Page 21 of The Earl and Miss Muffet
“Yes.”
Silence.
“Very good. I am glad to see you had a safe journey.”
“Good day to you.”
Elena frowned. While Elena’s affection for Anton grew with each day, she did not know if he returned her feelings in any way.It hurt, even though she knew it was irrational. She was almost glad he did not come in and see her. She needed time to prepare a disinterested reaction to seeing him again.
Mary and Sophia found her a few moments later, and tea was called for. More wedding talk passed before Miss Bliss changed the conversation.
“Mary, what was Terrance like as a child?” Miss Bliss asked.
Mary clasped the handle of her teacup but did not raise it to her lips. “He knew what he wanted and he held to his course—very much like he is now. Oh, he did his best to impress Anton and Blake, and his wild ideas generally won them over.”
“Their loyalty to each other is quite impressive,” Miss Bliss said, reaching over and picking up a tart.
Mary grew thoughtful. “I was lucky if I could convince any of them to let me tag along. I preferred dolls to much of their play, but once in a while, I was set on convincing them I was just as good as any other boy.”
“What about Lord Crawford?” Elena asked, as casually as she could. She hoped her cheeks did not betray her feelings. “Was he like his brother?”
Mary nodded. “All three of those boys were competitive and daring. Anton, though, was a deep thinker and often required alone time in the library where he was either lost in a book or in his own head.”
Miss Bliss wiped the crumbs from her lap. “They all seem to have a protective nature about them too.”
Mary groaned. “You should have seen how they were when Blake decided to court me. I still fear I will have to spend my married life with a brother on either side of me and Blake across the room.”
They all laughed.
Mary turned to Elena. “What were you like as a child?”
“Oh, uh, I was quiet. Not much has changed there. I was like Lord Crawford and needed to be away from the others.”
Mary likely didn’t understand, but she smiled at Elena like she cared. “I can just imagine those large, blue eyes on a petite little child. I bet you were an absolute dream. You know, I wager blue is your color. Do you own any blue gowns?”
“No, my sister always said browns and grays suited me best.” Though, her sister’s intentions were for her to blend in, not stand out.
“Will you humor me and try on a few of my gowns? I have a lovely green one that is too small for me, and I just know it would fit you better.”
Elena’s eyes darted to Miss Bliss, who held no judgement in her eyes, then back to Mary. “If it would please you.”
Mary shook her head. “Only if it pleasesyou.”
To be given the choice was a true test of friendship. Elena nodded, quickly. “You have exquisite taste. I would feel honored if you think you could improve me.”
“Not improve,” Mary said, “just compliment.”
A half hour later, Mary had a frown on her face, and Elena knew she had disappointed her new friend.
“None of these will do. You are far more petite than I realized.” Mary sighed and sat on the edge of her bed.
“I wish I were not so tall,” Sophia sighed.
“Nonsense,” Mary said. “Terrance needed a tall woman to match him. Think how much less distance there is between you when you kiss.”
Sophia giggled. “Terrance warned me about your boldness, but I agree. I think Terrance and I fit each other perfectly.”
Mary grinned, but her smile fell as she turned to look at Elena. “I’m so sorry. It would have been a great deal more exciting to have a new dress to borrow for dinner.”
