“And one would have thought, considering how put out you’ve been at Wilhelmina over her rejecting my proposal all those years ago, that you would be trying to figure out a way to get me out of marrying her rather than marrying her.”
“I’ve always adored Wilhelmina,” Nora said with a rattle of the paper she was still holding. “And while I’m sure I did lend the impression of being put out with her, that was mostly for your benefit, dear.”
Edgar’s mouth dropped open. “Do not tell me that you’ve been holding out hope all these years for something like this to happen.”
“I must admit that I have, and ... now it would seem as if that hope was not misplaced if a wedding does indeed occur between the two of you in the foreseeable future.”
Reaching for his tea again, Edgar drained the cup and set it aside. “I’m hesitantly optimistic that a wedding may soon take place, especially since I have come to realize that I still love Wilhelmina. I find her to be a most enchanting creature, and I would be a lucky gentleman indeed if she would truly agree to become my wife.”
Nora frowned. “I’m afraid I don’t understand why you’re onlyhesitantly optimisticabout marrying Wilhelmina. You’ve mentioned a time or two now that you told Mrs. Travers you were to be married, and while I know you’ve been away from society for quite some time, surely you haven’t forgotten that, as a gentleman, you have no choice but to go through with the wedding. And, as a lady, Wilhelmina can’t refute your declaration, not if she wants to keep her reputation, and ... she can forget about continuing on as a social secretary if she doesn’t go through with the marriage because she’ll be looked at forevermore as a woman of loose moral values.”
She rattled the paper again. “Add in the article Miss Quill published, and I can say with all certainty that therewillbe a wedding to plan, whether Wilhelmina has doubts or not.”
Turning his attention to the newspaper in his mother’s hand, Edgar felt a trace of trepidation begin to run through him. Wilhelmina, he well remembered, was not a lady who ever did the expected. If she came to the conclusion they were being forced to marry because of Mrs. Travers and now an article penned by some mysterious Miss Quill person, there was absolutely no telling how she might react.
Reaching out, he nodded to the paper his mother was holding. “Perhaps I should take a gander at that article.”
“Too right you should, dear, especially since I would have to imagine Wilhelmina has already seen Miss Quill’s piece.” Nora handed the paper to Edgar. “It’s the article in the second column.”
Scanning the page, Edgar’s attention was captured by a headline he wasn’t used to seeing in a reputable paper.
The Quality Corner
A Column by Miss Quill
The Most Charming Romance of the Season
“What a curious way to phrase a headline,” he said.
“Miss Quill is nothing if not curious,” Nora returned. “But, you’d best keep reading, dear. Prepare yourself for a bit of a ... shock.”
Finding that less than encouraging, Edgar settled his attention to the words printed on the page.
Dear Reader,
Given the dreadful weather you’ve woken up to today, I felt it necessary to provide you with a story that is certain to warm you all the way to your toes. Last night, in the midst of a most delightful ball, held by Mrs. T., a swoon-worthy love story took place, one that deserves an entire book written about it, but will need to settle, at least for the here and now, for my humble column.
This love story, gentle reader, started when Mr. W. and Miss R. were but mere children. I’ve been told by a most credible source that they shared a special bond throughout their childhood, but when they reached an age where they might have married, circumstances beyond their control kept them apart.
Edgar raised his head. “What in the world is this Miss Quill going on about? ‘Circumstances beyond their control’? Wilhelmina rejected me out of hand, which certainly suggests she, at least, had a rather large measure of control over the event.”
“I don’t believe it’s in your best interest to stop and ponder each paragraph, dear. Perhaps you’ll get the full meaning of the article once you’ve gotten through the entire piece.”
Knowing full well he was hardly likely to get the full meaning of a piece that already made little sense, but knowing there was nothing to dobutcontinue onward, he dropped his head, found his place, and took to reading again.
These childhood sweethearts were finally reunited last evening after being parted from each other for years. I am thrilled to report that their reunion was a most happy event, with our delightful hero and heroine proclaiming their very great affection for each other. The evening then culminated with a marriage proposal, one that I’ve been told was delivered by Mr. W. with a most romantic turn of phrase.
Miss R., I’m happy to report, was so overjoyed that tears cascaded down her beautiful face. And while society will surely miss her charming presence at their events, Pittsburgh, where I’ve been told Mr. W. now resides, has gained a most lovely addition to their social circles. More details to follow as they become known, but do feel free to extend this happy, happy couple your warmest wishes if you happen upon them somewhere in the city.
Liftinghis head, Edgar’s brows drew together. “Didn’t you say this Miss Quill normally restricts her writing to fashion and decorating habits of the society set?”
“She’s apparently decided to branch out,” Nora said with a breezy wave of her hand. “But to give Miss Quill her due, her article may have very well saved Wilhelmina’s reputation, as well as your own.”
“And you’re fairly confident that Wilhelmina would have already seen this piece?” Edgar asked as a sense of foreboding began replacing the trepidation he’d recently been feeling.
“I imagine she has, or if she hasn’t read the article, I would think some helpful soul has paid a call on her to bring her up to date on the rumors swirling around the city about the two of you.” Nora nodded to Mr. Hodges. “Poor Mr. Hodges had to stay directly inside the door today throughout calling hours, given that so many ladies wanted to pay a call on us in an attempt to find out all the pertinent details regarding your situation.”
“Ladies were out and about during calling hourstoday?”
