His eyes brightened. “What a perfect coincidence. Pity you are so happily engaged with wedding planning. Liza and I were thinking of having a picnic this afternoon.”
I raised a brow and tried to suppress a smile. “Were you?”
He grinned. “I would extend an invitation, but I would hate for you to see it as a rescue mission.”
“Ivory! Can you believe it?” Mama’s voice rang shrilly, and my spine straightened.
I leaned in closer to Charlie. “You are not as sly as you think. But as luck would have it, my fortune has turned. I would indeed appreciate being rescued today.”
“—poor Rosalind was pale with worry—”
Charlie’s attention flicked from Mama to me and back again. He cleared his throat. “Miss Newbury, you must be weary with worry.”
Taking his cue, I said, “I do feel a bit faint.”
Liza squeezed my arm. If she knew of our game, she played her part to perfection. “I have just the thing,” she said, digging in her reticule. She pulled out a vial of smelling salts and opened the lid. “Take a few deep breaths.”
I did as I was told, and Mama rubbed my back. “Everything will come out in order, darling. I shall be sure of it. Perhaps we should get you home to rest.”
“When the weather is so agreeable?” Mr. Winston touched Liza’s arm. “We’ve planned a picnic for this afternoon. Perhaps you’d like to join us? Mrs. Newbury?”
“Thank you for the offer, but I have far too much to do,” Mama said.
“Miss Newbury?” His eyes fell to mine. “Fresh air is a balm to the mind and spirit. You are most welcome to join us.”
“Most welcome, indeed,” Liza added.
“Perhaps a picnicwouldcalm my nerves.” I looked to Mama, who watched me with worry.
Charlie grinned amiably. “With your permission, Mrs. Newbury, Miss Newbury can join our party now. We were just heading home.”
Mama’s lips parted as she gathered her thoughts, then closed. “How can I say no when your destination is a stone’s throw away from mine?”
“I shall return home before dinner.” I leaned in to kiss her cheek. “Thank you, Mama.”
She wrinkled her forehead and turned to Liza. “I would not trust her with anyone else, Miss Ollerton. Do see that she rests.”
Liza carried on, assuring Mama of this and that while Charlie silently relished in his victory. We walked as slowly as an unwell young lady would until Mama was out of sight.
“By heavens, I am healed,” I said, perking up on the spot.
Liza gave me a strange look. “I am not so certain ...”
“She is well, Liza,” Charlie laughed. “Rescuing her proved easier than I thought.”
“You are not troubled?”
I laughed. “Not in the least. Though I admit I am confused between the difference in ivory and white lace. They are far too alike to be distinguished in my opinion.”
Charlie harrumphed his agreement.
“Ivory is darker,” Liza started, shaking her head. “Pure white is bright and almost iridescent.”
I shrugged. “If it matters to Mama, I do not mind the change. Though I do hate that she is upset.”
“On to our picnic! What shall we have? Fruit, cheeses, salted ham?” Charlie’s steps seemed springier than usual, and I felt a sudden urge to keephispace instead of Liza’s.
She eyed him, unamused. “Cook prepared a basket.”
