Page 62 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

“Very well, Aunt.”

Her uncle greeted her and then said, “Come join us.”

Mia had a second small breakfast as she told them about Meadowbrook. Uncle Trentham was particularly interested in hearing about the horses being bred on Hudson’s land.

“We rode quite a number of times while we were there,” she said. “I tried various mounts. When we return to the country, I’ll need to decide on a permanent one to keep for my own use.”

She described the property and the house and told them they were invited to come the next time she and Hudson returned to Kent.

“I can’t say when that will be. It will depend upon his business and whatever I am working on.”

“I went to a reading that the Duchess of Everton did at Evie’s Bookstore,” Aunt Fanny said.

“You did?” Mia had been sad to miss out on this. “Tell me about it.”

Her aunt went into great detail, very impressed with how the duchess had conducted herself and how well the children responded to the story she’d written.

“The duchess herself asked me to dine with her in the tearoom after it ended,” Aunt Fanny concluded. “I also sat with Mr. St. Clair’s twin sister, the Duchess of Linfield.”

“I am happy you were able to go. We will have to attend the next reading together once Catherine publishes another book.”

She stayed another hour and then begged off, telling them she had much to do at home. George awaited her and told her the Duchess of Everton had requested that Mrs. St. Clair come to tea this afternoon.

“Her Grace came and spoke to me herself,” he said. “I waited to see if there would be a response to your note. She said she would ask everyone else to tea, as well.”

Mia brightened. She was excited to see all her new relatives, who were fast becoming good friends.

“Are you ready to return home?” he asked.

“No. Our next stop is Madame Toufours’ shop. She was going to work on a few other gowns for me while I was out of town. I need to go for my final fittings.”

George drove her to the dress shop, where the modiste fussed over her, asking for details of the wedding as she and her assistant fitted Mia. She told Madame how many compliments she’d received on her wedding gown and how the riding habit had come in handy.

“In fact, I would like you to make up another one for me.”

“Do you have specific color in mind?”

“No. You may surprise me. Your work is superb.”

The Frenchwoman nodded. “I thank you, Mrs. St. Clair.”

Mia did some unpacking once she reached home, wondering how long they might stay here. She had no idea how to go about looking for a house and decided to ask at tea today what it involved.

She arrived at the Evertons’ townhouse at four and was taken upstairs by Barton, who congratulated her on her marriage.

“Mr. St. Clair is very good to the servants. Always courteous and friendly. I know I speak for them all in offering our best wishes.”

“That means a great deal, Barton. Thank you so much.”

At tea, she found Caroline had brought several boxes of sweet treats from her teashop, while Catherine had her cook send up sandwiches. Everyone filled their plates and then Laurel said, “Tell us everything about your honeymoon.”

“Meadowbrook is a beautiful estate. The land is rich and green. The manor house is large and still intimate at the same time. I enjoy riding and we went out several days, going once to the sea, where we had a picnic.”

“Speaking of intimate, did you make use of the book?” Rachel asked.

Mia couldn’t stop the blush from spreading across her cheeks. “No, we didn’t open it. I intended for us to but... well... Hudson is very skilled in that area. We might never need the book.”

The women laughed heartily and Catherine said, “It seems the two of you might write a book of your own. We could have more authors in the family.”

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