By the time they reached Fletcher House, Mia could see that her sister was tired and needed to rest. She turned to Easton. “My darling, thank you for the lovely stroll. I can hardly wait to become your wife tomorrow. I love you. Good-bye.”
Easton brought her hand to his lips for a kiss. “Sleep well, my love,” he said before departing.
Chapter21
Beckwith had the door openfor them as they walked up the stairs. “Welcome back.”
“Thank you, Beckwith,” Mia said before turning to her sister. “Audrey, would you mind terribly if I rested for a while?” She knew her sister was tired but wouldn’t want to rest and would likely try to decorate some more, and hoped if she feigned tiredness, then Audrey would rest too.
“Excellent idea, Mia,” Fletcher said. He took Audrey’s hand. “Come, my darling. I think we all could use a bit of a rest after that stroll.”
She chuckled and let him help her upstairs.
Mia followed on their heels, even though she was far too excited to rest. She knew if she didn’t do as she’d said, her sister would object to having been lied for her own well-being. She didn’t want Audrey to push herself. Tomorrow was Mia’s wedding day, and she wanted everyone to feel well. “I’ll see you at tea,” she said when Fletcher and Audrey reached their bedchamber.
Audrey nodded, and they went into their room.
Mia had been sitting on the bench under her window, watching the birds in the garden come and go for nearly an hour when she heard voices downstairs.
Who could have come to call?
She rushed out of her bedchamber and down the hallway. At the top of the stairs, she stopped and stared, hardly believing her eyes. “Grace!” she squealed and ran down the stairs.
Her sister looked up after giving her pelisse and bonnet to Beckwith. She opened her arms, and Mia flew into them.
“I can’t believe you’re here. I thought you couldn’t attend. Audrey told me you and Peter couldn’t leave the parish.”
Grace chuckled and stepped back. “A minor fib, Mia dear. We wanted to surprise you.”
Peter stepped forward and gave Mia a hug. “You’re more beautiful than ever, sister.”
“Thank you ever so much for coming. It wouldn’t have been the same without both of you here.”
“Miss Parker, shall I ask Mrs. Culbert to prepare a tea tray?” Beckwith asked.
“Yes. I’m sure our guests could use a nice cup of tea,” she said, grabbing her sister’s hand and dragging her into the drawing room.
Peter followed them.
“So, tell me everything. Have you been enjoying London?” Grace asked. “I was delighted when I received your letter about your engagement. Delighted, but surprised.”
“I know. There’s so much to tell, but yes, for the most part, I do enjoy London quite a bit.”
“Does that mean you’ll not be moving to the country?” Peter asked.
“I don’t know. I’ve not been to the Devon family estate or any of the other properties they own, but if you must know, I prefer the bustle of the city. Sorry if that upsets you.”
“Mia, there’s no need to live your life to please anyone besides yourself and your betrothed. If both of you prefer the city, then that is where you’ll live, although perhaps you might enjoy the country air in the heat of the summer,” Grace said. “If LordDevon owns a property near the sea, that could be quite lovely in the summer months.”
“That’s a good point. I shall ask Easton about that. Did Audrey tell you that he’s purchased a lovely house in Belgravia for us?”
Grace nodded. “She did. I’m very pleased for you.”
“Will you be staying in London long? Perhaps I can give you a tour,” Mia said.
Peter shook his head. “\I’m afraid we must return to Reading the day after the wedding. We’re needed to help organize the spring festival.” He looked lovingly at Grace. “My wife has become indispensable to my parishioners.”
Mia nodded with downcast eyes. “Of course. I understand.”