Chapter 13
Mia saw Lord Easton standing beside the French doors. Was he guarding them for her?
Ah…what a man Lord Easton was! It gave her such a warm feeling to have him looking out for her.
The gentleman she’d been dancing with asked her to stroll out to the balcony for a bit of fresh air, but she knew what that meant from her previous mistake and politely declined his invitation.
Once she’d been safely returned to her sister’s company, she looked around for Lord Easton and saw him nod at her before leaving the ball.
Was she correct that he had indeed been looking out for her? Of course, if he were, that begged the question of why. She didn’t know the answer to that, but what she did know was that she was looking forward to the outing at Vauxhall Gardens and spending more time with him.
After that last dance, Audrey signaled it was time to leave the Gardner ball, and Mia was more than happy to agree, for her feet were sore from so much dancing, but it had been worth it. She’d never enjoyed an evening so much, especially her waltz with Lord Easton.
“I hope you enjoyed yourself, dearest,” Audrey said once they were in the carriage.
“Oh, I did. It was wonderful to dance with so many gentlemen.”
“Anyone in particular?”
Mia shook her head. “No. Everyone was quite delightful. I’m glad I got to meet Lady Arabella. She’s lovely, and I look forward to seeing her again soon.”
Audrey nodded. “Yes, she’s quite pleasant.”
“You don’t mind that I invited her to tea, do you? I should have consulted you first and not put you on the spot like that. I do beg your forgiveness.”
“Nothing to forgive, dearest. I would be happy to have her and her mother for tea. It’ll be good for you to have friends your own age. What about Lady Victoria and Lady Wright? Shall we extend the invitation to them once a date is set?”
Mia nodded. “Yes. That would be wonderful. I do like Lady Victoria ever so much.”
She thought about Lord Easton and wondered if he fancied Lady Victoria.
She’d seen him dancing with her friend and couldn’t tell if he was enamored with her or not.
It didn’t matter because she wasn’t about to deprive herself of Lady Victoria’s company.
That would be foolish. She’d seen how invaluable it was to have a circle of supportive friends.
Her sister had that with Kathryn and Lady Devon, and she wanted to experience the same camaraderie with her friends.
Audrey leaned her head on Fletcher’s shoulder.
“Audrey, are you well? I hope you didn’t push yourself too much,” Mia said.
“No. I’ll be fine with a good night’s rest.”
When the carriage pulled up to Fletcher House, the footman opened the door, and Fletcher helped the ladies down.
Beckwith was standing in the doorway of the townhouse, waiting for them. “I hope your evening was pleasurable,” the butler said.
“It was indeed,” Fletcher said, handing over his hat and cane.
Audrey and Mia passed over their shawls, and the trio headed up the stairs.
“Thank you again, Fletcher, for accepting the invitation to the Gardner ball. It was a spectacular night,” Mia said as they walked down the hall to their respective bedchambers.
“You’re most welcome. Sleep well,” Fletcher said, opening their door and ushering Audrey inside.
“Good night.”
Mia practically skipped the rest of the way to her room.
She was floating on air, and she’d had more fun tonight than she could ever recall having before.
This was what she wanted. To have fun, to laugh, to dance, and to spend time with her friends.
She had no idea what future engagements they might attend, but she was looking forward to the outing to Vauxhall Gardens with Lord Easton.
The Monday after the Gardner Ball, Lord Berkeley paid them a visit. Mia and Audrey were sitting in the drawing room, and it was shortly after morning calls had ended when Beckwith announced the earl.
“Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker,” Lord Berkeley said with a bow. “I do hope I’ve not inconvenienced you.”
“Not at all, Lord Berkeley. It’s always delightful to see you,” Audrey said with a curtsey.
“Good day, Lord Berkeley,” Mia said with her own curtsey.
“Lady Fletcher, I do apologize for not sending a note around. By the time I remembered, I was already halfway here.”
“Lord Berkeley, nothing to apologize for. You’re always welcome.”
“Have you come to tell us another amusing childhood story?” Mia asked.
