“Don’t be sad, Mia. We’re here now. I want to hear all about your Season,” Grace said.
Mia spent the next hour telling her sister and brother-in-law about all the different activities she’d been invited to. Halfway through the retelling, Audrey and Fletcher joined them in the drawing room.
“I should be cross with you, dear sister, for keeping such a secret from me,” Mia said with mock outrage. “But how could I be? You managed to convince our dear sister to come to London even though she detests it.”
Grace chuckled. “Well, I wouldn’t exactly say I detest London, but I’m much happier in the country.” She turned to Audrey. “How are you feeling, sister? Better now?”
Audrey nodded. “Yes. I do believe the worst of it has passed.”
“Is it the same for all women?” Grace asked.
“That I do not know. Is there a reason you’re asking?”
Grace couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she grabbed Peter’s hand. “I’m with child.”
Audrey and Mia rushed to hug her. “Such happy news.”
Fletcher shook Peter’s hand. “My congratulations.”
“Thank you, Fletcher. We’re both quite pleased.”
Mia had never been happier. She was marrying the man of her dreams, and both her beloved sisters would be there to witness her happy event. She couldn’t ask for anything more. Everything was perfect.
The next day dawnedbright and sunny. Mia opened her eyes and stretched.
Today was her wedding day.
She never would have thought she’d be happy saying that, but her feelings had changed so much. Lord Easton was everything she could ever wish for in a husband, and she was over the moon with happiness.
She heard a brief knock on her door before Beatrice came in bearing a tray of chocolate and toast. “Good morning, Miss Mia.”
“Oh, Beatrice, it is a good morning, isn’t it?”
“It is indeed,” Beatrice said, placing the tray over her legs. “Enjoy your chocolate while I arrange for your bath.”
Mia nodded and took a bite of the toast. She was almost too excited to eat, but she didn’t want to faint at the altar. That would not be good. She glanced over at the dress hanging on the door of the armoire. It was the most perfect shade of ice blue, complementing her eyes to their greatest advantage.
Fletcher had been more than generous, allowing her to choose what she wanted for her trousseau, but she didn’t abuse his generosity. With Lady Devon’s help, she chose pieces that would satisfy even the most stringent fashion critic, while trying not to be greedy with her brother-in-law’s purse.
After a leisurely bath, Mia sat at her vanity while Beatrice worked her magic on her hair. “Beatrice, you’re such a marvel. “
“Thank you, Beatrice.”
“Would you consider coming with me when I marry?”
“Oh, Miss Mia, I would love to. Thank you.”
“That makes me so happy.”
After Beatrice arranged her hair, Mia sat on the window seat and watched the birds as they fluttered about the garden. She would miss Fletcher House, but she was excited to be in her own home later today.
Her own home.
It had such a nice ring to it, and she was lost in thought when the door opened again, and Audrey and Beatrice walked in.
“Good morning, dearest,” Audrey said, kissing her cheek. “You look stunning, even in your dressing gown.”
Mia chuckled. “Thank you, Audrey. Have I told you how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me? You’ve been more like a mother than a sister to me, and I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you for being my sister.”