“Of course, Lady Devon. When I asked Kathryn to join us for the summer, I knew that she wasn’t enjoying her Season on the marriage mart. She was afraid to speak, lest someone take something she said out of context, or worse, repeat it in a way that was derogatory and reflected poorly on her. Her sweet and lively personality shrank after each event until it was nearly gone, and her eyes dulled. I witnessed the change every week, and it broke my heart to see what was happening to her. Thetoncan be quite vicious at times.”
“Oh, dear, I’m afraid I was remiss in not noticing these things. My other daughter had no such troubles during her Season, and I believed Kathryn would be equally successful in garnering a proposal.”
“My lady, Kathryn isn’t like her sister. She’s much more sensitive to what others think of her, and when she realized that gentlemen didn’t appreciate her wit or intelligence, she no longer tried to impress them and fell silent. I hated to seeher so upset, week after week, and that’s why I asked her to accompany us to Dandridge Manor before the Season was over. I thought a break from London would help her regain some of her enthusiasm for life.”
Lady Devon nodded. ”I did notice that she was quiet those last few weeks in London. I should have been more perceptive and helped her more.”
“Lady Devon, there was nothing you could have done if the gentlemen didn’t wish to court your daughter. Not only did they not want to court her, but they also failed on every occasion I witnessed to come to her defense. It must have been a nightmare for her.”
“Oh my dear, I had no idea it was as bad as all that.”
“It was, my lady. I began to see the light back in her eyes when she met Mr. Clifford. Evidently, they’d noticed each other when he was the gardener for your neighbor, Lord Ashford.”
“Hmmm… she never mentioned anything to me about him.”
“They never spoke in London. Over the last two months, I’ve seen a spark grow into a love of mutual respect and admiration.”
“I see.”
“Does that mean you approve of the match?” Audrey asked.
“I want my daughter to be happy. Society can be harsh, though, especially regarding the suitability and stations of a couple.”
“I agree. Will you help convince Lord Devon to give his permission for them to marry?”
“I have tried to convince him already, but my husband needs to come to these decisions in his own good time. I don’t know what his final decision will be, but I hope it will be in their favor.”
“As do I, my lady.”
“Thank you for your frankness, my dear.”
“My pleasure, Lady Devon.”