“Not today. I’m afraid I’ve come asking for a favor.”
“Oh? What may we do for you?” Audrey asked.
“My lady, I desperately need some more suggestions for the renovations of Berkeley House. I have no idea what’s needed besides bringing some life back into the house. You’ve done such a marvelous job here and at Dandridge Manor; would you take pity on a poor bachelor and help him out?”
Audrey chuckled. “Of course. I’d be happy to. I must say it was quite enjoyable watching the transformation of Fletcher House from its drab and dreary appearance when we first moved in.”
“It’s quite beautiful,” Berkeley said, looking around the room. “I’d like something similar, especially in the drawing room. I honestly don’t believe that before the Season, anyone has set foot in that room in a decade or more.”
“I have some time this afternoon, if that’s convenient for you,” Audrey said.
“You do? Oh, Lady Fletcher, that would be most convenient. Thank you ever so much.”
“May I come along?” Mia asked.
“I don’t see why not, as long as your sister is agreeable,” Berkeley said.
Mia looked at her sister with pleading eyes.
Audrey couldn’t help but chuckle. “Of course you may come along, dearest.”
“I shall go fetch our bonnets and gloves,” Mia said, scurrying out of the room.
“I can’t thank you enough, my lady,” Berkeley said. “You have no idea how much I appreciate your help.”
“It’s my pleasure. May I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“I know you and my sister are friends, and I dream of asking you to betray a confidence, but has she expressed any interest in marrying this Season?”
Berkeley shook his head. “Not to me. Miss Parker seems more interested in having fun than looking for a husband. Is there a problem?”
“No, not at all. I know my sister can be frivolous at times, but I would very much like her to know the wonderful joys of being married to the man of her dreams.”
“I believe that is the sentiment of every mama and chaperone in the ton, although I understand that many young ladies do not have a choice in who their husband will be. I was glad my father didn’t pressure my sister to marry and let her choose her husband.”
“I want my sister to enjoy herself this Season, as long as she realizes the whole point of a Season is to find a husband.”
“Do you have anyone in mind for her?” he asked.
Before Audrey could answer, Mia came walking back into the drawing room.
“Here you are, sister,” she said, handing over her bonnet, gloves, and reticule.
“Thank you, dearest.”
“Would Lord Fletcher like to join us?” Berkeley asked.
Audrey shook her head. “He’s out for the afternoon. I’ll leave word with Beckwith about where we’ve gone.”
“It’s a lovely day today. Would you mind walking? I do enjoy the fresh air,” Berkeley said.
“That would be most delightful. Come, dearest,” she said to Mia.
Audrey let Beckwith know of their plans, and they all strolled down the street to Berkeley House. It wasn’t far, and the butler opened the door as they walked up the front stairs.
“My lord, welcome back,” he said.
“This is Lady Fletcher and Miss Parker. They’ve come to help me with some renovation decisions.”
“Good day, ladies. Welcome to Berkeley House,” the butler said, opening the door wide so they could enter.
Audrey looked at Lord Berkeley. “It would be most helpful if I could talk with your housekeeper. I find housekeepers know so much about a home. They’re the lifeblood of any residence.”
“Hmm…I don’t currently have one. With only me in attendance, I have not yet found the need to hire one.”
“I can give you the name of the agency we used to find Mrs. Trotter if you like. She’s been a godsend.”
“Excellent. I would appreciate that.”
“In the meantime, perhaps I might have a pencil and paper so I may jot down some recommendations.”
“Absolutely. Come this way,” Berkeley said, leading them into a rather dark drawing room. The walls were a dark maroon with black velvet drapes framing the windows.
“Oh my, I can see why you’d want to redecorate this room. It’s quite depressing, is it not?” Audrey asked.
“Yes. My sentiments exactly. Even with the drapes pulled back, it’s still dreary in here,” Berkeley said as he went to the far end to retrieve some paper from the small desk.
“I agree. It’s quite depressing in here. Not nearly enough light to embroider by, even if one sat by the window,” Mia added.
