“I’m fine, just a bit fatigued. No need to worry.”
“If you’ll both have a seat, I’ll have the carriage readied to take you home. I wouldn’t want you to walk if you’re not feeling up to it.”
“Lord Berkeley, I assure you I’m well, but a ride home would be most welcome.”
Berkeley nodded and left the room to arrange for the carriage.
“Are you sure you’re well?” Mia asked. “Fletcher will be most angry if you’ve overexerted yourself today. I should have watched you more closely.”
“Dearest, I’m not ill and do not need you to watch over me. Believe me, I’m fine. I’ll take a nap when we return and be as good as new.”
It didn’t take long for the carriage to be readied. Berkeley walked out with them and handed the ladies inside. “Would you like me to accompany you? It’s no trouble.”
“There’s no need, Lord Berkeley. Thank you for the offer,” Audrey said.
“I’ll see you again soon,” he said, closing the carriage door and informing the driver of their destination.
Mia waved to Berkeley as the carriage pulled away.
Audrey was sitting with her eyes closed, and Mia didn’t know if she’d already fallen asleep. Her sister looked a little pale, but hopefully she would perk up with a nice hot cup of tea and some rest.
“Audrey, we’re here,” Mia said a moment before the driver opened the carriage door.
Her sister’s eyes flew open. “Oh dear, I guess I was more tired than I realized.”
The driver helped them down. “Thank you,” Audrey said.
He tipped his hat and climbed back up on the bench. “Good day, ladies,” he said before clicking the horses into motion.
Beckwith had the front door open. “Lady Fletcher, would you like me to order a tea tray?”
“No, thank you, Beckwith. I think I’ll retire for a bit.”
“Of course, my lady.”
Mia stayed by Audrey’s side as they climbed the stairs. “I’ll help you with your dress. No need to call your maid.”
“Thank you, dearest. That would be most helpful.”
Mia opened Audrey’s bedchamberdoor and ushered her inside. After helping her remove her dress, stays, and petticoat, she pulled down the bedcovers. “Here you go. You rest now. I’ll stay with you a bit if you’d like.”
Audrey slipped between the sheets. “No need. I’ll be fine,” she said.
Mia wanted to take no chances and sat beside her sister’s bed while Audrey snuggled into the blankets. Within minutes, she was asleep again.
Mia kissed her forehead before tiptoeing out of the room and going downstairs in search of a cup of tea. Her sister was a marvel, and Mia had a marvelous time this afternoon, suggesting different things for the Berkeley House renovations, but she should have kept a closer eye on her sister and not let her stand on her feet for so long.
Audrey was still in the early months of her pregnancy, and Mia vowed to keep a closer eye on her in any future engagements. As she walked down the stairs, Fletcher was being greeted by Beckwith.
“Welcome home, my lord,” the butler said.
Fletcher nodded and looked up as Mia reached the bottom step. “Hello, my dear. Have you seen my lovely wife?”
“She’s resting at the moment.”
“She is?”
Mia nodded. “We were at Lord Berkeley’s townhouse earlier, and she might have spent too long on her feet. I just tucked her into bed and came looking for a cup of tea. Would you care to join me?”