Page 15 of Romancing the Heiress
“Indeed, but he’ll want to oversee things personally.” Leah remembered him helping his grandfather with the preparations. They’d allowed her to accompany them for a few years as they cleaned follies, trimmed hedges, and tidied the labyrinth.
“I’ll still hold out hope,” Genevieve said. She’d kept Leah up last night talking about Phin and how wonderfully he played the guitar. Leah had wanted to tell her that Phin was also quite dedicated to the gardens and enjoyed being out of doors, but decided it wasn’t her place to say anything that might discourage her charge.
Leah looked about for Sadie. She needed to talk to her about not choosing Genevieve as a maiden fair—not just to aid Phin’s quest for her hand, but also because Genevieve herself didn’t seem to want the attention that came with the role. But she couldn’t very well do that in the Selkirks’—or Mrs. Dunhill’s—presence. Catching sight of Sadie standing near the dais, Leah saw she was in the company of her husband, the Duke of Lawford. Tall, with blond hair and an imperious stare, he was surprisingly affable. They were speaking with two of Marrywell’s most prominent ladies.
“Is that the May Queen?” Mrs. Dunhill asked, her gaze pinned on Sadie.
“It must be,” Mrs. Selkirk said. “She’s talking with Mrs. Sneed, who is one of the festival matrons and Mrs. Armstrong, the mayor’s wife.”
“Yes, that’s the Duchess of Lawford,” Leah said. It was time she claimed her relationship to Sadie, though Mrs. Selkirk would be annoyed that Leah hadn’t mentioned their association.
It seemed the inevitable moment was nearly upon them, for Sadie made eye contact with Leah and smiled. She and her husband excused themselves from Mrs. Sneed and Mrs. Armstrong and made their way toward Leah and the others.
“They’re coming this way!” Mrs. Selkirk said, standing straighter. “Give him your best curtsey, Genevieve.”
When they arrived, Sadie leaned forward and pressed her cheek to Leah’s. “You look so pretty.” She turned to her husband. “Law, you remember my dear friend Leah.”
“Of course.” He took Leah’s hand and bowed gallantly. “I’m delighted to see you again, Miss Webster.”
“She told you to call her Leah right after you insisted that she address you as Law,” Sadie said with a laugh.
Leah could feel the burning stares of Mrs. Selkirk and Mrs. Dunhill. Avoiding their gazes, she said, “Allow me to present the Duke and Duchess of Lawford. Sadie, Law, this is Mrs. Selkirk, her daughter Miss Genevieve Selkirk, and Mrs. Dunhill.”
Genevieve sank into a deep, impressive curtsey while Mrs. Selkirk and Mrs. Dunhill did their best with somewhat shallower versions.
“We’re very pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Grace,” Mrs. Selkirk said. “I’d no idea my daughter’s companion knew a duke. Or a duchess.” She flicked a glance toward Sadie.
“Leah is my dearest friend,” Sadie said, taking Leah’s hand. “We’ve known each other since we were practically babes. I’m also from Marrywell.”
“And you’re the May Queen because you made the best match at last year’s festival?” Genevieve asked. “I think that’s how it works, isn’t it?”
Sadie nodded. “Yes, precisely so.”
“Marrying a duke would guarantee that.” Mrs. Selkirk looked to Law. “How interesting that you came here for a bride hunt, Your Grace.”
“I didn’t really,” Law said. He gazed lovingly at Sadie. “But I suffered a mishap and had to stay for the festival. It was the happiest accident of my life.”
Mrs. Dunhill smiled wistfully. “How romantic.”
Yes, it was. Leah had read Sadie’s letter detailing what had happened with the breathlessness of devouring a romantic novel. And when she’d finished, she’d felt just as satisfied with how things had ended. Except, for Sadie and Law, it had been only the beginning. Leah couldn’t deny she’d felt a keen stab of envy.
Law glanced toward Sadie. “We promised Mrs. Rowell—she’s Sadie’s father’s cook—we’d sample her cakes.”
Sadie laughed softly. “You promised because you can’t resist. But yes, we should go see her display and encourage others to do so.” She glanced toward the Selkirks and Mrs. Dunhill. “You won’t want to miss the welcome-reception cakes. They are quite famous now.”
“I’ll definitely be having some,” Leah said with a smile, wishing she could get just a moment alone with Sadie. “I’ll find you later.”
Sadie nodded. “Yes, do. It will be a busy reception, but we’ll manage.” She patted Leah’s hand, and then she and Law went on their way.
When they were out of earshot, Mrs. Selkirk turned on Leah with blazing accusation in her eyes. “You are friendly with aduchessand never thought to mention that?”
Leah’s pulse raced. She felt instantly defensive but worked to maintain a calm exterior. “I suppose I still don’t think of her as a duchess. We’d been friends for so long when she wasn’t.”
Mrs. Selkirk pursed her lips and made a sound in her throat. “That seems unlikely.”
“That we are friends?” Leah shouldn’t have asked, but wasn’t able to stop herself.
“That you aren’t perfectly aware that yourdearfriend is a duchess.” Mrs. Selkirk’s response was as sharp as a rose’s thorn. “No one would overlook or forget such a thing.”