“And that’s why I need help with these decisions. I would never have thought about that,” Berkeley said. “We can’t have the ladies going blind, now can we?”
For the next two hours, Audrey took detailed notes on her suggestions for future renovations to the drawing room, dining room, and bedchambers. Once they finished, Berkeley led them back to the drawing room.
“I cannot thank you enough for all your help, Lady Fletcher. May I take you lovely ladies for some ices as a small payment for helping me?”
Audrey shook her head. “I’m afraid I’ll have to decline your lovely invitation. I’m feeling quite tired and would prefer to go home.”
Mia was immediately by her side. “Are you feeling poorly?”
“I’m fine, just a bit fatigued. No need to worry.”
“If you’ll both have a seat, I’ll have the carriage readied to take you home. I wouldn’t want you to walk if you’re not feeling up to it.”
“Lord Berkeley, I assure you I’m well, but a ride home would be most welcome.”
Berkeley nodded and left the room to arrange for the carriage.
“Are you sure you’re well?” Mia asked. “Fletcher will be most angry if you’ve overexerted yourself today. I should have watched you more closely.”
“Dearest, I’m not ill and do not need you to watch over me. Believe me, I’m fine. I’ll take a nap when we return and be as good as new.”
It didn’t take long for the carriage to be readied. Berkeley walked out with them and handed the ladies inside. “Would you like me to accompany you? It’s no trouble.”
“There’s no need, Lord Berkeley. Thank you for the offer,” Audrey said.
“I’ll see you again soon,” he said, closing the carriage door and informing the driver of their destination.
Mia waved to Berkeley as the carriage pulled away.
Audrey was sitting with her eyes closed, and Mia didn’t know if she’d already fallen asleep. Her sister looked a little pale, but hopefully she would perk up with a nice hot cup of tea and some rest.
“Audrey, we’re here,” Mia said a moment before the driver opened the carriage door.
Her sister’s eyes flew open. “Oh dear, I guess I was more tired than I realized.”
The driver helped them down. “Thank you,” Audrey said.
He tipped his hat and climbed back up on the bench. “Good day, ladies,” he said before clicking the horses into motion.
Beckwith had the front door open. “Lady Fletcher, would you like me to order a tea tray?”
“No, thank you, Beckwith. I think I’ll retire for a bit.”
“Of course, my lady.”
Mia stayed by Audrey’s side as they climbed the stairs. “I’ll help you with your dress. No need to call your maid.”
“Thank you, dearest. That would be most helpful.”
Mia opened Audrey’s bedchamber door and ushered her inside. After helping her remove her dress, stays, and petticoat, she pulled down the bedcovers. “Here you go. You rest now. I’ll stay with you a bit if you’d like.”
Audrey slipped between the sheets. “No need. I’ll be fine,” she said.
Mia wanted to take no chances and sat beside her sister’s bed while Audrey snuggled into the blankets. Within minutes, she was asleep again.
Mia kissed her forehead before tiptoeing out of the room and going downstairs in search of a cup of tea.
Her sister was a marvel, and Mia had a marvelous time this afternoon, suggesting different things for the Berkeley House renovations, but she should have kept a closer eye on her sister and not let her stand on her feet for so long.
Audrey was still in the early months of her pregnancy, and Mia vowed to keep a closer eye on her in any future engagements. As she walked down the stairs, Fletcher was being greeted by Beckwith.
“Welcome home, my lord,” the butler said.
Fletcher nodded and looked up as Mia reached the bottom step. “Hello, my dear. Have you seen my lovely wife?”
“She’s resting at the moment.”
“She is?”
Mia nodded. “We were at Lord Berkeley’s townhouse earlier, and she might have spent too long on her feet. I just tucked her into bed and came looking for a cup of tea. Would you care to join me?”
Fletcher started for the stairs. “No, thank you. I think I’ll go check on her. I’ll see you at dinner.”
“Of course.”
He was halfway up the stairs when he stopped and turned around. “Thank you for taking care of Audrey. I appreciate you looking out for her.”
“Always,” Mia said.