“I had not thought of that. I suppose we’d better pray for sons. Then we shall have all the friends in the world—friends with daughters, that is.”
“Oh, Miss Atherton.” I giggled.
She shook her head. “We are friends now, so you must call me Amelia.”
“I would like nothing more, so long asyoucallmeHannah.”
“It is settled. Now then, I can’t say I agree with your plan,” Miss Atherton—or rather, Amelia—said. “But if you love Mr. Jennings as much as you claim to, then I can’t fault you for trying to win him back by any means available. Lord Jennings’s ruse included.” She paused and tucked my hand into the crook of her elbow. “As your friend, I’ll do all I can to help you.”
“Truly?”
Amelia nodded. “We women need to stick together. And I should also like to be around when your ruse with Lord Jennings comes to an end.” She winked.
I smiled. Amelia had set her mind to a loveless marriage, but one of mutual benefit. I wondered, though, was this what she really wanted? There had to be a man out there somewhere who could make her believe in love again. A gentleman she could love as much as I loved Ollie.
“Amelia,” Lady Rumford called. “What are you and Miss Kent chattering on about? Your tea is getting cold, and you’ve not even touched your cake. Come sit.”
“Yes, Mama.”
Amelia and I walked back to the sofa and sat.
Lady Rumford nodded, pleased. “I was just telling Lady Winfield about our trip to the modiste.”
“Mama’s enamored with the new shipment of muslin,” Amelia said. “She is set on ordering a blue print, but I am in love with the yellow.”
Lady Rumford sighed over her teacup. “Yellow is a lovely color, dear, but the particular shade you’ve set your heart on is more fitting for a child than a woman trying to attract a husband.”
“You see the predicament,” Amelia said to me.
“Perhaps Lady Winfield and Miss Kent will join us at the modiste’s tomorrow so we can finally settle this debate and purchase the blue,” Lady Rumford said.
“A splendid idea,” Lady Winfield said. “I should like to spoil Hannah.”
“As would I, Mother,” a deep voice said behind us.
I quickly turned in my seat, and my gaze flashed to the threshold of the drawing room. Damon leaned against the doorframe, his gaze intent upon me. A flush crept up my neck.
“Please excuse my son, Lady Rumford. He seems to have lost his manners.”
“It is true.” Damon walked into the room, riding crop in hand. “They have been misplaced for quite some time. However, I’m doing my best to locate them. In fact, that’s why I’ve come. I’m hoping Miss Kent is available now to join me for our ride and search them out.”
Lady Rumford laughed lightly.
But Lady Winfield did not look amused. Her brows pulled together, forming a delicate V on her forehead. “I believe your father wished for you to be present for his meeting with Mr. Bancroft.”
“It is already finished.”
“Well, as you can see, we still have company.”
“Oh no,” Amelia said. “Don’t let us keep you. Mother and I wanted to explore the garden before the weather turns again.”
“We did?” Lady Rumford asked her daughter.
“Yes, Mama. Don’t you remember? We spoke this morning about how lovely the blooms are this time of year.”
“Oh, yes.” Lady Rumford chuckled uncomfortably. “How could I have forgotten?”
Damon’s eyes narrowed on me.
