Clara handed the hoop to Alethea with an excited grin.
"You hold it like this." The girl positioned the hoop over the crossed sticks in Alethea's hands.
Alethea mimicked her, biting her lip in concentration.
"Like this?" She held one stick in each hand, the hoop resting around both near their tips.
"Yes, that's perfect," Eleanor encouraged. "Now, pull the sticks apart quickly to launch the hoop toward me."
Taking a breath, Alethea did as instructed. She flicked her wrists outward. The hoop sailed clumsily through the air. Eleanor darted to catch it but missed as it bounced on the grass.
"Oh! I'm sorry, my aim…" Alethea's cheeks colored.
"Not at all," the girl said cheerfully, already retrieving the hoop. "No one is good at first. Try again."
Clara giggled.
"My first time, I sent the hoop straight into the fountain. The governess was very cross because I soaked myself fetching it."
Alethea couldn't help a small laugh picturing the misadventure. She found herself relaxing slightly.
"Well then, I don't feel so bad."
They continued the game, taking turns. Soon Alethea got the hang of it. She managed to catch the flying hoop a few times. Clara, not content to watch quietly, tried to snatch the hoop mid-air.
"Clara, you monkey, you'll trip," the elder sister scolded lightly as her younger one twirled under a toss.
Clara only laughed. Alethea watched the sisters' playful exchange with a mix of joy and wistfulness. She had grown away from her sisters, though she did have friends at the nunnery. She missed them dearly. So, for a short while, she felt as though their absence was being replaced by these young girls.
After several rounds, Alethea's arms were slightly tired from catching and throwing. The three decided to take a rest under the large tree that stood at the corner of the garden. Clara flopped onto the grass without a care. Eleanor sat more primly on a little bench, though she soon loosened and stretched her legs out.
Alethea remained standing at first. It wouldn't do to crease her gown by sitting on the ground... but Clara's carefree sprawl looked inviting. Finally, with a quick glance around to ensure no servants were watching to gossip, Alethea lowered herself onto the grass as well, tucking her skirts carefully around her.
"This is lovely," she said softly, almost to herself. She realized she had been holding herself taut with worry since her marriage, and for the first time she was uncoiling, if only a little.
"We're so glad you came outside with us. We hoped to make you feel at home. It must be quite an adjustment, becoming our brother's duchess so suddenly." There was gentle curiosity in Eleanor's tone.
Alethea nodded, her fingers plucking unconsciously at a blade of grass.
"It has been a new experience for me," She chose her words carefully. She did not wish to reveal how truly unprepared she felt, nor dwell on the events that brought her here. "I am grateful, however. Everyone has been most welcoming."
"Will you come riding with us tomorrow, Your Grace? We go most mornings. Oliver – er, His Grace – usually leads us, but he has been busy this week," Clara chimed in.
At the mention of Oliver, Alethea's stomach gave a little jump. They had been married only a short time, and she still felt a jolt of uncertainty whenever she thought of him. He had been polite since bringing her to his home, but she could not yet read hismoods or truly know his temper. The idea of disappointing him terrified her, though he'd given her no specific cause for fear.
Clara's question hung in the air. Alethea realized the girl was waiting eagerly.
"Riding? I do know how to ride, in theory," Alethea said. The nunnery had only a few old mares for errands, and she'd ridden rarely. "If His Grace does not object, I would enjoy accompanying you."
"He won't object," Eleanor assured her kindly. "Our brother is more than happy to see us all getting along."
Alethea returned her smile, hoping Eleanor was right. She realized she should try to trust in Oliver's goodwill more. He had, after all, rescued her reputation and given her his name. Surely he meant to care for her, not to harm her.
And yet, I barely know what kind of husband he will be,she reflected. The nuns had taught her to be an obedient wife, but they hadn't truly explained what to expect of a husband's behavior.
Suddenly Clara gasped, interrupting Alethea's thoughts.
"Oh no, my dress!"
