For a moment, the fear of scandal hovered. Then she breathed a sigh. “It appears that Mrs. Vellacott will just have to come to accept the rumor as truth,” she said slowly, her eyes sad.
“The news from Carlisle of Lord Berwick isn’t encouraging,” Hugh said. “Suffering the recent loss of his wife and now his sons, he would be in very low spirits.”
“I am so sorry for him. I’ll pray his lordship survives. I was in the process of writing to Papa. But I now have so much more to put in my letter,” she said. “He will be thrilled to learn of our betrothal.”
“I will drive to Bath as soon as I can to ask his permission.” He smiled. “Will he forgive me for my lack of manners?”
Happy tears filled her eyes. “Of course. Papa will be overjoyed that I am marrying such a pillar of society. How could he not be?”
Hugh laughed. “You make me sound very stuffy.” Hugh wiped the tears gently away with a finger. He gathered her to him, and his kiss was not like what one would expect from a pillar of society. “Sarah will be thrilled and my mother too. I will relay our news to them when I reach home. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to see them.” At the curricle, he turned back with a grin. “In the meantime, expect a visit from my sister at any moment.”
Lucy smiled, suspecting he was right as she watched him drive away. Then she went in to talk to her aunt about the coming nuptials. She imagined Aunt Mary, who hoped Hugh could help her, was still too concerned about Anabel and the ensuing scandal to think of grandiose ideas concerning the ceremony and wedding breakfast. Lucy couldn’t be sure and must remain firm. Hugh expressed the desire for quick nuptials. And with her father planning to go to Carlisle, she would prefer a small, quiet wedding. But Hugh was an earl, and she was very conscious of his position in society. His wishes on the subject were paramount.
As Hugh predicted, Sarah arrived within the hour. She rushed in to throw her arms around Lucy. “Have you recovered from your ordeal? How awful it must have been! Were you very frightened?”
“Yes. I was at the time. There’s so much to think about now, I seldom dwell on it.”
“I’ve wanted you for my sister-in-law, since we first met,” Sarah confessed, sitting beside Lucy on the sofa. “And I must admit to working to that end, because I saw how attracted Hugh was to you. I like Miss Ashton—Mrs. Benson. We saw a lot of each other growing up in neighboring estates, but I always thought for them to marry would be a mistake. They were never more than friends.” She smiled. “Now tell me everything, before I tell you my news. I’ll give you a clue,” she said with a mischievous smile. “Another of our family could be about to get married.”
Lucy stared at her. “You and Mr. Beaufort?”
Sarah shook her head. “He has asked to court me.” She giggled. “He kisses divinely.”
Lucy grinned. “When did this happen?”
“In the garden at the Feldman’s rout. Behind a hedge. There was a fountain tinkling in the background.” Sarah sighed. “It was very romantic.”
“It must have been,” Lucy said delighted for her.
“And I have other news! Mama has a new suitor! Viscount Forester. Apparently, they met again during a dinner last week and renewed their friendship. A widower, he was a good friend of Papa’s.” Sarah laughed.
Delighted, Lucy laughed. “That is wonderful news!”
Sarah’s eyes sparkled. “The doctor says that Mama’s health is no longer a concern. She is now turning her attention to your wedding and wishes to visit your aunt.”
“Aunt Mary will be thrilled,” Lucy said. But would Hugh accept the lavish wedding they might plan for them? She rather doubted it.
*
“I quite likeMiss Kershaw,” Hugh’s mother said in the morning room. “Sarah considers her a good friend. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders. But I know nothing of her family.”
Hugh stretched out his legs over the rug. “Lucy’s father resides in Bath. Should the ailing Marquess of Berwick pass away before Mr. Kershaw does, he will inherit the title.”
“Yes, I read of that sad occurrence in the newspaper. Berwick has lost his two sons. How tragic.” She reached up to stroke Hugh’s cheek. “Well, it appears change is coming for all of us. I suspect Sarah and Mr. Beaufort’s marriage will soon follow.”
“It appears likely. I must admit I couldn’t wish for better for Sarah. Luke is an excellent fellow.”
His mother gazed at him wryly. “You must be pleased, as you brought it about.”
Hugh raised his eyebrows. “Mama! How could you think me so meddlesome?”
She shook her head. “I believe you and your sister are very alike in some ways.” She smiled. “Fortunately, I am confident that the decisions you make will be sound ones.”
“Are you disappointed I’m not to marry Isabel?”
“No,” she said pensively. “The betrothal was thrust upon you against my wishes, when you were a mere ten years old and Isabel a baby. You both should find your own paths in life.”
Hugh smiled, pleased that she understood, but his mother was always scrupulously fair. “I’ll bring Lucy to see you tomorrow.”