“I’m sure I will. Thank you for thinking of me,” Mia said as she opened the box. A smile lit up her pretty face as she pulled out a pair of soft kidskin gloves and several ribbons in a variety of colors. She immediately went to Grace and hugged her. “You’re too kind, sister. Thank you.”
“Mia, it was my pleasure,” Grace said, pulling another box out of the pile and handing it to Kathryn.
Kathryn opened the box and gasped. Nestled in a bed of satin was the most exquisite silver-gilt filigree hair comb. “Oh my goodness, it’s stunning. Thank you, Grace.”
“As soon as I saw it, I knew it was perfect for you,” Grace said.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll wear it and think of me.”
Kathryn hugged her. “Thank you. I agree with Mia; you’re too generous.”
“I think we can all thank Jacob,” Grace said.
That made Audrey smile. “Yes, my husband is quite generous. I’ll be sure to give him all your thanks.”
“What’s in the rest of the boxes?” Mia asked.
“Wait until you see,” Grace said. “I’m so excited to show you.”
The women spent the next half-hour oohing and aahing over the purchases.
When Kathryn excused herselfto return to her chambers, Audrey walked out with her.
“Kathryn, may I have a moment of your time?”
“Of course,” she said, leading Audrey into her bedchamber and closing the door.
“Audrey, what may I do for you?”
“There’s nothing you can do. I merely wanted a moment to talk with you.”
“Oh?”
“I hope you’ve been enjoying yourself these past months? It’s good to see you so relaxed.”
“It’s been wonderful being here with all of you. I do love the country and cannot thank you enough for inviting me.”
“I’m glad. How are you feeling about your family coming in two days?”
“It will be good to see them.”
“Of course. I’m sure you’ve missed them.”
Kathryn nodded. “I have, but…”
Audrey took her hand and brought her over to the settee in front of the fireplace. “Come sit with me a moment. You seem unsettled.”
“Perhaps a little.”
“Are you looking forward to returning to London?”
“No, not at all.”
“Oh?”
“Audrey, I’m so conflicted, and I don’t know what to do.”