“Mother has been relentless tonight. I could barely deal with her on the carriage ride here. Running into the both of you has been the biggest blessing for me,” she admitted, looking severely relieved.
Esther laughed softly. “She means well, Harriet. But you know how she gets during the Season.”
“Please. I would rather that she spares me…” Harriet shook her head, turning to Frances. “After all, does she not have a newly married daughter to pester? Speaking of, where is Christopher? I see that you have dressed up quite nicely for him tonight.”
Frances blushed, looking away. “Phillip borrowed him for a moment. I suspect that they are still inside, getting drinks.”
Harriet nudged Esther, a delighted smile on her face. “Do you see what I am seeing?”
“What?” Esther asked, smiling back.
“She is flushed like a little schoolgirl. Oh, there is something that our sister is not telling us.” Harriet grinned.
Frances blushed even deeper.
“Is that true, Frances?”
Frances opened her mouth to say something, but then quickly shut it again. She did not know how to react when put on the spot like this. Harriet had always been observant, but it seemed like she knew how to read minds now.
“Iwouldrathernotsay,” Frances mumbled quickly.
“What was that? I am afraid that was not very clear.” Harriet grinned like a child who had just discovered a treasure at the beach. “No need to be shy, Frances. We are only your sisters, and we wish to know what is going on in that mind of yours.”
Frances fiddled with the front of her dress. “I just… well, I feel like something has happened since you last saw me.”
Esther and Harriet exchanged curious looks. She knew that she was building up too much suspense, but it felt too embarrassing to admit out loud immediately.
“Yes, which was not too long ago? Are you with child?” Esther asked.
Frances gasped at that. “No, no. You have it all wrong.”
“Then, what is it?” Esther pressed.
Frances knew that she had to confess now, or else her sisters would never let her rest.
“I think that…” Her heart started to race, and she braced herself. “I think that I might have developed some very strong feelings for my husband.”
Esther breathed out a sigh of relief, while Harriet broke into laughter.
“My goodness. You had me believing that something awful had happened for a moment,” Esther said, her hand on her chest. “Why, Frances. That is great news. Is it not?”
“I think that it might even be love,” Frances continued, horrified.
She knew that at least in front of her sisters, she did not have to put on a facade. She could be honest with her, without the fear of judgment.
“Love? But you’ve only been married for a short time. How do you know?” Harriet did not sound too convinced.
Frances gulped, her thoughts drifting back to him, and then a smile formed on her lips. “It is a lot of things. In the way he cares for the twins, and how he’s always there when I need him. How he does not have the usual arrogance of someone born into nobility.”
Esther clapped her hands together, beaming. “I knew it! I could see it in the way he looks at you too. He’s smitten, Frances.”
Harriet shook her head, trying to grasp the concept. “But isn’t love supposed to be… different? More dramatic or something?”
Esther laughed gently. “Love comes in many forms, Harriet. Sometimes it’s quiet and grows over time. It doesn’t have to be dramatic to be real.”
“Well then, I suppose as long as Frances is happy, I have no reason to interject…”
Frances bit her lip. Was she happy? There was no doubt that Christopher possessed the ability to make her the happiest she had ever been, but what about their agreement?
