“Oh, it’s quite true. Not only am I very happy with him, but his daughter and son are delightful. I’m tutoring them, and of course, I get to show them the stars. In fact, Lord Ferncroft gifted me a double-refracting telescope that shows me so much more than I’ve ever seen before.”
Sophie smiled. “I’m very pleased for you.” Her voice was far too quiet for the footman, who entered the room with their refreshments, to hear.
After serving everyone, Ellie took a sip. She couldn’t be happier to have her friends in her new home. All her favorite people under one roof made her almost giddy.
“And he doesn’t mind the occasional mishap?” Georgie gave a little grimace before taking a bite of marzipan, closing her eyes as she did so.
Ellie leaned forward, so she could keep her voice lower than usual. “I don’t believe he knows. I’ve only almost knocked something over once, and he caught it—and then two days ago, I almost fell back on the stairs.”
Sophie gasped.
Ellie patted her friend’s arm. “No need to worry. Not only did I have my hand on the balustrade, but my husband grasped me about the waist to keep me from falling. And to be fair, it was only because Maggie suddenly stopped in front of us that I lost my balance. So, I’m hoping I can keep him ignorant of that one foible. I’ve already told him I’m not as accomplished as most ladies.”
All three of her friends started talking at once.
“You’re perfect.”
“You are as good as any other lady.”
“He’s lucky to have such an accomplished wife.”
Her heart filled to hear them defend her to herself. “I thank you all, but I do not want his expectations too high. I am content with myself, even if I may not be as aware of my space as others.”
Rose pointed toward the floor. “Is that what happened to your dress?”
Ellie looked down at her dress, lifting one foot in the air. “Oh dear. That’s the ink from the list I was making before youarrived.” She frowned, not happy to see the black smudges that made it look as if she’d splattered mud on her dress.
Georgie shook her head. “Don’t worry a bit about it. No one looks at your feet when you are standing, and at a table no one can see them. A short hem and a bit of lace and no one will ever know.”
“Thank you, Georgie. You’ve eased my mind mightily.”
Sophie turned toward her. “Why not tell Lord Ferncroft of your…unintended tendencies? Wouldn’t it be easier to have that known and not worry about the next potential unfortunate event?”
“Sophie, you are too honest by half and make me rethink my ideas. I may very well tell him eventually, but I’m hoping, at least through the season, that he can focus on my ability to bring Christmastide to Hawthorne Park. Did you know they have never had a Twelfth Night ball?”
Georgie put her cup down hard. “Do tell me you are hosting one and we’re invited.” The hope in her voice was clear to them all. Georgie did so like to dance.
“I am, and yes, you are all invited.”
Georgie actually jumped up to stand. “This will be wonderful! Mother will be so pleased that I’ve been invited, and you are bound to have many unmarried men.”
Rose pulled on Georgie’s hand, forcing her to sit down. “Whoa, there. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Your parents may have other plans, as I know mine do. So I won’t be able to attend. Unless…”
Ellie loved how Rose’s mind worked, even if her pranks were so unexpected. “Unless what?”
“If I could get my brother to insist that I come with him and Dory because there will be many more available men here, I might be able to avoid the gathering at Thornwood Park, the duchess’s parents’ estate. It tends to be a small, subdued affair,no dancing, and we all know how much the duke and duchess enjoy dancing the waltz together.”
Everyone nodded, as the pair were known to ignore the fashion of married couples standing on the sidelines, specifically when it came to a waltz.
Rose gave them all a sly grin. “And maybe, if you invite the duchess, then she’ll want to come and convince her parents there’s no reason to have a gathering at all.”
To have Dory at the ball was more than Ellie could have hoped, but to have the Duke and Duchess of Northwick in attendance would ensure many would accept the invitations. “Then I suggest we think of all the men I can invite and reconvene at dinner to discuss the options. Rose, you determine the best way to convince Joanna. Georgie, I know you have posed for Lady Sommerset, so perhaps you could convince her and the earl to attend. He has a younger brother as yet unwed. And if there is someone in particular any of you would like to have here, I’ll be happy to invite them. I’ll even ask Lord Ferncroft to make the introductions.”
“Did I hear my name?”
Ellie snapped her head up to find Darius leaning against the open doorway of the parlor. Her heart fluttered at the sight. He looked particularly handsome in his gray pantaloons and black tailcoat. His hair was slightly messy, probably due to the wind, as he’d been visiting a tenant who had a problem.
She smiled softly and held out her hand. “Indeed you did. Do come and reacquaint yourself with my friends.”
