“Well, it would seem that their Aunt Venetia has experienced a stroke of enormous good fortune.” He glanced around the table at the Ridlington ladies. “She has inherited a considerable legacy from a cousin she barely knew.”
Assorted exclamations followed his words.
“Kitty must be over the moon,” commented Hecate dryly.
Edmund raised an eyebrow at her.
“Well, isn’t she?” Hecate responded to the silent question. “She’s always loved the thought of all the things money can buy. And now she’s in the company of a woman whose good luck has also added the glow of prestige.” She sighed. “You know how Society is. Both of you.” She looked at Edmund and Rosaline. “Money is the arbiter of all things fashionable.”
“I cannot argue that, much as I would like to do so,” answered Rosaline. “But let’s be happy for Kitty. And Richard as well.”
Edmund agreed. “Something like this, while as horribly mercenary as Hecate asserts, will go a long way toward wiping out that Ridlington stain for both Richard and Kitty. Which can only be a good thing. I imagine Kitty will now have a much better dowry than I could have provided for her…”
“I suppose so,” conceded Hecate.
“And…” continued Edmund. “She says you and Letitia are welcome to visit. Aunt Venetia is planning a large ball to celebrate her new status, and Kitty would love to have you both there.” He glanced down at his sister’s scrawl. “She says something about the upcoming holiday season and festivities, but damned if I can make out more than that.” He passed it to his wife. “Here. You try.”
Rosaline turned the paper this way and that, squinted, frowned and held it up to the light before shaking her head. “It’s no use. She says seasonal something-or-other, so exciting, ball and new dresses. That’s the best I can do.”
“Typical,” chuckled Hecate. “Well, I won’t be going.”
Letitia’s mind was working rapidly. “Hecate, can I urge you to change your mind?”
“I doubt it, but you’re welcome to try.”
“Annoying girl,” grinned Letitia.
“I think you both should go,” interjected Rosaline. “It would be a wonderful break for you. Hecate, you’ve isolated yourself here in Ridlington. It’s time you saw a little more of the world. And Letitia, you would benefit from a trip to London, I know, given all your hard work on your book. And seeing Kitty and Richard again would be good for everyone.” She looked at her husband. “I don’t want any of us to forget we are a family.”
He reached out and picked up her hand. “As if we could with you at the head of it.” He kissed her knuckles.
“I rather think young Hugh is the head of it at the moment,” she smiled back.
“I don’t know, Rosaline,” said Letitia, whose lightning-fast brain was already a week ahead. “I am not comfortable leaving you with just Edmund for company. What about darling Hugh?”
“I probably should be upset at that comment,” said Edmund with a grin, “but I do understand your point.”
“I have Nurse,” Rosaline assured her. “And perhaps—here’s another suggestion—would you leave Harry here? She’s very good with Hugh and I am coming to enjoy her conversation. We all know that London, for her, might be unhealthy, and I’m sure Kitty’s aunt has maids in abundance for your convenience…”
Since this was exactly the place where Letitia had hoped to lead Rosaline, she merely smiled and nodded. “A truly excellent notion, Rosaline. I wonder why I did not think of it myself.”
