“I will learn, and I will find a position with a family who needs a companion.”
“You can come and live with me. I will put you to work cleaning floors,” Liberty said.
“I would prefer that to this, and my uncle’s deep sighs every time he is forced to pay a bill for my clothing, as they are not without funds, but not flush either. Do you know, Liberty,” Alice added, looking at her.
“What?”
“I think being a woman with no means of earning her own money, and at the mercy of a penny-pinching uncle and aunt, is worse than cleaning your floors.”
“I’m sorry, Alice.” Liberty took her hand, hearing the desperation in her friend’s voice. “We shall both retire to Father’s estate and live there in peace. Will that suit you?”
Her friend smiled, but there was sadness in her eyes, and a tinge of desperation.
“It will be all right, Alice.” Liberty vowed silently to make it so. Her family would always support her, but Alice did not have that luxury.
They stood in silence, watching the dancers. Most evenings Alice and Liberty hugged the walls or wandered together. They were happy chatting about many things. Anything from reading, and the silliness of society, and especially a select few of its members.
“That is a lovely dress, Liberty,” Alice said. “Pale green is the perfect color for your hair.”
“Well, my mother doesn’t think it’s lovely. In fact, I am to have a fitting with Miss Battlemore.”
“No!” Alice gasped. “I hear that woman is an absolute tartar.”
“Apparently, while I had believed they were not determined to see me wed, in fact, I was wrong and they are, so mother is starting with restyling me.
“I’m sorry. Perhaps you are right and we should simply run away to one of your father’s estates.” Her friend then looked over her shoulder, frowning.
“What?”
“Lord Corbyn is making his way toward us, Liberty, and it is you, not me, he is looking at.”
Liberty squinted to bring Tobias into focus as best she could. It certainly seemed like he was coming her way, but why? They hadnever danced together before, and nor had he sought her out. Did he have something about the occurrences in Bidham to discuss? Yes, that had to be the reason, and dancing would be the best way.
“I’m sure I don’t know why he would ask me to dance,” Liberty said.
She felt Alice’s eyes on the side of her face. “What aren’t you telling me, Liberty?”
“Why would I not be telling you something when you know everything about me?”
“Not everything,” Alice corrected. “No one can know everything about a person, even a friend.”
“Do you remember I told you I hurt my head, Alice?”
“Yes.”
“Well, Lord Corbyn was involved in that,” she said, not sure why she was telling her friend this now.
“Good Lord, really. I want every detail when he’s finished dancing with you, Liberty. And then I want the reasons why you have not told me the truth about that day before now.”
“Alice—”
“Ssh. He’s close. Do you see him?”
“I am not blind,” Liberty whispered. “He’s just a bit blurry.”
“He’s wearing a black jacket, and his waistcoat is black with a gold pattern. Very nice it is too. Lord Corbyn is an exceptionally handsome man, Liberty.”
“Is he?”
