Chapter 7
W hen Bett returned home to Crenshaw Manor, there were a number of letters waiting for her on the table in the foyer. Her heart was pounding as she scooped up the stack and hurried upstairs to her bedchamber.
Lydia was unpacking her things when she walked into her room. “May I help you with something, my lady?”
She wanted privacy while she read through her correspondence. She hoped with all her heart that one of the letters was from Mr. Hughes, and though Lydia had witnessed their growing connection at the house party, Bett didn’t want her to know one way or another if there was a letter from him. “A cup of tea would be most welcome.”
“Of course, my lady. I shall return momentarily.”
“Lydia, don’t rush back. Sit and have a cup of tea and refresh yourself. I shall be fine until you return.”
“Are you sure? I can have my tea after I fetch you a cup.”
Bett shook her head. “That’s not necessary. Go and enjoy your tea.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Lydia said and left the room.
As soon as the door clicked shut, she looked through the stack of letters. Most of them were from her mother and sister Serena, and one was from Olivia, telling her that the earl had proposed, and she had accepted. They would be married soon. What happy news for her friend!
She recognized Miss Bent’s handwriting on the last letter. Bett and Emma had been close friends for years, and Bett had missed seeing her lately, as Emma had been away visiting her aunt. She tore open the letter.
Dearest Bett,
I’m pleased to inform you that I’m back at Fleming Manor after my visit with my aunt. While it was a delightful visit, I’m happy to return to the peace and quiet of Fleming Manor.
I have missed you and would very much like to visit with you at your earliest convenience.
In friendship,
Emma
While Bett was sorely disappointed that there was no letter from Mr. Hughes, the fact that her friend Emma was back at the Fleming estate lifted her spirits. She pulled out a sheet of paper and dashed off a quick note.
Dearest Emma,
I’m so pleased you enjoyed your visit with your aunt. I’d be delighted if you came to tea the day after next. I have missed you, too.
In friendship,
Bett
She sanded and folded the note and set it aside. She’d have Lydia give it to Adams for delivery to the Fleming manor when her maid returned. Bett picked up the letter from her sister. Serena couldn’t stop talking about how excited she was for her upcoming Season this Spring. Bett remembered the thrill of going to London for the first time. It had been magical, and she’d met Stephen there. Although she’d had a successful Season, she didn’t want her sister to rush into anything just to say that she also married during her first Season. She wanted Serena to find a gentleman who stole her heart and worshipped the ground she walked on, as Stephen had done. That wasn’t too much to ask, was it?
Society could be a cruel mistress, and she would never forget how the ton had turned on a young woman of her acquaintance when she’d been caught on a balcony with a gentleman and no chaperone. A simple kiss had led to her ruin. To save her reputation, the young woman had been forced to marry the older gentleman, and they’d left London shortly after being married. Bett had always wondered how she fared. That was not a fate she would wish on anyone.
Marriage was for a lifetime, and she knew first-hand that it was imperative to find the right person to marry. Society could be treacherous to navigate, and she hoped Serena would heed their mother’s advice while in Town. She had no doubt her sister would be much sought-after, with her startling blue eyes and honey-blond hair, along with a decent-size dowry.
Serena was the perfect English miss, with a sweet and loving personality to go along with her stunning beauty, but she had to be cautious if she didn’t want to be ruined. Every young lady was taught they shouldn’t be alone with a gentleman, and Serena was no exception. What her sister knew was one thing; what she actually did, however, wasn’t always in her best interests. Serena would have to curtail her natural enthusiasm and not put herself into any compromising situations.
Bett wondered if her mother was up to the task alone. Perhaps she should travel to London to help with Serena’s debut. It was certainly something to consider, and it would help her think about something besides Mr. Hughes.
A half-hour later, Lydia returned with her tea. “Here you are, my lady. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long.”
Bett accepted the cup. “Not at all. I was reading my correspondence. Serena’s very excited for her Season.”
“I can imagine. Will you be joining her and your mother when they go to London?”
“I don’t know, although I’ve given it some thought.” She picked up her letter to Emma. “Please have this note delivered to Fleming Manor.”
Lydia took the letter. “Right away, my lady.”
