“He doesn’t know,” Lavinia said, dropping her gaze.
Edith swiveled toward her. “But you are with child. How do you expect to keep this from him?”
“I promise to tell him once we are back in London. If August finds out now, he’ll insist we marry, and here in Scotland, there are fewer obstacles.”
“How can you even consider rejecting him now? Think about your child.”
“I am aware of the consequences.” Lavinia surged to her feet, pacing several steps before turning to face Edith. “It’s still early. What if the pregnancy does not progress as it should? If August marries me now and something happens…” Tears welled in her eyes. “I couldn’t bear knowing he could have married better.”
Edith huffed. “St. Ambrose would be the first to tell you there’s no one better suited for him. You must tell him. He deserves to make the choice for himself.”
“I will tell him,” Lavinia said, her voice softening. “But I want us to be safely away from Aldmist Fell before I do. And I don’t know if I can keep my condition a secret for three more weeks. I need to convince him to take me back to London soon.” She returned to where Edith sat, kneeling before her. “I know you love it here at the castle, but if you plan to return with me, would you be willing to leave earlier? I’m desperate to get away from this place.”
Edith’s heart sank. She did love Aldmist Fell, and she would miss it, along with the wonderful new friends she had begun to make. But Lavinia was her dearest friend. She had saved Edith’s life.
Her throat tightened as she thought about leaving—about never again seeing Ismay, Mrs. McTaggart, or the entire McTaggart clan. Worse still, never having another adventure with Mr. McTaggart, even though she had been so put out with him earlier.
Lavinia smiled sadly. “You needn’t answer now. Promise to give it careful thought, and if you choose to stay, I will understand.”
Lavinia might understand, but Edith would still feel as though she were disappointing her.
“I promise,” she murmured.
Chapter Twelve
Edith stayed with Lavinia until it was time to dress for supper. A cool cloth held to Lavinia’s eyes had reduced the swelling enough that only those who knew her best would suspect her of crying. Edith worried that Lord St. Ambrose would know instantly.
The man was unusually perceptive, aware of everything about Lavinia. His discovery of her pregnancy could happen at any moment. Part of Edith wished it would happen sooner rather than later, for the marquess dearly loved Lavinia and would insist on making her his wife. Edith would not object in the least to St. Ambrose using the pregnancy to press Lavinia into marriage. Yet, she would never betray her friend’s confidence.
As Edith entered her chambers, she found Mr. McTaggart’s sister laying an exquisite light blue gown across her bed. Ismay flashed a wide smile in Edith’s direction. “There you are. I wondered where you’d gotten off to at this hour.” She waved Edith forward. “Come on, then. We haven’t much time.”
Edith did as Ismay commanded. “Time for what, exactly? And where did you find that gown?”
Ismay spun Edith around, unfastening the back of her dress. “Lady Thorne insisted I choose any gown from her wardrobe. The blue will complement your eyes verra well, and it’s a bit more demure. I think it’ll suit you nicely.”
Ismay’s answer didn’t address Edith’s question, but she was already tugging the day dress over Edith’s head before another word could be spoken.“Milady bid me to wish you well, and assure you no’ to concern yourself with missing supper with your clan.”
“The Thornes are not my clan,” Edith said before Ismay tossed the lovely silk gown over her head. “They are my employers. I’m no different from you or any of the other servants at Aldmist Fell.”
The girl beamed. “You’re no’ telling me anything I dinnae already know. You’re one of us, through and through.” Having secured the gown, Ismay hurried her toward the dressing table. “I havenae the time for anything elaborate with your hair. My brother’s walking the floors as it is. No need to stir up his nerves more than necessary.”
Edith gasped softly. “Mr. McTaggart is here? To see me?”
“Aye.” Ismay urged her to sit on the bench in front of the dressing table and began removing pins from her hair. “You’re dining with him this evening.” She paused, meeting Edith’s gaze in the looking glass. “If it pleases you.”
"Yes," Edith replied on a breath, her fingers trembling as she smoothed her skirts.
Mr. McTaggart had come for her after all. If he offered marriage, she didn’t know how to answer. Besides the obvious obstacle of her age and inability to promise him children, there was also Lavinia to consider. Edith owed her friend everything, even though Lavinia would be the first to insist Edith follow her heart.Ismay was quick with Edith’s toilette just as she’d promised. “Have a look,” she said, stepping back.
Edith couldn’t believe the transformation. Her blue eyes seemed more vibrant, and her hair was a lovely shade of pale blonde, woven with strands of gold. Perhaps it was the soft gold ribbon embroidery on the gown’s bodice creating the illusion with her hair, but Edith saw a beauty she’d never realized existed. She blinked quickly to curb the tears.
“Thank you, Ismay. You’ve worked a miracle tonight.”
“Pfft…” Ismay rolled her eyes. “I uncovered what was always there. I shouldnae keep you. Fergus can get in a temper from time to time, and I dinnae like being the one responsible for his foul mood.”Edith was intimately acquainted with Mr. McTaggart’s temper, but it caused her no concern. Nor did she believe his sister was worried.
Ismay escorted her downstairs to the servants’ dining room, where the table had been set with pristine white linen and bone china rimmed with deep red roses in full bloom. The silver and crystal sparkled in the candlelight. And standing on the other side of the table was a sight that made her belly quiver: Mr. McTaggart, dressed in fitted gray trousers, a dark blue jacket, and his family’s red, blue, green, and yellow plaid pinned at his shoulder.
Ismay stepped forward. “Mr. McTaggart, may I present Mistress Edith Gallagher?”
