Page 19 of Presenting Miss Letitia (Once a Wallflower 1)

“I’m afraid not.” Letty grimaced. She wished she could like one of them, at least, for Arietta appeared so hopeful that she should.

“Never mind. The Season has only just begun.” Arietta reached for a small triangle of bread and butter. She bit into it contemplatively. “So, tell me all about Cartwright. How did your aunt come to meet him?”

Letty took a sip of tea to clear her dry throat. “Apparently, Mr. Cartwright met Aunt Edith at a rout. He came and introduced himself to her at Lady Driscoll’s ball and asked me to dance.”

“There is more to this, Letitia,” Arietta said with a frown. “I shall have the truth from you. What are you not telling me?”

Letty released a breath. Arietta’s pale eyes seemed to bore into her, as if she could read her thoughts. “I ran into Mr. Cartwright when I was hiding in the library,” she said, deciding a little more information was required before Arietta would be satisfied. After all, it was Fraughton of whom Cartwright asked her not to speak.

“Hiding in the library? Why on earth were you doing that?”

“I hated my dress. No one was asking me to dance. I was miserable.”

“Oh, you poor child. But where did you hide?”

“In a cloak cupboard. It wasn’t the first time. I hid behind a screen at my first ball.”

Arietta laughed and her eyes lit up. “And how did Cartwright come to discover you in this cupboard?”

“I suppose he must have heard me,” Letty said evasively. “He opened the door and found me there.”

“Was anyone with him?

“No.” Letty swallowed, wishing she could say more. “He was alone.”

“What happened then?”

“Um. We talked…”

“Yes?”

“And then he escorted me back to the ballroom. He was quite annoyed.”

“And yet he still danced with you?” Thoughtful, Arietta sipped her tea.

“Yes. I suppose he regretted his bad humor.”

“How interesting,” Arietta said vaguely. “We are to attend a soiree this evening. Your muslin with the yellow flowers is suitable.”

“Yes, Arietta,” Letty said with relief. The inquisition appeared to be over. She only hoped that would be the end of it, for it left her feeling shabby and ungrateful. How she hated telling untruths when she owed Arietta so much. She frowned. Cartwright should not have made her promise.

Some hours later, they returned from the soiree where a small concert had been held to introduce a visiting violinist. He had performed several pieces with great expertise.

“There is something you can do for me,” Arietta said, having invited Letty to her bedchamber to drink chocolate and discuss the evening.

“Of course. Anything,” Letty said, eager to make amends.

“This ability you have to move about without being seen.”

“But I was seen. Mr. Cartwright found me.”

“Yes, on that occasion,” Arietta said impatiently. “But I should like you to do it again, for me.”

Letty widened her eyes. “Do what exactly?”

“Follow Mr. Cartwright. See what he does. Who he talks to.”

“Oh, I don’t see…”

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