Page 94 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
England had decided that wet and overcast weather would be an appropriate choice. If nothing else, she could at least say even the elements sympathized with her.
She had been holding her needlework for nearly an hour, watching raindrops drip down the windows. It could not truly be said that she was working on it; she hadn’t made a single stitch since she’d sat down. The embroidery of a red carnation had remained untouched since the night Laurence had sealed their fate.
A lump formed in her throat as she thought about that night.
In truth, she still couldn’t think about what Laurence had said without bursting into tears. During the day, she could holdherself together for Tilly’s sake, but at night, it would all pour out of her, and she would cry herself to sleep.
Another deluge of rain crashed across the windows, pulling her out of her thoughts. The town was sodden, causing the streets to be quieter.
Truly, she was glad. It meant that not many people had made house calls. She did not know how she would have coped with having to appear presentable to others.
She heard Abigail walk into the room, quietly cleaning, and glanced over at the maid. In return, Abigail gave her a sad smile.
“Can I get you any refreshments, Your Grace?” Abigail asked.
“No, thank you. I don’t seem to have much of an appetite at the moment,” Edith replied.
“I am not surprised, considering recent events,” Abigail said. She picked up Edith’s teacup and paused. “You didn’t drink any of this?”
Edith looked up at the cold cup. “It seems to have slipped my mind.”
“I will get you a fresh one,” Abigail said.
Edith watched her go. She knew she could not continue like this. Something had to change.
“Abigail, could you do something else for me?” Edith called out.
“Of course, Your Grace,” Abigail said, turning back to her. “What is it you need?”
Edith hesitated and turned to look at the rain again, but her mind was made up.
“Pack a small trunk for me and Tilly,” she instructed.
There was a pause. She knew Abigail was processing what she had just requested.
“A… trunk?” Abigail echoed nervously.
“Yes, please.”
“Your Grace, where will you go?” Abigail asked. Her expression was filled with worry, her hands holding the teacup so tightly it was at risk of shattering.
Edith knew the staff worried greatly about her and Tilly.
“We will go to visit the Duke and Duchess of Richmond,” she replied.
“I see,” Abigail said stiffly. “Do you know how long you will be away?”
Edith paused. That, she had not considered. Ava and Christian had always been open and accommodating with her, but she also never wanted to be an inconvenience to her friend.
“I’m not sure,” she sighed. “Pack enough for a few days at least.”
“A few days…” Abigail whispered.
“It should only be temporary,” Edith said, but she wasn’t sure if she believed it.
“Of course.” Abigail nodded, before quickly walking out of the room.
Once Abigail was down the hall, Edith let her shoulders drop. Her eyes welled with tears again. She tried to wipe them away, but it did not seem to have any lasting effect.
