Chapter5
Two days after they arrivedat Dandridge Manor, Grace came downstairs in search of Audrey. She and Kathryn had planned on exploring some of the countryside, and she wanted to see if Audrey would like to join them. She finally found her sister talking with Mrs. Hutchins in the morning room at the back of the manor.
“Thank you, Mrs. Hutchins. I appreciate the efficiency of the staff, but when the Devons arrive, it may be necessary to hire more servants. I wouldn’t want to unduly burden the staff.”
“Of course, Lady Fletcher. It will be taken care of.”
Grace waited for Audrey to finish her conversation before asking, “Would you care to accompany Lady Kathryn and me this morning? We want to do a bit of exploring.”
Audrey shook her head. “Thank you, dearest, but not this time. I have some correspondence I need to attend to.”
“Of course. See you later.”
“Be careful, dearest, and don’t wander too far.”
“We won’t,” Grace said, walking back toward the front of the house.
Lady Kathryn was waiting in the foyer. “Will Lady Fletcher be joining us?”
Grace shook her head. “Not this time,” she said, tying her bonnet ribbons and pulling on her gloves.
Jones opened the door, and the two women left to explore the grounds.
“Isn’t it magical, Kathryn?” Grace asked as they walked through the woods that separated Dandridge Manor from the neighboring estate.
Kathryn smiled. “It truly is, and I can’t thank your sister enough for inviting me to accompany your family. I feel like I can finally breathe without worrying about someone criticizing my every move.”
“Is that how you felt in London?”
“It was indeed. Not from my parents, of course—they were always supportive—but thetonis full of vicious gossips who enjoy spreading innuendos and lies. They’re oblivious to whom they hurt, and I honestly don’t think they care. One small misstep by a debutante, and her Season is ruined. I found it all very stressful and couldn’t enjoy the activities for fear of doing something they would seize upon.”
“Well, I’m glad Audrey invited you then. No one should be ashamed to be themselves.”
“That’s very kind of you to say, Grace, but it’s not the way the marriage mart works.”
“I did get a little taste of how vicious some people can be when I wore my purple dress to the last musical evening I attended.”
“Lavender shouldn’t have caused a scandal.”
Grace chuckled. “Oh, it wasn’t lavender, but a beautiful royal purple.”
Kathryn gasped. “Oh dear, I can see why that would cause a stir.”
“Well, I should have listened to Audrey, but the dress was so beautiful and I wanted a chance to wear it before we left London.”
“I understand. I can only say that most debutantes wear pastels until they’re married. No one wants to make a mistakewith their wardrobe because they’re all vying to catch the most eligible gentleman’s eye and make the best marriage possible. Sometimes it’s the mamas that push a certain gentleman, and the lady has no choice in the matter.”
“I cannot imagine how horrible it would be to be forced to marry someone against your will.”
“Neither can I. It makes me so thankful that my parents didn’t push either my sister or me toward anyone in particular. They’re determined to allow us to make our own choices.”
“I’m not sure I like the sound of the marriage mart. It sounds quite trying.”
“It can be.”
“Is it your wish to marry?” Grace asked as they strolled along the path.
Before Kathryn had a chance to answer, they heard a voice calling, “Simon! Where are you?”