed. I’m so looking forward to riding in Hyde Park today.” She glanced around again. “Where’s Audrey?”
“Taking a tray in her room today. I told her to relax for a bit longer. She was feeling a little under the weather this morning.”
“Oh, I do hope it’s nothing serious.”
“Your sister assures me she’ll be feeling herself again soon. I thought I’d join your party instead. Haven’t had a chance to ride Midnight much since we’ve returned to London.”
“That would be wonderful.”
Mia filled her plate with eggs, bacon, and toast. After breakfast, she went to the drawing room to wait until Kathryn and Lord Easton arrived. She was so excited, she could hardly sit still as the minutes crawled by.
An hour later, Audrey joined her. “Good morning, dearest. Don’t you look lovely in your new habit,” she said, bussing Mia’s cheek.
“Thank you. I’m ever so happy that the modiste finished it in time for our ride today. Fletcher told me you weren’t feeling well. I’m sorry you won’t be joining our party.”
“No need to be sorry. I feel better now. Perhaps one day, I’ll learn to be comfortable around horses, but I assure you that day is not today,” Audrey said with a chuckle.
“I understand. I felt the same way at first.”
“Do you know where Fletcher is?”
“I believe he’s in his study. He said he had work to do before he joined us for our ride.”
“Oh? He’s joining you?”
Mia nodded. “He said he needed to exercise Midnight.”
“Of course. His stallion does need exercise. If you’ll excuse me, dearest, I must speak to him before you head out.”
Mia watched her sister leave the room and wondered what she needed to see Fletcher about so urgently.
Audrey swept out of the drawing room and down the hallway to Fletcher’s study. She knocked on the door and waited.
“Come.”
She turned the handle and walked in. “Good morning, my darling.”
Fletcher looked up from the papers on his desk and smiled at her. “My dear, are you feeling better? You still look a little pale. Perhaps you should return to bed and rest for a while longer.”
Audrey chuckled. “I don’t think mere rest is going to help me, not at this stage anyway.”
Fletcher frowned before his eyes filled with wonder. “Are you with child?” he asked as he stood and rushed to her, pulling her into an embrace.
“I am, my darling, although it’s early days yet. I wanted to be sure before I mentioned anything.”
“All the more reason you should be resting. Should we depart for Dandridge Manor? This London air cannot be good for you or the child.”
Audrey stroked her husband’s cheek. “You’re such a dear man, but I assure you all is well. I want to stay in London so Mia can enjoy her Season.”
“You’re a wonder. Always thinking of everyone else’s happiness.”
“It’s not hard to want my family to be happy.”
“I understand, but you mustn’t endanger your health. Promise me you’ll tell me the moment you’re not feeling well and want to return to the country.”
“I will. Now that that’s been decided, perhaps you might kiss me.”
Fletcher lowered his head. “It would be my absolute pleasure, my darling,” he said, kissing her long and deep.
Time ticked by slowly as Mia waited for Kathryn and Lord Easton to arrive, but finally, she heard the clip-clop of horses outside.
She rushed to the window and let out a squeal when she saw them stop their mounts out front.
The extra horse they’d brought for her seemed quite calm.
That was good. She wasn’t quite ready or confident enough in her riding skills to handle a spirited horse.
Now all she needed was for her brother-in-law to appear, and they could get going. No sooner had that thought popped into her head than he walked into the drawing room.
“Are you ready, Mia?” he asked.
“Yes!” she said, picking up her leather gloves and following Fletcher out to the foyer. “I’m so excited. I’ve never been riding in Hyde Park before.”
Beckwith had the door open for them. “Enjoy your ride.”
“Thank you, Beckwith,” Mia said as she sailed out the door. “Good morning, Lady Clifford, Lord Easton.”
A groom was bringing Midnight from the mews, and the black stallion seemed anxious to get going, snorting and pawing at the ground.
“Good morning, Miss Parker,” Easton said. “A glorious day for a ride, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Absolutely,” Mia said.
“Your horse’s name is Lucille,” Kathryn said. “She’s a very sweet mare. I’m sure you’ll enjoy riding her. She doesn’t spook easily.”
“Thank you for bringing her,” Mia said. She walked over and held her hand out for the horse to sniff before patting her neck. “Lucille, it’s lovely to meet you.”
The groom holding Lucille helped Mia into the saddle.
“Fletcher, that’s a magnificent stallion,” Easton said.
“Thank you. This is Midnight,” he said, vaulting into the saddle before appraising Easton’s mount. “So, this is the new stallion I’ve heard about. He’s quite a specimen of superior breeding.”
“I knew I wanted him the moment I saw him at Tattersall’s.” Easton’s stallion was also stomping his feet and snorting. “I do believe Ares is impatient to be going as well,” he said with a chuckle.
“Of course. Lead on,” Fletcher said, falling in line with Mia while Lady Kathryn walked ahead with Easton.
As they traveled along the streets heading toward the park, Mia couldn’t help but notice how well Easton looked in the saddle. He had full command of his magnificent stallion, even though Ares didn’t seem to like Midnight walking anywhere near him.
Entering through the gate into Hyde Park always gave Mia such a thrill, whether she was promenading or riding.
When she was younger, Hyde Park was a magical place that she was not granted access to.
Her father never allowed them to promenade, and no one dared argue with his dictate.
It wasn’t until her sister married Fletcher that she was finally able to venture into the park.
Today was the first time she would be able to ride, and she could hardly contain her excitement.
To ride and be seen by Society was something she’d never thought she’d be able to enjoy, but here she was in the company of a very handsome gentleman and a dear friend.
She sat up straight in the saddle and held the reins loosely in her hands, like Mr. Swifton, the stablemaster at Dandridge Manor, had taught her.
He’d been so patient with her, helping her overcome her fear of horses and teaching her proper riding techniques. Now she adored horses.
She trotted up to Kathryn and Easton. “Lord Easton, I want to thank you again for accompanying us today.”
“It’s my pleasure, Miss Parker.”
“Your horse seems restless today.”
“Perhaps a little. I wasn’t able to give him the workout he needed before it was time to head to the park.”
Lady Kathryn fell back in line with Fletcher and Midnight. “I hope you’re enjoying your London stay,” he said.
“I must say it’s been different coming back to Town as a married woman. I used to dread going to ton events, but now I feel quite relaxed about them. There’s no pressure to be perfect all the time.”
“I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it is for young ladies on the marriage mart. So many rules to follow to make sure you don’t say or do the wrong thing and make the gossip mongers start.”
“That’s it exactly.”
“Well, I’m glad you and Sir Samuel came to London for a visit. I know my wife misses you. Have you spoken to her lately?”
Kathryn looked over at Fletcher. “Not today. Is something amiss?”
“Not exactly, although I would have thought she’d have confided in you.”
That brought a smile to Kathryn’s face, and she leaned over to whisper, “Ahh, I see she’s told you her news.”
Fletcher nodded. “This morning.”
“I’m glad she told you. She told my mother and me yesterday at nuncheon.”
“Well, her condition poses a bit of a problem.”
“It does? How so?”
“I don’t want her to become overtired during the Season. These ton events can be exhausting, and my wife insists on staying in London so her sister may experience as many activities as possible. I won’t risk her health or that of the child for that.”
“I assure you, she’ll know when she’s exhausted her strength. Now that you’re aware of her condition, you can discuss any future engagements with her before you accept the invitation. That way, it’s a mutual decision.”
“I will indeed. I know that when she was pregnant with William, she was quite fatigued in the early days. If she’s equally fatigued this time, she’ll try to ignore it. You know my wife will do nothing that will upset her sister’s Season.”