Chapter 19
Early next morning, she sat up in bed as if hit by lightning.
Things were fairly simple when one wanted them to be. Why all this unnecessary resistance? Why continue to fight him? Whatever for? Engulfed in a fog of dreamy love and hope, she could hardly remember.
She’d marry Henry.
Because she loved him.
Whatever talk he’d spewed forth on honour because she’dbeen compromised—it was fustian. He just couldn’t admit that maybe, deep down, he felt attracted to her as she did to him. Kisses didn’t lie, did they?
She’d marry the duke, and it wouldn’t be so bad to be a duchess, either, and she’d never have to worry about what to do with her life.
The dowager expected it. Arabella would be her sister. She’d have a proper family. A real home. Maybe children…
Lucy’s world brightened. She scrambled up and grabbed the apple green muslin dress Meg had laid out for her.
She had to find Henry and tell him he should announce their engagement. Right now. Today.
She twirled. How wonderful life was!
Then Meg walked in.
“Oh, Miss Lucy, let me help you. Did you want to put this dress on?” She buttoned the little pearly buttons on the back. “That’s a perfect dress for today, the weather’s excellent for the village fair. You’ll go, won’t you, Miss?”
“There’s a village fair?”
“Yes, Miss, it’s been going on for days. I went there with my Pete on my day off. The plays are good.”
“Oh? Who are the actors?”
“A funny name. Jolly something or other.” Meg adjusted her dress. “You ought to have a look.” She draped a green shawl over Lucy’s shoulders.
Lucy didn’t reply. She felt a chill sweep through her body.
“I say, Miss. You’ve gone awfully white. Maybe you should sit down?”
Lucy plopped down on a chair. “Jollyphus?”
“Yes, Miss.” Meg poured a glass of water and handed it to her. “Something or other Jollyphus. It’s a funny name. Jim and Jerry. Jem and Jelly.”
“Joris and Jerry Jollyphus,” Lucy whispered. She drank the glass of water in one gulp.
“Yes, that’s it. Do you know them?”
“I’ve heard of them.” Lucy set down the glass carefully. “A long time ago. When I was a child. You said they’re performing at the village fair?”
Meg folded a dress and stored it in the chest. “Yes, Miss. There’s something different every day. I might even go again and watch 'The Saucy Shepherdess’and ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’. There’s also a funny jester.”
“Go with me.”
“Miss?”
“Let’s go together, Meg. I want to see them, too.” Lucy got up, determined. “In fact, let’s go right now.”
“Where’re you going?” Arabella suddenly stood in the room. Neither Lucy nor Meg had heard her come in. She looked at them curiously. “What are you cooking up now, Lucy? Can I join?”
“No! Under no circumstances.”
