“Do you think Miss Hilversham will take me back?” Lucy’s voice wobbled.
“Are you sure this is what you want? Now that you are here, I can help you find someone suitable to marry.”
Lucy shook her head with determination. “No. I want to teach music and drama at the Seminary.” She took Arabella’s hands in hers. “I know you have forgiven me for the fiasco at the well. But do you think she has? Miss Hilversham. You know how she is.”
Arabella nodded. “Strict and ferociously kind, yet more unyielding than iron. Oh, Lucy.” She leaned her head against her shoulder. “If only I hadn’t made those stupid wishes. I feel responsible for what happened. But knowing Miss Hilversham, she’ll not change her mind unless something strong compels her to.”
Lucy twisted her hands in her lap. “And if your brother writes to her? Would she change her mind, then?”
Arabella twisted her mouth in exasperation. “Oh, Ash. He’s so stubborn! He’s quite prejudiced against the school. He went from the biggest supporter of the school to biggest opposer. It won’t be easy getting him to change his mind again.”
Lucy exhaled, repressing the urge to say that her brother was unfortunately a numbskull.
“It’s not only because of what happened,” Arabella continued. “I think I made a mistake when I told him about all the fun we had with our pranks. He got the impression I learned nothing and wasted my time, which isn’t true. He’s so overprotective.”
“He doesn’t have to forgive me. But if I could only get him to reinstate his patronage that would help tremendously.” Lucy jumped up and paced.
Arabella rubbed her forehead. “I wish I could help you. But if I continue telling him how wonderful it’s been and that the school is worth his sponsorship, and that he should change his mind, he’ll just get more obnoxious. He can be so hard-headed sometimes.” She pulled her lips to a rueful smile. “I suppose we Ashmores all are. It’s a family trait.”
“Your heads are certainlyhard. Remember how loud the splash was when you and Pen crashed head-first into the well? Pen went in first, and you hung onto her, of all the silly things to do, for she dragged you down. I can’t remember whose screech was louder. Yours or Pen’s.”
The girls looked at each other and burst out laughing.
Lucy returned to the bed and sat down. “Tell me about this Lord Finbar.”
“It would be a very advantageous match.” Arabella tugged at the drapery of the canopy.
“What’s he like?”
Arabella thought for a while. “Beautiful.”
“And?”
Arabella shrugged. “Beautiful.”
“Aha. He’s beautiful and beautiful. Sounds like an empty-headed fop to me. He must be a terrible rake.”
“I suppose so. He’s a school friend of Ash. Most women rather like him. I think he likes them, too. He is very flirtatious with everyone.”
“Do you want to marry a man like that?” Lucy looked at her closely.
Arabella hesitated.
“Do you love him?” Lucy prodded.
Arabella looked at the window with a far-away glance.
“You love someone else.” It was a wild guess. But a rosy blush spread over Arabella’s cheeks. Good heavens. Lucy bounced on the bed. “Who is he?”
Arabella covered her cheeks with her hands and jumped up. “Let’s not talk about this. Or Finbar. Or love. Or marriage. Lucy. Please.”
“But Arabella—”Lucy cut herself off at a tap on the door.
Meg entered and curtsied. She looked pale, but her eyes flashed with excitement. “I’m to be your abigail, Miss.”
“Meg. I led you on a bit. Can you forgive me?” Lucy said with a slightly guilty look on her face.
“Miss, oh Miss. I couldn’t believe it when I saw you sitting there with Her Grace. Poor John was beside himself when the tea tray was missing. I ran after you, but you were already in the drawing room. I waited outside, chewing my fingernails to the quick.” Meg showed her maltreated fingernails.
