Chapter 20
A week later, Easton and Mia entered the ballroom of the Marquess of Stephens.
It was their first event together since their betrothal was announced in the papers.
Her hand was tucked in the crook of his elbow because, for the first time this Season, she was apprehensive.
So many eyes were on her as she and Easton descended the stairs after being announced.
He patted her hand. “All is well, my love. No need to be nervous.”
She nodded as another tremor went through her. “Everything feels so different,” she whispered. “Why is everyone staring?”
“Because you’re the most beautiful woman in the room.”
Easton always knew what to say to calm her nerves. She felt a little better as he steered them toward Chandler, who was chatting with Lady Wright and Lady Victoria.
“Good evening,” Easton said.
Mia felt her anxiety ease a little now that she was standing with friends. “Good evening, Lord Chandler, Lady Wright, Lady Victoria. This event is such a crush.” She let go of Easton’s arm and went to stand beside Lady Victoria while her betrothed talked with his friend and Lady Wright.
“You look beautiful this evening,” Lady Victoria said.
“Thank you. I’ve never seen you look more lovely. Is that a new dress? It’s quite flattering on you,” Mia said.
“Yes. The modiste delivered it yesterday.”
Mia looked over at the others to make sure they were still engaged in conversation, then leaned toward her friend and whispered, “I see Lord Chandler is talking with you again. Are you interested in attracting his attention?”
“I’d like that very much, but I’m not sure if he’s interested in me.”
“I have a good feeling about that. No gentleman seeks out a lady at every ball they attend if he’s not interested.”
“Do you think so?”
Mia nodded. “I do.”
The orchestra was tuning its instruments, and soon, the strains of the first dance could be heard.
Lord Chandler excused himself from his conversation with Easton and Lady Wright and turned to Lady Victoria. “May I have the honor of this dance, Lady Victoria?”
She smiled and placed her fingers on his sleeve. “I’d be delighted, my lord.”
Mia watched as her friend and Lord Chandler twirled around the room to the first waltz of the evening. They were both smiling and made a handsome couple.
“Would either of you care for a lemonade?” Easton asked.
Lady Wright shook her head. “No, thank you.”
Mia nodded, and they walked to the refreshment table together. “Has Lord Chandler mentioned anything about being interested in Lady Victoria? They look well together.”
Easton looked back at the dance floor and smiled. “He might have hinted.”
Those four simple words gladdened Mia’s heart. She wanted her friend to know the happiness she was enjoying, and if Lord Chandler’s smile was any indication of his enjoyment when dancing with her friend, Lady Victoria might indeed enjoy a happy future.
The next fortnight was filled with appointments with the modiste and meetings with the contractors at their new home. Audrey had made a few suggestions that both Mia and Easton approved of. They were overjoyed when they learned the minor renovations would be completed by the time they married.
Mia made sure that Audrey didn’t tire herself out needlessly and asked Lady Devon to accompany her to help shop for her trousseau.
“I’d be delighted, my dear,” Lady Devon said.
She’d always liked Lady Devon, but spending so much time with her lately, Mia had begun to adore her soon-to-be mother-in-law. Lady Devon was such a calming presence, never dictating what Mia should choose but gently guiding her to what would work best.
St. George’s church had been engaged for the wedding, and the invitations had gone out. Everyone had accepted. Audrey and Fletcher would host the wedding breakfast at Fletcher House, and her sister and Lord Chandler would stand as their witnesses.
As Mia came down to the dining room the day before the wedding, maids and footmen scurried about, taking care of last-minute details and decorations.
She was surprised to see Fletcher and Audrey there, eating their breakfast, and especially surprised to see more than fruit and toast on her sister’s plate.
“Well, this is certainly a change,” she said, walking into the room.
Audrey looked up and smiled. “Good morning, dearest. I found myself quite famished this morning.”
“I’m so very pleased you’re feeling better,” she said.
“Thank you. I am as well. Do you like the decorations?”
Her sister had turned the drawing room into an extension of the garden. Vases of flowers were placed around the room, and their delicate perfumes scented the air. The windows were draped with pastel-green chiffon, and the whole room looked like something out of a fairytale. It was stunning.
“Audrey, you have outdone yourself. I’ve never seen such a beautiful room.”
“I’m glad you approve. I want you to have the perfect wedding day.”
“It will be perfect no matter what because I’m marrying the man I adore,” Mia said.
“I thought about a few more details I’d like to add to the decorations,” Audrey said.
Mia walked to her sister and kissed her cheek. “No more, dear sister. You’ve done enough. How about we promenade later instead? No more appointments, no more decorations, just a leisurely walk with my sister.”
“But I do—”
Fletcher put his hand on Audrey’s arm. “Listen to your sister, my darling. She’s grown very wise while in London.”
Audrey chuckled. “I suppose she has. Yes, that’s an excellent idea. Why don’t we all promenade?”
“What’s this about promenading?”
“Lord Easton, what a pleasant surprise,” Audrey said.
