Page 50 of Crash Landing
“My pleasure, Sylvia. I look forward to seeing you and learning more about your prize flowers.”
As Florence bussed Lady Frampton’s cheek, the lady whispered, “And there’ll be a little something extra for you within the carton of cuttings. I dare not say more.”
Florence smiled and moved away as though nothing had been said, but her heart was beating frantically.
Was Frampton’s wife referring to those love letters taken from Lady Simmons?
There were hugs and cheeks bussed all around, for Hermia was not to be excluded. The icy maid took it all in without the glimmer of a smile.
Florence and Hermia stood on the front steps waving goodbye until the Frampton carriage was out of sight. Hermia tucked her arm in Florence’s as they made their way back into the house. “That is one sad and lonely woman.”
Florence nodded. “I wonder if she has any family close by. I ought to have asked.”
Hermia nodded. “Nor did I think to ask, but we can pursue that conversation on Thursday. Perhaps once we are settled here, we can form an embroidery circle. Invite ladies from local leading families to join us once a week for tea and stitches.”
Florence’s heart warmed. “Yes, that is a wonderful idea. Does this mean you would stay on with me if I married the Duke of Weymouth?”
“If?” Hermia frowned. “Is there a possibility youwouldn’tmarry that gorgeous man?”
“Well, we’ve made no firm plans yet. No wedding date set. He may decide he does not want to marryme.”
“Nonsense, child.” Hermia paused as they were about to enter the house. “I have never seen two people look at each other with so much love in their eyes.”
“Oh, Aunt Hermia. No, that cannot be right.”
“Why?”
“We hardly know each other.”
“Have you not known him an entire year?”
Florence nodded. “Yes, but…” She could not reveal the extent of their farce. “How can anyone know for certain how suitable one is for another until they live together day in and day out for an extended period of time? Weather all seasons? Stand together through hardships and joys?”
“Florence, sometimes you think too much about things,” Hermia said with a shake of her head that made the fat curls about her ears bob and sway. “All I am saying is that you and Weymouth are off to a very strong start. You each have moonlight in your eyes when you look at each other.”
“All right, I will accept that.”
Florence walked in smiling and eager to talk to Trajan about Lady Frampton’s visit.
When Hermia went up to her bedchamber, Florence decided to knock at the study door. She only meant to ask him when might be a good time for them to chat, but he surprised her by setting aside his work and dismissing his cousins. “We’ve done enough. Go off and enjoy what remains of the day.”
His cousins cheered and immediately decided to ride to Weymouth.
“Don’t wait up for us,” Nathan said, tossing Trajan a wicked grin.
“Stay out of trouble,” he shot back as they thundered off with all the grace of a herd of rampaging elephants.
Florence laughed.
Trajan shrugged his shoulders. “Looks like it is just you and me now.”
“Do you mind?”
“No. I’ve been looking forward to it all day.” He came around to her side. “Care for a lemonade on the terrace?”
“I’d love it. A lemonade and a chat?”
He nodded. “Yes, I am eager to hear how your tea with Lady Frampton went. You look as though you are leaping out of your skin to tell me.”
