Adelaide was grateful for the change in topic.
“I thought a walk in the square might be nice,” she replied. “I shall take Rose with me.”
“Wonderful. It will be good for you to see people. Though, of course, you must brace yourself for the whispers.”
“I know. I knew they would be an issue when we discussed coming back. The thing is, they will only stop when the topic ceases to be entertaining. Which means that the best I can do is be seen out and about, not causing trouble. Eventually, I will prove myself.”
She rose to her feet, and her mother embraced her tightly.
“I am so proud of you, Adelaide. I have always been.”
Adelaide wanted to believe her.
She was in the square within the hour, dressed in light blue, with her hair pinned in a delicate chignon. She did not want to stand out too much, for she received enough attention simply by existing, but she also wished to look good. It was a delicate situation, but she had to at least try.
People stared at her. She did not doubt they were discussing her reappearance, but she tried not to show it. She was not there for them. She was there for herself, and she had to act accordingly.
With her head held high, she strolled through Grosvenor Square beside her lady’s maid, who was equally as good at maintaining a stoic façade.
“At least nobody is saying anything to me,” Adelaide commented.
“I was thinking the same. How does it feel to be home?”
“Good. I cannot say that I knew quite what to expect, but this is pleasant enough.”
They passed the bakery when her stomach growled. The smell of bread and cake was too tempting to miss, so she and Rose entered.
“Good morning, Lady Adelaide,” the baker greeted brightly. “It has been a long time.”
“A year,” Adelaide agreed. “Might I have an iced bun?”
The baker packed one for her, and she told Rose to choose something for herself. She paid, and then they continued on their way. The sugar remained on her lips when she had finished, and she savored it as they walked.
“Lady Adelaide.”
Adelaide tensed, knowing exactly who was behind her. Likely, it was a coincidence. Even so, she felt that there was a darker reason why Mr. Hargrave always seemed to know her whereabouts. It had been the case when they were courting, too. He always managed to find her when she was in town, or knew when she arrived at events.
She considered ignoring him, but she knew how it would look. She could not slight the man she was perceived to have wounded so deeply.
“Good morning,” she greeted in a flat voice.
“I see that you are trying to make something of yourself here.”
“Of course. It is not as though I deserve to be shunned.”
“Do you honestly believe that?”
She continued walking, and he fell into step beside her.
She hated the way she felt as he stood by her side, but she could not help but notice the way the passersby’s gazes softened. If she was as bad as he claimed, why was he spending time with her?
“You are brave, I must say,” he continued. “I do not think that I could have shown my face again if the ton thought of me the same way they do of you.”
“Perhaps it is simply a matter of pride. Besides, I cannot remain hidden away forever, and if that means weathering all of this, then it is worth it.”
“And I will remind you that it brings you back to me. Is now a good time to say that I remain unwed?”
“Mr. Hargrave, I did not come here to see you. I came here to start my life again, and I would appreciate it if you would allow me to do that. I do not want any trouble.”
