Page 7 of Romancing the Heiress
“But you are almost to the one-year anniversary, aren’t you?”
“In a fortnight or so, yes.”
“Is there any chance you would just stay here?” Sadie plucked up a cake and waved it toward Leah. “Of course you wouldn’t, and I fully understand why.” While she knew that Leah’s mother treated her poorly, she was not aware of the specifics—only Phin knew those. “I missed you dreadfully, of course, but I understand why you left. I would have too. And now that I live in London part of the year, we will get to see each other. Well, when I’m not giving birth, that is. And when your schedule allows.”
“I actually have more free time than one might expect, but Mrs. Selkirk keeps a tight rein on where I go. She likes to manage me.” It was a much different arrangement from what Leah had enjoyed with Lady Norcott. “Which is why she insisted you come here instead of my visiting you.”
Sadie snorted softly. “I’m sure if you told her you were invited by the Duchess of Lawford, she would have let you come. But I understand why you didn’t.”
“As soon as she learns you’re a duchess, she will infringe on our friendship. I wanted one last meeting before she sticks her nose in this week. Though, I desperately want to meet little Jerome.”
“You will. I’m sure I will bring him to an event or two this week, and we’ll simply have to find a way for you to visit—hopefully without your employer.” Sadie gave her a determined smile. “I’m sorry this position has not remotely lived up to the last one. That was such a boon, which you wholly deserved.” Because Leah had been desperate to find a way to leave home.
“Thank you for always understanding me, especially about my family and why remaining in Marrywell wasn’t an option.” There was one thing—rather, person—that could have convinced her to stay. But why would he have done so? They were only friends. Andwouldshe have stayed? Getting away from her family, particularly her mother, had made her happier than she’d ever been in her life. “As to my current situation, if Mrs. Selkirk gets her way, Genevieve will become betrothed this week, and then I’ll soon be free to seek new employment.”
Sadie picked up her teacup. “Splendid. If you like, I could try to determine if anyone is looking for a companion—covertly, of course. I would love for you to engage in a situation that is more agreeable to you.”
“I appreciate that.” Leah smiled warmly as Sadie sipped her tea. “Lady Norcott left me an excellent letter of reference, which I can also use.” Leah’s former employer had left the letter, two months’ wages, and five of her favorite books from her library. While Leah was grateful, she’d expected something more—only because Lady Norcott had assured Leah that she wouldn’t be forgotten—that she would be taken care of. But Leah was perhaps being silly. Lady Norcotthadremembered her.
It was the “taken care of” part that puzzled Leah. But perhaps Lady Norcott had meant her current position as Genevieve’s companion. Except she had to have known that position wouldn’t last forever.
Despite not loving the arrangement, Leah was grateful. She’d endured far worse.
Sadie set her cup down. “You are always welcome at Lawford House—if you need somewhere to stay between positions. Or for whatever reason.”
“Thank you, though I would hate to intrude on your new happiness.”
“I’ve been married nearly a year now,” Sadie said with a light laugh.
Leah gave her a saucy look. “Tired of Law already?”
“Not by half.” Sadie’s joy was palpable. If Leah weren’t so happy for her friend, she might have been jealous. “But I’m serious that you should come stay. Or at least visit more. When I’m revealed to Mrs. Selkirk as your oldest and dearest friend, I will tell her that when we are in London, I require you to call on me at least fortnightly. No, weekly.”
Giggling, Leah reached for her teacup. “We can certainly try that.”
“I confess I felt better last year when I arrived in London just knowing you were there,” Sadie said. “It was all so intimidating.”
“Iconfess I find that shocking. You are one of the strongest people I know.”
“Strong isn’t bold or brave. You’re all those things,” Sadie said with conviction.
Leah stuffed the rest of her spice cake in her mouth to keep from answering. She wasn’t brave. Or bold. If she were, she would have told Phin years ago that she loved him. That she’d always loved him. That there would never, ever be anyone for her but him. How could there be?
From the moment he’d kissed her in the castle folly in the botanical gardens when she’d been nine, he’d held her heart. That love had only grown and flourished since, not that he knew of it. They’d never ever discussed that kiss. Why would she tell him of her affection? Unrequited love was utterly pointless. And pathetic. It was also seemingly impossible to eradicate. Leah had tried, including an ill-conceived “romantic” encounter with another young man during one of the matchmaking festivals before she’d left Marrywell. That had taught her that no one would take the place of Phin in her mind or her heart.
“Leah?”
Blinking, Leah realized Sadie was watching her from the other side of the table. “Sorry, my mind wandered. I saw Phin yesterday while taking a walk in the gardens.”
Sadie’s eyes lit with interest, and she leaned forward slightly. “Did you? Has it really been seven years since you last saw each other?”
Leah nodded. It had felt like a lifetime, and yet her feelings for him hadn’t diminished at all. Seeing him had given her a physical jolt, as if she’d been struck by lightning. None of that mattered, however, since he didn’t share her feelings or any electrical charge whatsoever. In fact, it was worse than that. She frowned. “I think he may be interested in Genevieve.”
“How do you feel about that?” Sadie asked softly.
When Phin had offered Genevieve his arm, Leah had wanted to leap between them. Then, watching Genevieve grasp his sleeve, Leah had nearly slapped her hand away.
Leah snapped her gaze to her friend, and Sadie went on, “Do you still hold him in the same…esteem?”
