“Thehouse party at Waithe Hall. I am certain they would be delighted tohave your presence.”
Confusioncreasing her brow, Miss Edirisinghe said haltingly, “But I have notreceived an invitation.”
Sera waved herhand. “That is of no concern. One does not require aninvitation.”
“Ido not understand, Lady Seraphina. What do you mean?”
“Ifyou wish to attend, I can arrange it so you can. Imagine being ableto tell everyone you were present at such an exclusive event. Theywould be so envious, and you would be certain to be invited toevery social occasion in town.”
Her brow creasedfurther. “I cannot think it proper. Also, Father has stipulated Iam to remain in London for the duration of my time inEngland.”
“Butsurely you wish to attend?” she cajoled. “An earl’s weddingcelebration? It is sure to be astounding.”
“More than like, but I really should adhere to the rules.Father would force me home if I do not.”
“Father doesn’t have to know.”
Miss Edirisingheregarded her uncertainly. “Well…I suppose not.”
“Come. It would be fun.”
“Yes, I suppose it would, but I’m not sure…”
Sera suddenlyrealised what she was doing. How could she seek to deceive thisyoung lady…seek to deceive hersister? Miss Edirisinghe hadbeen nothing but kind, and Sera sought to manipulate and harm. Justas Stephen said.
Eyes stinging,she smiled brightly. “No, you are quite right. You should not goagainst Father’s wishes.”
Miss Edirisinghelooked thoroughly confused. “But why then did you say—”
“Itis of no matter. Please, I beg you forget I ever spoke ofsuch.”
“Ofcourse.” Miss Edirisinghe was silent a moment. “Is it because ofLord Stephen?”
Shock heldSera’s tongue. “What do you mean?” she finally managed.
“Youwere courting, were you not? And then something must have happened,as you are no longer.”
“I—”She could think of no way to respond.
“Itwould have been something more than Lord Stephen’s brotherreturning from the dead. If it was solely that, he would haveturned to you for comfort. It was something else, something like—”She cocked her head. “Did it have something to do with Lady LydiaTorrence?”
She cleared herthroat. “Why do you say that?”
“Youwere not always nice to her.”
Sera couldn’tbelieve she was so transparent. Miss Edirisinghe watched her with agentle smile, as if she hadn’t just seen straight through Sera’smachinations to the truth of the matter. “What do youmean?”
“Sera.” Miss Edirisinghe’s smile turned kind. “You are notalways at your best.”
She stared ather. This girl, who she’d thought was simple and innocent, saw somuch. “No, I’m not.” She licked her lips. “I’m trying,though.”
“Iknow.” Miss Edirisinghe smiled encouragingly. “You’ll dobetter.”
Unable to speak,Sera stared at her. How was it this girl had such faith in her? Noone in her life had ever given her encouragement, or urged her tobe better. No one had…cared.
Stephen’shalf-smile flashed before her. She rubbed at her chest.
“Youknow, if you wish to attend the wedding celebrations, you shouldjust ask. I’m sure they would extend an invitation,” MissEdirisinghe continued, looping her arm through Sera’s as sheresumed her pace.
