Lady Fosberry was right. That wasn’t what a true friend would do.
It was what a coward would do.
“My dearest Hattie, I don’t say this to make you ashamed of yourself, so please do endeavor not to look quite so stricken, would you?”
She dashed a hand across her cheek and produced a watery smile for Lady Fosberry. “I beg your pardon, my lady.”
“Nonsense, my dear.” Lady Fosberry patted her hand. “I do understand your reticence, you know. It’s quite a task you’ve undertaken, but you’ve come this far, and I think you’ll be disappointed in yourself if you give up so easily.”
She was interrupted by a quiet knock on the door, and a moment later Watkins, Lady Fosberry’s butler came in. “This came for you, my lady.”
“Thank you, Watkins.” Lady Fosberry scanned the thick, cream-colored card. “Ah, it seems thetonknows I’ve returned to Town. Word does travel quickly, does it not? Lady Farthingale has invited us to her garden party tomorrow morning.”
“A garden party?” That didn’t sound too terrifying.
“Yes. Lady Farthingale’s garden party is one of the most coveted invitations of the season. She’s famous for her lilacs, you see, and there’s a lovely lilac walk on the grounds of her estate. It’s a tradition for each gentleman to invite a lady to strollamongst the lilacs with him.” Lady Fosberry raised an eyebrow. “Shall I accept for the four of us, or just for myself and your sisters?”
“I suppose it won’t hurt to remain for another few days, if you think it will help Cass.”
After that cold, dismissive look he’d given her, she didn’t have much hope her presence would make any difference to him, but if she stayed, then she wouldn’t have to reproach herself for being such a coward.
“I do think so. Indeed, I think…” Lady Fosberry’s smile dimmed. “I think you may be the only person in England who can help Cass now.”
