“Shall I pour?” Mia asked.
Audrey nodded. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”
Mia prepared the tea for her sister and Fletcher before making a cup for herself. “Are you excited to see the fireworks, Audrey?”
“I am. It’s not every day one gets to experience something entirely new.”
“You’ve never seen fireworks before?” Fletcher asked.
“No. Papa didn’t believe in wasting coin on frivolous things, and going to Vauxhall Gardens fell into that category.”
“Well, then, I’m glad you’ll both have a chance to see them.”
Mia let her mind wander while her sister and Fletcher talked. Would Lord Easton finally give her an indication of how he felt about her? She wasn’t sure if she still thought of him as merely a family friend or if he was becoming so much more. Since she’d been in London and had the opportunity to spend more time with him, she’d noticed how handsome he was, how kind, and how very polite. He might not be as witty as Lord Berkeley, but there was a quiet strength about him that she admired. Dancing the waltz with him had been an eye-opening experience. The way he made her feel protected and safe in his arms….she had never enjoyed a dance more. None of the other gentlemen she’d danced with had made her feel that way.
These new feelings were all so puzzling.
Was she beginning to fall in love with him? She’d never been in love before, so how would she know?
Without any indication of how he felt, she decided it would be best to keep her feelings a secret for now, although she couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel to be kissed by him. When Fletcher had interrupted her “almost” first kiss at the Thompsonball, she’d been quite angry, but now she realized she wanted to save that experience to share with Lord Easton.
What was happening to her?
“Mia,” Audrey said.
It wasn’t until Audrey said her name a second time that she looked up. “What? I’m sorry. I was wool-gathering.”
“Think nothing of it. I wanted to let you know that I’ve heard from Lady Gardner. She and Lady Arabella would be delighted to come for tea the day after tomorrow.”
“That’s wonderful.”
Now that the date has been set, I sent a note to Lady Wright and Lady Victoria.”
“Have they accepted the invitation?” Mia asked.
“They have.”
“I do like Lady Arabella and Lady Victoria ever so much. Both of them have been so kind to me, and I would like to spend more time with them.”
“I will send a note around to Lady Wright, but I can’t promise they will be free. It is rather short notice.”
“Thank you, Audrey. You’re the best sister!”
Two days later, Miacouldn’t stop pacing in front of the two large windows facing the street, waiting for their guests to arrive for tea.
“Mia, please sit down. You’re making me dizzy with all your pacing,” Audrey said.
Before Mia could say anything more, Beckwith announced, “Lady Wright, Lady Gardner, Lady Victoria, and Lady Arabella.”
Mia rushed over to them and curtseyed. “Good day. I’m so happy you came!”
Lady Victoria and Lady Arabella both smiled. “We are too.”
The three young women shared a hug before heading for the sofa, their heads together.
Audrey curtseyed. “Good day, Lady Wright, Lady Gardner. Welcome to Fletcher House.”
“Good day, Lady Fletcher,” the two women said.