“Of course, and I love them,” Mary added. “Sometimes I just don’t like them very much. I also sometimes wonder if perhaps I am someone else’s child.”
“Mary!”
“Don’t get all high and mighty with me, Bethany Carlow. You know as well as I how different I am to my mother and sister.”
“And yet, they are your family,” she said again.
“But for today I am free to do as I wish and not look at ribbons and lace and be forced to offer opinions on a man’s elegance or handsome face.”
“I promise not to mention either,” Beth vowed solemnly. “Your aunt is with us, however.”
They turned as one to look at the still snoring Aunt Agatha. Her mouth was open, glasses askew, and her bonnet flattened on one side.
“She will find a seat and rest there while we do as we wish. Which is extremely fort—”
“If you say fortuitous again, I will open the carriage and toss you out.”
“I feel liberated,” Mary said, adjusting.
She didn’t want her friend here and yet loved having her here at the same time. It was not safe for anyone to be close to her now.
“Then I am happy I could liberate you, if only for a day.”
“Thank you. Now stop thinking, which in turn is making you frown and look ugly.”
That forced a laugh from Beth.
“Charming.”
“Beth, about the other day when Walter was shot. Do you really believe there can be no future for you and Nathan?”
“There cannot, and I have no wish to discuss the matter anymore, so please respect my wishes,” Beth said stiffly.
“But he threw his body over you when Walter was shot, and seemed so angry when—”
“No more, Mary.”
“Very well, if you insist.” She didn’t look happy.
“I do insist.”
“Do you really wish to spend time with Mr. Valentine?”
Mary wore a sage day dress today with a rose sash under her breasts. The hem was raised in places, and from beneath peeked a rose underskirt. Her pretty face was framed by a bonnet tied with wide rose satin ribbons.
“You look lovely today, Mary,” she said, changing the subject.
“I told Mother I was sick of dressing like Aunt Sybil, who is seventy and wears layers and layers of clothing. She allowed me to select a couple of dresses.”
“Well, I approve.”
“Now answer my question.”
“Mr. Valentine is a nice man. I like spending time with him,” Beth lied.
“He is a braggart and elderly. No, you do not. Tell me the real reason.”
“There is no other reason.”
