While there were many exciting and fun activities and events to attend, there was also the dark side of living in London. Almost being assaulted at Vauxhall Gardens had opened her eyes to more important things—especially having someone by your side who loved and protected you above all else. That was what Alex had been doing for her all Season, from standing guard at the French doors at the Gardner ball to helping her navigate her fears on the dark path. He was her protector, and she’d never noticed his steadfast devotion before.
Well, she noticed it now and vowed to be the best wife she knew how. She no longer wanted to dwell on which party to attend or which dress to wear; she wanted to discuss future invitations with Alex so they could decide together what to do.
She was too excited to sleep any longer.
When Beatrice came into her room to light the fire against the morning chill, the maid was startled to see her awake. “Miss Mia, is something amiss? It’s not yet seven.”
“I’m sorry to have startled you, but I couldn’t sleep any longer.”
“Would you care for chocolate and toast? I know Mrs. Culbert is in the kitchen.”
“Yes. That would be lovely. Thank you, Beatrice.”
The maid finished stoking the fire and left to fetch her a tray.
Two hours later, she was dressed and on her way down to the dining room. Neither Fletcher nor her sister was there yet, which wasn’t surprising. It was still early. She hoped Audrey was feeling up to touring houses today. Otherwise, they would have to reschedule. She didn’t want to tour any residences without her sister. Audrey had such a fine eye for design, and Mia trusted her implicitly.
The footman poured her a cup of tea while she filled her plate.
Thirty minutes later, both Fletcher and Audrey entered the dining room. “Good morning, dearest,” Audrey said.
“Good morning to you both. Audrey, how are you feeling today?”
“I am well,” she said, holding a protective hand over the small swell of her belly. “I think the worst of it is over now. At least that’s how it was with William, and I’m hoping it will be the same with this child.”
“I’m so happy you’re feeling better. I would have rescheduled the tours today if you hadn’t felt up to going.”
“That’s very considerate of you,” Fletcher said, holding out the chair for Audrey. Once she was seated, he went to the sideboard for some fruit and toast. “Would you care for anything else?” he asked.
“No. This is fine, thank you,” Audrey said.
Mia was glad she’d finished eating before they arrived. She would not want to upset her sister’s delicate stomach with the smell of eggs and bacon, especially today.
When everyone had finished eating, they went into the drawing room to wait for Lord Easton to appear.
Promptly at eleven, Lord Easton arrived at Fletcher House. “Good morning, all,” he said, walking into the drawing room. “Are we ready to tour some houses?”
“Absolutely,” Mia said, tying the ribbons on her bonnet and slipping on her gloves.
Easton held out his arm. “My father has loaned us his carriage for today’s tours.”
“How very kind of him,” Audrey said, taking Fletcher’s arm and following the happy couple outside.
The men handed the ladies inside before joining them.
“I’ve given the driver the addresses of the available properties. I hope we find one that is suitable.”
“Sometimes it takes a while to find the right one,” Fletcher said. “We toured a few before we settled on Fletcher House.”
“I’m glad both you and Lady Fletcher could join us. Finding the right house can be somewhat daunting,” Easton said.
The first residence they toured was in Mayfair. It was a large, elegant townhouse, but the inside proved disappointing.
“Oh, the rooms are so very dark,” Mia said. She turned to her sister. “What do you think, Audrey?”
Her sister was looking around the drawing room, shaking her head. “I agree. Even with fresh paint, I’m not sure it would be suitable.”
Mia turned to Easton. “What do you think, Easton?”