Ada sighed. Perhaps coming here had been a mistake. She’d forgotten how domestically inclined her sister could be. In her opinion, all problems could be fixed by completing a chore. Then again, she’d fallen for a man who’d loved her in return, instead of a duke she had no hope of marrying.
“Thank you for thinking of me,” Ada said, turning to face her, “but you know I’m not very good with needle or thread.”
Had there been a book to bind, it would have been an entirely different matter. If only she’d thought to bring some of her tools along.
She glanced at the door. “I think I’ll go out.”
Bethany looked up sharply from the piece of embroidery in her lap. “In this weather? You can’t possibly, Ada. Not without getting soaked through in a second.”
“Perhaps not,” Ada agreed, “but I think the fresh air will do me some good. I shan’t be long.”
“But” —Ada had already set her cup down and was crossing the floor— “you risk getting sick, which won’t be good for the baby.”
Ada stopped, shook her head, and expelled a deep breath. “You’re right. Forgive me. I’m not used to considering such things.”
“It’s all right.” Bethany patted the seat beside her. “Come. There’s a hem here that doesn’t require great skill. Why not give it a try?”
Ada scrunched her nose but chose not to argue. Perhaps Bethany was right and focusing on some menial task would help. At least the spot by the fire was warm, she reflected, as she sank down onto the loveseat beside her sister. A petticoat was quickly placed in her lap and a threaded needle provided.
“Just stitch along the edge of that seam there,” Bethany said, showing her where the previous stitching had come undone.
Ada picked up the needle and went to work, doing her best to keep the stitches short and neat, like Mama had taught her. But the monotony of the task did not keep her mind from wandering. Her thoughts repeatedly strayed to Anthony, to the conversation they’d shared at the ball, and the kiss that had followed.
Good heavens. Had that happened only the day before last?
It already felt like forever ago with everything that had transpired since.
Would he even know she’d stopped by? Would his sister have thought to mention it to him? Probably not.
Eventually, her uncle would tell him she’d gone away for a while. In the event he stopped by the shop. Unfortunately, given how much Uncle James relied upon her, she couldn’t stay gone for long. She’d have to return. Not just for Uncle James’s sake, but for the sake of helping Anthony and his friends with their book.
If only she hadn’t offered to help them with it. Except she had, and as such, she was now committed – honor bound – to see the task through. All she could do was hope she’d be somewhat recovered and ready to face the duke when their paths crossed next.
Right now, that seemed highly unlikely considering how much she struggled to hold herself together.
“Will you not share your reason for choosing to visit?” Bethany quietly inquired.
Ada had not mentioned Anthony. She’d merely shown up and asked if she might stay a while. “I’d rather not.”
If she did, she’d probably burst into tears.
“You said Uncle James is all right – that your coming has nothing to do with him. Yes?”
“Correct.”
“The two of you are getting on well enough?”
“Yes. He’s a wonderful man. I’ve no idea what I would do without him to rely on.”
Bethany placed her hand over Ada’s. “Stewart and I would help you, Ada. Surely you know that.”
“Thank you.” Ada appreciated the gesture of kindness. For although her brother-in-law did all right for himself as a solicitor, his practice was still quite new. Making a name for himself and improving his income would take time.
“I realize Papa neglected you with regard to a dowry,” Bethany added. “It wasn’t fair. If I had money saved away somewhere, I’d give it to you in a heartbeat. But everything we have has been spent on this house. From what I gather, based on the letters she sends on occasion, Dorothy is no better off.”
“I know,” Ada murmured. “It’s all right. I’m actually very content in London with Uncle James. I just needed a break for a few days. That’s all.”
“Are you certain there’s nothing else?” Bethany asked. “When you arrived, you looked like you’d come from a funeral.”
