Had Helena captured the duke’s eye?
She could not imagine a finer ending to this tale.
“I beg your pardon?” she asked, managing to keep the quiver of anticipation from her voice.
“Captain Emerson and my daughter, Mrs. North, are to wed,” Constance said smoothly. “I had a letter from Haynesdale this morning. Has your nephew not shared the happy news?”
Fanny felt at disadvantage and knew her old rival noticed. “I had a letter from him this morning but have not read it as yet.” She glanced toward her bag where the letter reposed, still sealed. She had been a little fearful of its contents.
Constance smiled and shook her head. “I am requested to seek a special license. They mean to be wed before Easter.” She scanned the parlor. “I suppose we will have the wedding luncheon here, if that suits.”
“Surely the bride has a preference of more import than mine.”
“Eliza asked if it might be thus, but wished for me to confirm as much with you.”
Fanny had no objections with someone else hosting the celebration—and assuming its cost—to be sure. “I have no objections, of course.” She cleared her throat. “Did she confide where they are to live?”
“Captain Emerson has rented Southpoint from my son. Perhaps you did not know. It was arranged just before Damien departed for Paris. I understand that Captain Emerson intends to breed horses.”
“He always had such a gift with them.”
Constance picked up a letter from the table. “And Eliza suggests that she might continue to seek a match for Helena, if a removal from town to the country is deemed suitable by you.” She frowned at the letter. “It sounds as if she has a particular gentleman in mind.”
“I have no objections,” Fanny said. “Of course, Helena has no memory of Southpoint, but it was always a lovely property. I think that being from town might be of benefit to her.”
If nothing else, it would be more challenging for Helena to find trouble.
“I always think a young girl should experience London, but it is in the country where she best finds her footing, to my view.”
“She did always love Hexham when we visited.”
“Precisely.” The two women smiled at each other politely, though Fanny was keenly aware that she was the only one lacking plans. “I understand you have sold your house in town,” Constance invited.
Fanny laughed lightly. “The country does beckon us all.”
Constance smiled at her, her expression unexpectedly kind. “I think you should read your letter,” she said. “I can leave you for a few moments to enquire after the menus for the week.”
She was possessed of an alarming confidence, one that fed Fanny’s curiosity. Once she was alone, she set her tea aside and studied the letter from Nicholas for a long moment, before taking a breath and opening it. She scanned its contents, reassured by his steady hand and fairly hearing his voice.
Then she gasped aloud when she reached the detail of import.
I am hoping, Aunt, that you will avail yourself of a service I am able to do for you. There is a small cottage at Southpoint, perhaps one that you recall, with a garden in need of some attention. It is a sufficient walk from the main house to allow for privacy, nestled into a dale with a fine hedge surrounding it. Do you remember Bramble Cottage? It is part of the holding that I have leased from the Duke of Haynesdale and currently sits empty. I would be most obliged if you would take the garden in hand and make a home there. Of course, I could not ask you for rent after your years of caring for Helena, but would simply like to see the property occupied...
Fanny blinked back tears, crumpling the letter in her hand, then smoothing it across her lap again. Her heart swelled with gratitude and relief so that it took a moment to compose herself.
Her sister’s boy had become a fine man, to be sure.
“Will you accept?” Constance asked softly when she returned. A maid followed her with a fresh pot of tea.
“Mrs. North told you.”
“She mentioned that it was Captain Emerson’s intent.”
“And we will be so close.”
Their gazes met and Constance smiled. “I would seek your advice about the Apothecary Roses. They have such an inclination to mildew that I despair of them ever flourishing.”
“There is not sufficient sun for them, then,” Fanny said with authority. They discussed roses with such gusto that the hours flew by until Higgins declared that dinner would be served. Fanny was shocked to note the hour, but Constance appealed to her.
