Liza, were it possible, leaned even further out of the carriage. “We are not—let me repeat—absolutely notrunning away tomorrow, or ever.”
That one would be tricky, for where would I go? Into the grove for a day? No, someone would find me. Perhaps I’d run away to Liza’s and hide away in her room. But how unexciting. Wherever I went, would I go alone? I needed time to ponder that as well.
“Perhaps cards are not a terrible idea.” I sighed.
Mr. Winston led me up the stairs to where Mr. Norris waited for me with the entry door open. He watched Mr. Winston with the carefulness and caution of a father.
I released Mr. Winston’s arm and curtseyed. “Thank you again for accompanying me tonight.”
He bowed low. “Thank you for allowing me the honor. I have not enjoyed myself this fully in some time.”
“You exaggerate.” His boxing was more exciting than anything on my list.
“I mean it.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “I know I spoke ill of your list at first, but what you are doing is incredibly brave. You are facing your future with courage and strength. I envy the balance you’ve found, not limiting yourself despite the mighty change in your circumstances.”
Was I brave? I did not feel it. “I should remind you that I have no control over your father reinstating your funds, Mr. Winston.”
“Charlie,” he offered. “Please.”
My grin turned soft, all humor fading into the serious look he gave me.
“Charlie,” I corrected myself. But then I could not remember what I was saying.
“Perhaps, Rosalind,”—he said my name softly, with that gentle look that fit him best—“you have more of an effect than you realize.”
I searched his eyes under the dim lanterns overhead. The broken line of his nose. The dimple in his chin. Whatever could he mean?
“Charles Winston!” Liza shrieked, and the moment vanished.
With one last grin and another bow, he was gone.
ChapterFourteen
I awoke from a dream so vivid, so encompassing, I could still taste it, still feel it tingling on my fingertips. Only my dream had been lived. For the first time in my life, I felt alive. New. Like I could do anything and everything and succeed.
“Have you come into money?” Benjamin asked at breakfast.
“She is in love,” Mama said with a happy look.
Was I? I tried to picture the duke, but all I could see was Charlie and the way he’d looked at me last night. Had he already been to the grove this morning?
“Andabout to come into money,” Father said as he lifted his cup of tea to his lips.
I spooned a few strawberries onto my plate and took a bite of the egg already there. I laughed. “I am the happiest I have been in some time.” The world was mine.
All thanks to Aunt Alice and my list.
In town, Mama and I stopped at the millinery first. Mama’s newly trimmed hat was due as was my silk bonnet to match my wedding dress.
Mrs. Prim, the store owner, opened the box lids of both hats and laid them in front of us on the counter. “A straw hat with peach trim, white roses, and green leaves for Mrs. Newbury, and a peach silk bonnet with white lace trim for our soon-to-be duchess.”
Mama clasped her hands together. Happiness practically burst from her eyes. “Mrs. Prim, you have outdone yourself. The hat is pretty, but the bonnet ...” Her eyes met mine expectantly.
“A masterpiece,” I added.
Mama smiled widely and sighed, touching the fabric with a gloved finger. Her chest seemed to swell.
I followed her motion, careful not to disrupt the flawless placement of the lace. I took a long breath, but I could not imitate her emotion. That pure adoration deep in my bones. But I still had time.
