Olivia handed Jocelyn a cup of tea. “Here, drink this. You’re all a-tremble with nerves.”
Jocelyn began to sip her tea and whispered, “Thank you.”
“Now, I’m wondering whether Lord Ludlow has proposed yet,” Marianne questioned Jocelyn.
Jocelyn shook her head. “No, no he hasn’t.”
“And you like Lord Hastings?” asked Marianne.
“I don’t know. He seems perfectly charming, and I enjoyed dancing with him last night.”
“There is nothing wrong with being courted by more than one gentleman,” said Olivia. “And you haven’t promised anything to Lord Ludlow.”
Marianne handed Jocelyn a plate with a honey cake on it. “You know, I’m quite glad I didn’t meet Charles during my first season. It can be such fun to go to soirées, recitals and balls. I enjoyed choosing gowns and bonnets, ribbons and lace. It’s about being young, and enjoying no longer being in the school room. I’m going to say now that, with what happened three years ago, I think that’s especially important for you Jocelyn.”
“Yes,” added Olivia. “Marianne is right. You need to enjoy the experience and see what happens. It’s an adventure.”
“Thank you,” murmured Jocelyn. “I don’t know what I would do without the two of you.”
“We’re here for you, you know that, and if we should decide to go on a tour of Europe then you have, erm, dear Uncle Harold to give you counsel,” Marianne said laughing.
“As we’re talking of good counsel, I know you talked with Lord Hatfield last night Olivia,” said Jocelyn.
Marianne raised her eyebrows in surprise. “You did?”
“Oh yes, I was in the library with Olivia, and he came in and told me that I could return to the ball, and he would stay with Olivia.”
“Did he? This is an interesting development,” said Marianne in a quizzical tone.
“All right. I shall tell you both what happened.”
Well not quite all that happened.
“I was hoping you would say that. Pray continue…” said her friend.
“He listened while I talked. He’s quite a good listener.”
“Is he indeed?” commented Marianne.
“I felt so much better after talking with him.”
“I can imagine,” said Marianne.
“Marianne, stop this now. It was just a friendly conversation, nothing more.”
“Olivia, I do not believe that for a minute. However, I shall pretend to, if it makes you feel happy.”
“I told him about the fire and, I don’t know why, but I showed him the scars.”
“Ah!” said Marianne.
“But you never show anyone those scars,” added Jocelyn.
“I know, and I can’t explain it. All I can say is that it made a difference. I felt better after spending time with Lord Hatfield. I no longer care about Lady Cressida and her lies."
“Lady Cressida is a vicious and dangerous young woman. She scented something between you and Lord Hatfield. I believe she set her cap at him a long time ago, and expected to secure a proposal this season,” Marianne proclaimed.
“Will he call soon?” asked Jocelyn. “Perhaps he’ll call with Lord Ludlow.”
