Ella angled her head to peer into the corridor, uncomfortable with the idea of speaking alone with her after their awkward exchange earlier that morning. “Where is Phoebe? Is she not with you?”
“She had a headache and wanted to rest. Which is just as well.” Miss Sutton’s expression sobered and the fabric of her taffeta gown rustled as she sat next to Ella on the sofa. “I was hoping to speak with you privately, for I fear I owe you an apology.”
Ella bristled, unsure of what to expect. With the exception of Miss Sutton’s cheeky observations on her romantic attachments, Ella had no tangible reason to dislike Miss Sutton. The newcomer had been kind and enthusiastic and had brought fresh life to a group of people who could be quite sedate and set in their ways. Even so, Ella felt cautious.
Miss Sutton’s dulcet tone filled the space. “In the days I’ve been here, I’ve been so impressed with you, Miss Wilde. You’ve had some unique challenges before you, yet I’ve never seen you without a smile on your face or a pleasant thing to say. That very much speaks to your credit.”
Ella looked down to her hands, unsure of how to respond to such praise.
Miss Sutton continued, “I fear I spoke out of turn this morning when I mentioned Mr. Abernathy. You see, I consider myself to be quite a matchmaker—I fancy that I have a unique instinct and can recognize when two people are well suited. I meant nothing more than encouragement, and I apologize if I overstepped a boundary.”
Ella smiled as she attempted to gauge the woman’s sincerity. “That is very kind, but an apology is not needed. I’m sure that Phoebe apprised you of my father’s plan regarding Mr. Abernathy.”
Miss Sutton shifted, but she did not break eye contact. “Yes, Phoebe did tell me of it, but only out of concern for you. She asked my advice on how she could best support you. While on this topic, I feel compelled to speak with you on a related matter. It’s hardly my business, by any means, to intervene in the friendships of others, but my heart is aching.”
Ella would not be pulled into theatrics. “Are you referring to Phoebe?”
Miss Sutton’s lips formed a pretty pout, and she fussed with the lace cuff of her sleeve. “She adores you, you know. Dear Phoebe sings your praises and holds your opinion in the highest regard.”
Ella nodded. “And anyone may know of my fondness for Phoebe. She has been my dearest friend for as long as I can remember.”
“Then I feel I must tell you something. Last night Phoebe came to my chamber. She was quite distraught. About you.”
Ella refused to allow any emotion to cross her face.
“I know that as her friend you understand how she’s longed for a happy marriage, and how fate, cruel as it is at times, has kept such happiness from her. I’m also aware she shared with you her growing attachment to Mr. Bauer.”
“Yes, she did mention it to me.”
Miss Sutton’s elegant brows arched. “When she was in tears, she shared that you did not approve of Mr. Bauer—that you thought him too old for her. Too different from her.”
Ella’s defenses rose. “I did not say those things exactly, but I gave her my honest advice, which was simply to be cautious until she has known him longer.”
“I’ve no doubt that your intentions are pure, Miss Wilde, but I feel you need to know the entire story. Her father very much approves of this attachment. In fact, he is eager to make it an official one. There are other things he would like to do with his life, but he cannot move on until he sees his only daughter settled in marriage.”
Ella shook her head. “Phoebe said her father was not aware of their relationship.”
“Oh, dear Miss Wilde, shethinkshe is not aware, but would a father really not notice such a change in his only daughter? Mr. Hawthorne and I have discussed it at length. As for the difference in their ages, I understand your concern. He is, indeed, nearly twenty-two years her senior, but many, many marriages flourish despite the years between them. After all, an older husband is stable and secure, settled in his dealings, and knows his goals. Phoebe is young, strong, and ready for the demands of motherhood and married life. I wouldn’t dare to tell you how to communicate with your friend. I only wish for you to have all the facts at your disposal.”
Ella’s ears burned with what she’d just heard. Elements of it made sense, but something about the way the woman spoke to her—with a presumed authority—was intended, no doubt, to make Ella question her knowledge of Phoebe.
But had they not years’ worth of time and shared experiences together? Had she not seen every major milestone and witnessed every major loss?
Ella considered each word carefully before allowing them to pass her lips. “I’m sure that everything you say is true, and that you also want what is best for Phoebe. If she were to tell me that this is her ultimate choice, then I would be happy for her, but until then, if she asks me for my opinion, I will give it to her.”
Miss Sutton’s smile did little to hide the tension tightening the skin around her eyes. “I wonder, if your situations were reversed, what you would think of receiving advice from her. Perhaps you should ask Phoebe’s advice on matters . . . of the heart.”
Ella’s blood boiled within her. Miss Sutton was crossing the lines of propriety. “If there is something you wish to tell me, then I urge you to do it plainly.”
“You have a perfectly viable suitor in Mr. Abernathy. I know nothing has been announced, but it is whispered in the corridors and almost accepted as fact, but those around you are not blind to what is happening. If you are thinking of shifting your matrimonial sights toward Mr. Rowe, I would caution you.”
Ella lifted a brow.
“His reputation is . . . dubious. His family is questionable—scandalous, even—and his occupation, well, he keeps company with those with ambiguous reputations. You might consider him an exciting match now, but many a woman has followed her heart only to find she would have been wiser to trust her mind. Keatley Hall would be a prize for any man, and if it should fall into the hands of the wrong individual, everything your family has worked for would be in vain.”
Miss Sutton’s voice lowered. “I know you’re a sophisticated woman, Miss Wilde, but do not allow your enlightened way of thinking to overshadow the truths of the society in which we live.”
When Miss Sutton had ceased talking and the chamber was silent once again, Ella straightened her shoulders. “You needn’t concern yourself for me, Miss Sutton. I’m very aware of Mr. Rowe’s profession and personal attributes. I’m also far from naive.”