Easton walked into the room. “Please, no formality. Easton is fine. We’re soon to be family, after all. I do apologize for not sending a note, but I couldn’t wait another moment to see my betrothed.”
“Of course, and please do call me Audrey. Tomorrow, we’ll all be family.”
Mia smiled and rushed into his arms. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“Come sit with us, Easton,” Fletcher said. “Mia has suggested we promenade later, and I agree. All the arrangements for the wedding have been made, so today should be about enjoying this fine May day.”
“Excellent idea. I stopped by to let you know the renovations have been completed.” He turned to Lady Fletcher. “Lady Fletcher, I mean Audrey, I can’t thank you enough for helping me interview the candidates the agency sent over. I think Harrington and Mrs. Dowd are perfect.”
Audrey nodded. “Excellent. I liked Mrs. Dowd immediately. She has such a warm personality.”
“Agreed. Harrington’s a little on the young side to be a butler, but I think he’ll suit us fine,” Easton said. “I’ve left the hiring of a few maids and footmen to them, as they’ll know better than I what positions need to be filled.”
“Come join us,” Mia said, taking Easton’s hand and leading him to the table.
He held the chair for her before taking the seat next to her while the footman poured him a cup of tea. “Everything smells delicious.”
“I agree, and I’m hungry. Shall we fill our plates?” she asked Easton.
“Absolutely.”
After everyone had eaten their fill, they left Fletcher House and headed to Hyde Park.
Mia held onto Easton’s arm and smiled as they greeted those who stopped to congratulate them on their betrothal. They were halfway through the park when she looked up and stiffened. Walking down the path were Lady Whitestone and Lady Nestle.
Easton felt her stiffen and looked at her. “What is it, my love?”
Before Mia had a chance to answer, she heard an unwelcome greeting.
“Lord Easton, a fine day for a stroll, don’t you think?”
Easton looked up, saw who’d greeted him, and inwardly groaned.
When the two women reached them, Lady Whitestone gave Mia an appraising look. “Miss Parker, good day.”
Fletcher and her sister were a few steps behind and soon caught up.
Lady Whitestone wasted no time in addressing Audrey. “Lady Fletcher, are you looking forward to the wedding tomorrow?”
Audrey, ever the gracious lady, said, “We are indeed.”
“I saw the notice in the paper of your betrothal, Lord Easton,” Lady Nestle said. “I wish you happy.”
Easton merely nodded.
“My invitation must have been waylaid,” Lady Whitestone said, trying to steer the conversation back to her.
Mia had had enough of the two notorious gossipmongers. “It has not, my lady. The wedding is a private affair with an exclusive guest list.”
Lady Whitestone visibly bristled at Mia’s response, but before she could return a biting retort, Lady Wright and Lady Victoria strolled up to the group.
“Good day, Lady Wright, Lady Victoria,” Mia said. “I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at the wedding.”
Lady Wright looked between Mia and Lady Whitestone and clearly guessed what had transpired before they arrived. “Yes. We’re delighted to be included in such a prestigious event.”
Lady Whitestone harrumphed. There was nothing more she could say, so she and Lady Nestle walked on.
“That was well done, Mia,” Easton whispered in her ear.
When the women were out of earshot, Lady Wright said, “I trust I missed some disparaging remark from those two.”
“I cannot abide those women,” Audrey said. “Always seeking to either humiliate someone or cause trouble. Lady Whitestone was hinting after an invitation.”
“Oh my, her audacity knows no bounds,” Lady Wright said before turning to Mia. “I’m glad you’re standing up for yourself, Miss Parker. Otherwise, those two will never stop harassing you.”
“Let’s not waste such a lovely day talking about them,” Mia said. “Would you care to stroll with us?”
“We’d be delighted.”
Mia let go of Easton’s arm. “My darling, do you mind if I walk with Lady Victoria for a moment or two?”
“Not at all,” he said, holding out his arm for Lady Wright.
The two young women walked a few steps ahead of the group.
“You’re so brave,” Lady Victoria whispered to Mia. “I would never have the courage to say anything to Lady Whitestone. She scares me.”
“Lady Whitestone does that on purpose, saying the most outrageous things to set you off guard. The only way to deal with someone like that is to confront them. At least, that’s what I think.”
“I shall try to remember that next time I’m confronted by them. So, are you excited about tomorrow?”
“Oh, yes. I can hardly wait to marry the man I adore. By the way, Lord Chandler will stand as Easton’s witness.”
That brought a smile to her friend’s face. “How delightful,” Lady Victoria said.
They strolled through the park for another hour before everyone said their goodbyes.
“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Lady Wright said as she and Lady Victoria departed.
By the time they reached Fletcher House, Mia could see that her sister was tired and needed to rest. She turned to Easton. “My darling, thank you for the lovely stroll. I can hardly wait to become your wife tomorrow. I love you. Good-bye.”
Easton brought her hand to his lips for a kiss. “Sleep well, my love,” he said before departing.