“I admit I did not know at first. My wife told me a while ago that she believed they were falling in love.”
“And you didn’t try to put a stop to it? She’s the daughter of an earl, and he’s a lowly commoner,” Lord Devon said, visibly irritated.
“Perhaps, but Devon, I wasn’t exactly welcomed by the peerage when I first arrived in England, as you may remember, but I persevered and was able to marry the woman of my dreams. Sometimes love finds us in the most unlikely places. I’ve always believed every man should be judged by his character, but I know here in England it’s more about your station in life. I also know that he receives a stipend from the baronetcy, so he’s not destitute.”
“Well… I see your point, but I’m not happy about it.”
“Devon, may I speak plainly?”
“Of course, Fletcher. You have a keen mind that I admire a great deal.”
“Your daughter is a lovely and intelligent woman who seems to have suffered needlessly on the marriage mart this past Season, from what my wife has told me. But it seems that her pain at the hands of those gossipmongers didn’t matter to the gentlemen of theton.None of them came to her aid or defense; they merely chuckled along with her tormenters. No one should have to endure such torment week after week.”
“I admit I hadn’t known that my daughter was having such a difficult Season.”
“When she first came to Dandridge Manor, she was reserved and seemed a little sad. Over the summer, I’ve seen a change in her demeanor. She smiles more and appears to be more confident in her interactions. I believe some of that change could be attributed to Mr. Clifford. Lady Kathryn has found a man whotruly loves her for all of her wonderful qualities. They could have a happy life together.”
“Only as a commoner’s wife.”
“A contented and blissfully happy commoner’s wife. What is more important—appearances or your daughter’s future happiness?”
“You’ve given me much to think about, Fletcher,” Devon said after a long moment. “Shall we head back?”
“Absolutely.”
Grace was tying theribbons on her bonnet and pulling on her gloves when she heard Lady Devon come down the stairs. The Fletcher women and Kathryn went out into the foyer, and Kathryn kissed her mother’s cheek.
“Good morning, Mama. I hope you’re well this morning,” Kathryn said.
“Very well, my dear. Now, are we ready to depart?
“Yes. The carriage has been brought around,” Audrey said, leading them out the door.
Charles stood by the carriage door and handed them inside for the trip into Reading.
“What a charming town,” Lady Devon said when the carriage stopped at the modiste’s shop.
“It’s actually quite lovely. They also have an excellent bookshop,” Grace said.
Charles helped them step down, and the women walked into the modiste’s shop.
“Good day, ladies,” Mrs. Spencer said.
“Good day, Mrs. Spencer,” Audrey said. “Lady Devon, this is Mrs. Spencer.”
Mrs. Spencer curtseyed. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Devon. Welcome to my shop.”
“You have a lovely selection of fabrics,” Kathryn said.
“Thank you, Lady Kathryn. I’d be happy to help you choose something if you’d like. Let me get Miss Parker settled for her final fitting first, and I’ll attend to you immediately thereafter.”
“Thank you.” Kathryn and her mother wandered over to the bolts of fabric laid out on the table. She immediately picked up a bolt of hunter-green wool. “Mama, I do love this color. It would make a beautiful dress, don’t you think?”
Lady Devon fingered the finely woven wool. “It would indeed, my darling.”
Within moments, Mrs. Spencer was back by their side while Audrey and Mia waited to see Grace in her wedding dress.
“That green color would look especially lovely on you, Lady Kathryn,” Mrs. Spencer said, holding it up to Kathryn’s face.