“Yes.” Letitia’s throat moved as she swallowed. “Anyway, the gist of our conversation was that if we were going to consider uniting in marriage, we should explore our compatibility.”
“Your compatibility?”
“Yes. Our compatibility.”
“As in…your taste in wines, for example? Whether you prefer the hunt in November or January?”
“Not quite.”
“Ah…” Rosaline was enjoying herself. “So it would have been more about where to reside? Here or in London for the Season?”
“Rosaline. No. Stop.”
“All right. Sorry.” She wasn’t sorry at all, but the look she was getting from Letitia was worth it.
“It’s about our intimate compatibility.”
Rosaline took a breath. She might have guessed this was where the conversation was leading, but now it was nearly there…well, that was different. “I see.”
As if a flood gate had opened, Letitia continued apace. “Yes. James and I wish to know that should we wed, we will be in agreement in more areas than what books we like and if there should be tropical plants in the conservatory. As I’m sure you’ll agree, there’s a lot more to marriage than those kinds of things.” She paused for breath. “I need to know if I would enjoy being with James…intimately.” She looked up at Rosaline. “Does that make sense?”
“And you are planning on doing this…how?”
“I shall be spending the night at FitzArden Hall. Tomorrow night. All night.”
“All night?”
“All night.” Letitia’s determined tone left no room for argument.
“Well then.” Rosaline caught her breath. “I need to think for a moment.”
Idly, Letitia took a biscuit, ate it, and washed it down with tea. “I couldn’t lie to you, Rosaline. Not about this. I thought up several schemes that might have resulted in my having to stay overnight, but that’s what they were. Silly schemes. And they felt wrong. I couldn’t come to you with a ridiculous tale of a sprained ankle.” She raised her chin. “There was no other option for me or for you. I had to tell you the truth of the matter.”Or most of it, anyway.
Rosaline nodded. “I respect that and thank you for it.” She wished for a moment that she was a wiser woman with more experience in these things. But then she decided that honesty given deserved honesty returned. “I cannot say I am wholly in favour of your proposed plan, Letitia. Not because it contravenes so many of our social taboos, but because it’s a step once taken can never be repeated. But I am completely in favour of you finding your future happiness, which I know James will be able to provide. You are well suited; you are both of an age to know your own minds. And if you choose to anticipate your vows, then I cannot do more than wish you well…both tomorrow night and in the years to come.”
Letitia’s sigh of relief fluttered the napkins on the tea tray. “Well thank goodness.”
“You were worried?” Rosaline couldn’t help a chuckle.
“Well, yes of course I was worried. I’m planning something shocking. I wasn’t sure how you’d respond.”
“You expected to be turned out into the snow without a penny?” Rosaline caught herself up. “Well, I should correct myself. Just turned out into the snow. There aren’t enough pennies to begin with.”
“No, not quite that,” laughed Letitia. “And I have asked Paul to escort Harry back here after the servants have retired. She’ll be safe that way, but late. Paul has agreed. A very kind man, and apparently quite unshockable.”
“So all is settled then?”
Letitia rose and brushed the crumbs off her skirt. “Yes. It seems so.”
Rosaline stood as well, and held out her hands. “You are sure, my dear?”
“I’m sure.” Letitia took Rosaline’s outstretched hands in her own. “Very sure. I’m also convinced I have the best sister-in-law in the whole world.”
“I hope you feel that way after tomorrow night.” Rosaline squeezed the fingers she was holding. “If you have any problems, or questions, come to me. I am always here for you, no matter what.”
Tears stung Letitia’s eyes and she looked down for a moment, not willing to betray the rush of emotion that had brought them so close to the surface. She merely squeezed back, let Rosaline go, and walked from the room. A moment longer and she might have divulged too much—revealing that she had no intention of actuallymarryingJames.
That wouldn’t do at all.
