The next day was brightand sunny when Mia pushed back the covers, slipped from the bed, and tiptoed over to the window. She’d slept later than usual this morning, which surprised her, since today, she was going riding in the park with Kathryn and Lord Easton. She was anxious to show them how much she’d improved.
A soft knock on the door drew her attention away from the view of the garden. “Come.”
The door opened, and Beatrice walked in. “Good morning, Miss Parker.”
“Good morning, Beatrice. Won’t you consider calling me Mia? Miss Parker is so very formal.”
“I’m sorry. I’m afraid I can’t do that. That wouldn’t be proper.”
Mia stared at the young woman. “How about Miss Mia? Would that be suitable to your sensibilities?”
Beatrice smiled. “Of course, that would be most appropriate,” she said, putting down a tray of hot chocolate and toast on the table beside the bed. “Why don’t you enjoy your morning chocolate while I arrange for your bath?”
“Thank you.” Mia hopped back into bed.
An hour later, she took one last look in the vanity mirror. Pleased with the fit of her new riding habit, she headed down tobreakfast. When she walked into the dining room, Fletcher was sitting at the table, but Audrey was nowhere in sight.
“Good morning, Fletcher.”
He looked up from his paper. “Good morning, Mia. I trust you slept well.”
“I did indeed. I’m so looking forward to riding in Hyde Park today.” She glanced around again. “Where’s Audrey?”
“Taking a tray in her room today. I told her to relax for a bit longer. She was feeling a little under the weather this morning.”
“Oh, I do hope it’s nothing serious.”
“Your sister assures me she’ll be feeling herself again soon. I thought I’d join your party instead. Haven’t had a chance to ride Midnight much since we’ve returned to London.”
“That would be wonderful.”
Mia filled her plate with eggs, bacon, and toast. After breakfast, she went to the drawing room to wait until Kathryn and Lord Easton arrived. She was so excited, she could hardly sit still as the minutes crawled by.
An hour later, Audrey joined her. “Good morning, dearest. Don’t you look lovely in your new habit,” she said, bussing Mia’s cheek.
“Thank you. I’m ever so happy that the modiste finished it in time for our ride today. Fletcher told me you weren’t feeling well. I’m sorry you won’t be joining our party.”
“No need to be sorry. I feel better now. Perhaps one day, I’ll learn to be comfortable around horses, but I assure you that day is not today,” Audrey said with a chuckle.
“I understand. I felt the same way at first.”
“Do you know where Fletcher is?”
“I believe he’s in his study. He said he had work to do before he joined us for our ride.”
“Oh? He’s joining you?”
Mia nodded. “He said he needed to exercise Midnight.”
“Of course. His stallion does need exercise. If you’ll excuse me, dearest, I must speak to him before you head out.”
Mia watched her sister leave the room and wondered what she needed to see Fletcher about so urgently.
Audrey swept out ofthe drawing room and down the hallway to Fletcher’s study. She knocked on the door and waited.
“Come.”
She turned the handle and walked in. “Good morning, my darling.”