“Lady Fletcher and Miss Parker,” the butler announced.
Mia and Audrey walked to their hosts and curtseyed. “Good day, Lady Gardner, Lady Arabella,” Audrey said.
“Oh, Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker, how lovely to see you both again. Please do have a seat.”
“Thank you. My sister has some exciting news she wanted to share with both of you.”
Lady Arabella sat on the edge of the sofa, waiting for the news.
“I’m betrothed to Lord Easton. He asked for my hand, and I accepted,” Mia said.
“Such happy news. I’m thrilled for you, my dear,” Lady Gardner said.
“Mama, may Miss Parker and I stroll in the garden for a few moments?” Lady Arabella asked.
Lady Gardner nodded. “For a few moments only, dear.”
“Thank you, Mama,” she said as she and Mia hurried through the French doors and out into the garden. When they were far enough away from the doorway, Lady Arabella couldn’t contain herself any longer and hugged Mia.
“I’m so pleased for you. I thought Lord Easton had his eye on you.”
“You did? Why did you not say something?”
“I couldn’t. It was merely a guess, but I’m glad I was right. Lord Easton is a fine gentleman.”
“He’s the best of men.”
“Did he give you a ring?”
Mia nodded and slipped her glove off, holding out her left hand for her friend to admire the ring.
“Miss Parker—”
“Please, you must call me Mia. There’s no need to be so formal amongst friends.”
“I would like that, and please call me Arabella. Have you told Lady Victoria yet? I know she will be thrilled for you as well.”
“She is our next stop.”
“When is the wedding?”
“In three weeks, after the banns are read. You will come to the wedding, won’t you?”
“Of course, I wouldn’t miss such a happy occasion.”
“Good. Now, let’s not try your mother’s patience and head back inside.”
When the two young women returned to the parlor, they were delighted to see that Lady Wright and Lady Victoria had also arrived for a morning call.
After greeting them both, Mia shared her happy news.
“I wish you much happiness,” Lady Wright said.
“I’m thrilled for you,” Lady Victoria added, hugging her friend.
“Thank you. I’ve never been happier.”
“Well, I must say, my dear, you’ve caught the most sought-after bachelor of the Season,” Lady Wright said.