Page 35 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

Aunt Fanny patted Mia’s hand. “Wear the lavender gown that I like. It looks so pretty on you. It’s important to always look your best.”

Mia doubted the men would care one whit what she wore but she would wear the gown her aunt suggested because it was a favorite of hers. Though she had fought against wearing dresses when she first arrived, she’d grown used to them. She’d still saved the shirt and trousers she had on the day she left Morris Park. Perhaps one day, when she had her own house and workspace, she might return to wearing them again. For now, though, it was nice to look pretty.

She asked Soames for water to be sent up for a bath. By the time she bathed and had help from Aunt Fanny’s maid in dressing her hair, it was time to depart for her meeting. She collected her notebook and slipped it inside her reticule. Downstairs, she found her uncle waiting.

“Are you ready to dazzle these men with your calculations and machine?” he asked with a smile.

Mia laughed. “I think these men are more dazzled by ballgowns and horses, not dry talk of engines and how they operate.”

They went outside where George was waiting. Her uncle assisted her into the carriage. She went over in her mind the presentation she would make, hoping she would do justice to her engine.

The carriage came to a halt. Her stomach lurched. Nerves filled her as her uncle handed her down and they were admitted to the Everton residence and taken upstairs to the library. The butler announced them and she and Uncle Trentham entered. A group of imposing men were gathered in a circle, along with one dark-haired woman. They all turned to stare at her.

Mia prayed she wouldn’t faint from their intense scrutiny.

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