“Dahlia, what a pleasant surprise!”
“But where are Mary and Claire?” Grace asked, looking behind her friend. “Chasity will be very eager to see them. Chastity said that they were not able to spend as much time as they had wanted to together at Lady Chapman’s ball.”
“Grace, do invite our guest to have a seat first before you interrogate her.” Helena chuckled.
“Dahlia, how big your belly has grown,” Faith said with wide eyes.
Laughing, Dahlia sat next to Helena.
“It shall get bigger than this, I’m afraid, Faith. I am just in the middle of carrying.”
“Is it heavy?” Grace asked, moving nearer. “May I touch it?”
“Yes, you may,” Dahlia said with a soft smile. “And yes, there is some added weight, but not so heavy yet. I imagine that in two months’ time, it shall be quite a load.”
“Let our guest catch her breath first,” Helena said, laughing.
“I am fine, really.” Dahlia grinned at all of them, “But where is Chasity?”
Their questions were answered as the sound of feminine chatter echoed into the sitting room.
“Ah. I see that they have seen each other already.” Helena said.
The three young ladies appeared in the doorway.
“Dahlia,” Chastity smiled. “I am so glad that you, Mary, and Claire have called. I have much to tell, as we saw so little of each other during the ball.”
“We could hardly speak to you the other night for all the gentlemen who were all vying for your time.” Claire teased.
“Oh, that,” Chasity said, blushing.
“And how many callers have you had after the ball?” Mary continued her sister’s teasing.
“I did not exactly count them,” Chastity replied, still embarrassed.
“Six,” Grace said.
“How long did you stay on that top stair, Grace?” Helena said to everyone’s laughter.
“Well, one thing is for sure.” Dahlia continued when they quieted down. “Your first ball out in society is a success!”
Helena rang for tea. The younger ladies banded together and talked more about the ball. Helena and Dalia, sitting next to each other, spoke in calmer tones.
“And how fares the pregnant lady?” Helena asked her friend. She placed her hand lightly on the swell of Dahlia’s stomach. “Are you nervous, dear Dahlia?
“I am now doing exceptionally well. I am just so glad to have passed the previous months. To just be able to walk without feeling dizzy again is a wonderful thing. And I never thought that I would say it, but I am glad to have Peter not hovering over me every minute of the day.”
“He was quite concerned, you know,” said Helena.
“I know,” Dahlia replied, smiling softly, “but I am feeling all right. As for the nervousness, yes, I admit I am. What woman would not be considering what I will be facing in a few months?” But I try not to think about it, after all, it will bring us such joy.”
“I imagine you are correct,” said Helena. She reached out to hold her friend’s hand. “I am very happy for you.”
Dahlia’s smile was wistful. Watching her, Helena was very glad that her friend found her happiness, for Dahlia deserved it all. But at the same time, an awareness of something lacking in her life entered Helena’s heart. Wouldsheever be that happy? That content? Sighing inwardly, she shook the feeling off. She had much better use for her energies than feeling sorry for herself.
“You must tell me all the news,” said Dahlia. “How many suitors does Chastity have? An actual number, if you please.”
Helena chuckled. She checked to see if her sister was listening, convinced that Chastity was most engrossed in her own conversation with the others, Helena continued.
