“Your father has arrived,” Sarah said. “Your aunt has put him in the guest bedchamber next to yours.”
“Papa?” Hetty’s voice quavered.
Aunt Emily bustled out of the parlor. “He has news.” She gave a conspiratorial smile. “I shall let him tell you himself.”
As she trudged up the stairs, Hetty searched her mind for an appropriate reason to be absent this evening. She knocked on her father’s door with the hope that a suitable excuse would spring from somewhere when the need arose.
Her father stood before the mirror adjusting his neckcloth. He turned as she entered, and she was struck by how lively he appeared. His beaming face looked years younger.
“My dear.” He kissed her cheek. “I had to come and tell you the news. I have asked Marina Illingworth to be my wife, and she has accepted.”
Pleasure for him threaded through her. His future with Mrs. Illingworth was sure to be a happy and fulfilling one. “Papa, that’s wonderful news. I’m so pleased for you.”
“Are you really, my dear? I hoped you would be.”
“I like Mrs. Illingworth very much.”
“She is a sensible woman.”
“Indeed, she is.”
“I thought we might have a small celebration this evening. If you are not otherwise engaged?”
“I’m afraid I do have an engagement tonight,” Hetty said cautiously. “I received an invitation from the Duchess Châteaudunn, Guy’s sister.”
Her father’s face fell. He considered her words and recovered a little. “The Duchess Châteaudunn, you say?”
“Yes, she has come from France for a visit. Will tomorrow night serve? We can invite her and Guy.”
“Well, yes, I should like that. I should have written, but I wanted to tell you the news myself.”
She hugged him with a fresh flush of guilt. “I’m glad you did. I’m pleased to see you’re in excellent health. When is the wedding?”
“Come and sit down.” He took her hand and steered her to the sofa. “I thought it safe to proceed and have the Banns read.” He frowned. “Has the date for your wedding been set? I’ve been expecting a letter from you.”
“Not as yet. Guy has other matters to attend to. He plans to obtain a special license and arrange for the wedding to take place at St. Georges in Hanover Square.”
His eyes widened. “St. Georges? The vicar and I had expected… Well of course, that is fitting for a baron.”
Hetty clasped her shaking hands together. Marrying before the eyes of thehaute tonterrified her. She could hear the talk now. Cavendish? A branch of the family live in Digswell?
“I’ll learn more about it when Fortescue calls for you tonight.”
“I’m afraid not. Guy has another engagement.”
“An engagement that does not include his betrothed?” He studied her. “You are happy, Horatia? I judged him to be a good man.”
“Guy’s the very best of men, Papa.” The words almost stuck in Hetty’s throat, her guilt overlaid with uneasiness. Was Genevieve right to follow Guy when this matter was surely none of their concern? It was most unlike Hetty not to act on a premonition, but the duchess depended on her, so she would not let her down.
“Good.” Her father rubbed his hands together. “Let’s go downstairs. I have yet to enjoy a good chat with your aunt.”
After dinner, Genevieve called for Hetty in her carriage at the appointed time. She was introduced to Hetty’s father, who was immediately charmed by her.
When she climbed into the coach, Genevieve thrust some clothes into Hetty’s hands. “Put these on.”
“Here?”
“Oui.” She lowered the blinds.