It would be good to catch up with her friend.
After a refreshing cup of tea, Lydia helped Bett change for dinner. “There you go, my lady. Looking as beautiful as ever,” she said, pinning the last wayward curl into place.
“I shall see you later, Lydia.” She left her bedchamber and made her way to the family parlor, where Peter and Cecily were already enjoying a glass of sherry.
“Bett, I’m so very happy you’ve returned. Did you enjoy your visit?” Cecily asked, patting the seat next to her.
“I did indeed. It was wonderful to see her again,” Bett said, sitting beside her.
“Bett, would you care for a glass of sherry?” Peter asked.
“Thank you, that would be lovely.”
He walked to the sideboard to pour her a glass.
“So, what have you been doing to occupy your time while I’ve been away?” Bett asked Cecily.
Cecily patted her swollen belly. “Peter’s heir has been quite active of late, and with the weather growing hotter these past weeks, I’ve rested more than I ever have in my life,” she said with a chuckle.
“I’m sure the next eight weeks or so will go by in a trice. It will all feel worthwhile when you’re able to hold your precious baby in your arms.”
Cecily sighed. “I’m very much looking forward to that.” She grasped Bett’s hand. “I’m so happy you’re back. I’ve missed your company, and, especially, how lively the house used to be when we had guests for tea.”
Peter handed Bett a glass of sherry.
“Thank you, Peter,” Bett said.
He went to stand beside his wife and placed a hand on her shoulder. “My darling, we’ve talked about this. I do feel it’s best if we don’t entertain at this time in your pregnancy. I don’t want you to be overwhelmed with anything.”
Bett saw Cecily give Peter a loving smile and felt a little pang of longing, remembering when Stephen used to look at her that way.
“Oh, I almost forgot. I’ve invited Miss Bent to tea the day after tomorrow. I do hope that will not overtax you, Cecily.”
Cecily’s eyes lit up with joy. “Oh, how wonderful. I’d love to see her again. It’s been too long since we had an opportunity to chat.”
Peter frowned. “Bett, I would appreciate it if you’d refrain from inviting anyone else to the manor for the foreseeable future. My greatest concern is for Cecily’s health, and I don’t want to see her become overtaxed.”
“Peter, darling, I’m perfectly capable of sitting on the sofa and enjoying a cup of tea with Bett and Miss Bent. You worry too much. I am well.”
Bett looked at Peter, whose mouth was set in a grim line. She’d noticed that as the months of her mourning had gone by, he’d become more controlling, not only of his wife’s activities but of what Bett did as well. She didn’t appreciate him curtailing her ability to invite guests into her own home.
Wait.
It took her a moment to realize.
It wasn’t her home anymore, and the sooner she rectified that situation, the better for everyone. Unfortunately, the only man she was interested in had failed to show any further interest in her after the Fleming house party. Unless she wanted to move back with her parents, she had nowhere else to go.
“Of course, my love,” Peter said. “I only worry for your health and that of my heir.”
“I promise I shall rest before and after Miss Bent’s visit. Will that ease your mind?”
He smiled at his wife. “It does.”
Bett had to think long and hard about her next steps. Yes, she wanted to find a husband and run her own household again, but she didn’t want to rush into marriage. She wanted to get to know the gentleman first, but with Peter basically forbidding her from inviting guests to Crenshaw Manor until after the baby was born, she’d have to find another way to go about finding a potential husband.
Should she plan on going to London with her mother when Serena was presented at Court in the spring? That seemed like a lifetime away. However, it would seem she had little choice but to accompany them if she wanted to meet someone new.
As much as a trip to London should excite her, she found that her heart wasn’t in it, as she was still enamored with Mr. Hughes. She would have to banish him from her stubborn heart if she wanted to fall in love with someone else… although, at the moment, that seemed an insurmountable task.
Had she already fallen in love with Mr. Hughes?
As much as she wanted to say that she merely admired him, that was far from the truth. Her treacherous heart had fallen hard for him, and she didn’t know if she’d ever meet anyone else who could send such delicious shivers down her spine or give her such toe-curling, scorching kisses.
Oh, Mr. Hughes, where are you?