“I suppose her illness gives her a blessed rest from her hurricane of suitors.”
She nearly laughed. “I don’t think she’d mind my telling you that there is only one gentleman she’s given a second thought to.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Hope ignited in his eyes. “Courting is riskier than the tobacco market. I’ll be glad to see it done.”
“I hope you shan’t wait much longer.”
“Are you playing matchmaker, Mrs. Buchanan?”
“More overly zealous sister, perhaps.”
“I suppose she had a crush of Virginia suitors.”
“Despite her lack of a fortune, yes. Her good name stood her in good stead.”
“‘A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.’” He frowned as if the Scripture came with a bitter memory.
“Spoken like a pulpit preacher,” she said.
“Our father didn’t practice what he preached but insisted we learn it just the same.” His gaze veered to Leith walking their way. “And your good name is why my brother chose you. Or mayhap coerced you.”
“Coerced?” She smiled, feeling suddenly lighthearted. “’Twas I who all but begged to be put aboard his departing ship.”
He grinned, his boyishness charming. “I can only hope my and your sister’s story ends half as well.”
48
The superiority of chocolate [hot chocolate], both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee here in America.
Thomas Jefferson
“The youngest Mr. Buchanan sends his best wishes for your recovery,” Juliet told Loveday upon returning home from the fête.
“How I hated to miss it.” Loveday sneezed into a handkerchief, looking pleased to hear it nevertheless. “How did the evening go?”
“Well enough, except I missed you terribly. These tobacco lords aren’t nobility, but they do enjoy a flash of jewels and finery.”
“I’ve heard some of them are procuring titles to go with their fortunes, though the Buchanans might not be among them.”
Juliet sat down on the edge of Loveday’s mattress, wondering if Leith had gone straight to bed. The midnight hour had passed, and she stifled a yawn herself.
“You look lovely. That indigo silk with the silver thread is exquisite.” Loveday touched a lace sleeve ruffle in admiration. “So what’s next on our social calendar?”
“Tea with Lyrica day after tomorrow.”
“Lyrica?” Loveday’s expression clouded. “There’s something about her...”
Juliet’s weariness vanished. “What do you mean?”
“Remember when Mama would tell us to take caution with this one or that? Rare though it was, her admonishment never failed to prove true in time.”
“And you feel chary of Lyrica.”
Loveday looked pained. “I saw her berating a servant most harshly behind the scenes at my debut. Perhaps it was a onetime occurrence. I’ve noticed these Scots are very different than Americans. The Buchanans are especially worldly. But I certainly don’t want to naysay your new family.”
“You rarely naysay anyone.” Juliet staunched the impulse to confess her low opinion of Euan. “You’re always gracious.”
Loveday took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Lyrica Buchanan’s behavior is not my concern. But at the same time, I’d rather not go visit her myself. Let the new sisters-in-law have time together first.”
