Page 22 of Love Abandoned

Chapter Ten

Why do not words, and kiss, and solemn pledge;

And nature that is kind in woman’s breast,

And reason that in man is wise and good,

And fear of him who is a righteous judge;

Why do not these prevail for human life,

To keep two hearts together, that began

Their spring-time with one love, and that have need

Of mutual pity and forgiveness, sweet

To grant, or be received.

—Wordsworth,The Excursion

Elizabeth waited forHastings to pour the lemonade before continuing. “I am unbelievably grateful for your generosity.”

Catherine, pretty in a moss-colored gown draped with a delicate creamy lace, shook her head. “Your generosity is to be admired, not ours. The village is fortunate to have such a charitable benefactor.”

“I must agree,bella,” Sophia said, picking up a piece of cake and eyeing it appreciatively. “There is much poverty, but many choose not to see it. You look at it, and you do something to help. That is special.” She broke off a piece of cake and popped it into her mouth, moaning dramatically. “It is so good, no?”

Dust motes danced in the late-afternoon sun, and Elizabeth noted the fading of the upper section of the drapes. The damask paper hanging, too, was showing its age. She’d spent little time in the townhouse these past few years, and it was past time to do some updating. She would speak with Mrs. Fernsby about it and see if they could get something underway before Elizabeth returned to the country. She could not live without the housekeeper, so she would need to find someone else to supervise the work. She asked the ladies.

“I would loan you mine, but she is indispensable. I know nothing about running a house, but don’t tell her that.” Sophia grinned and took another bite of her cake.

“The woman we hired for our stay is doing a superb job. Nicholas has suggested we steal her back to the country with us, but Fredericks’s nose would be out of joint. Woodfield has managed without a housekeeper for so long it hardly matters. Besides, Lord Woodfield would have an apoplectic fit should we make such a decision without his input. And he’s only coming around to behaving decently. I’d hate to poke the old lion again.” Catherine absently ran her hand over her stomach and smiled. “All that to say I shall talk with the housekeeper about her plans, if you’d like. You may want to keep her on permanently and leave your efficient Mrs. Fernsby in the country.”

“Oh, she’d like that, I’d think. Although, I should check with Richard to hear his thoughts.” Mrs. Fernsby had been inherited, along with Hastings, when Richard’s father passed away. She had been the only woman in his life, after his mother had died, until Elizabeth had come along. He was the one who insisted the staff travel with them, although he did keep a skeleton staff in London for when he came alone. Which had been far too often of late.

“I must not linger too long,” Sophia said, putting her plate on the side table and relaxing back into the sofa, not looking at all in a hurry. “His Grace has asked me to join him at Carlton House. He is sending a carriage at eight o’clock.”

Elizabeth glanced at the clock on the mantel. “It is nearing five. Should you not be on your way?”

“Yes,” Sophia said, leaning forward and snatching another piece of cake. She sat back, balancing the small plate on her lap. “I should, but…” She grinned before taking a large bite of the cake, holding a finger up to indicate she needed a moment before finishing.

Catherine laughed and shook her head, and Elizabeth enjoyed the levity.

“I am in need of three hours for my toilette,” Sophia continued after a sip of lemonade. “If I leave now, I might be ready at the assigned time.Hischosen time. That I cannot allow.”

Her laugh was delightful, and they both joined in. Elizabeth had always admired Sophia’s independent spirit and wondered at her choice of the duke as a partner. “You cannot be considering the duke, Sophia? Would it not be like wedding your father?”

Sophia shuddered theatrically. “That will haunt me all night, you evil woman. I should insist you both join me this evening as a bulwark to his advances.”

“I cannot save you, my friend,” Catherine said. “Last night was fatiguing, and I am all for an evening at home. I’ll most likely go to bed early. It was my plan to snuggle with Nicholas, but he has some urgent business to attend to and does not know when he’ll be home.”

“How odd. Richard, too, is occupied this evening. Do you think they might be together?” It was a pleasanter thought than some of the things Elizabeth had been imagining.

“I don’t know. They did huddle together in the library last evening, so they may be up to something.” Catherine shrugged. “Nicholas did not expand, and I did not ask him to. I was too grateful for a reprieve from the world. Although, truth be told, I am enjoying my time here far more than I anticipated. I may extend it if I don’t increase too quickly.”

“Oh, lovely,” Elizabeth said. “I do enjoy your company, and I’ve not had much female companionship of late.”

“Catherine I must excuse, butbella, there is nothing to prevent you from joining me.” Sophia said it as if the deal was sealed.

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