For the second time, emotion thickened Edith’s throat.
“I’m sorry for all the problems I caused you,” she whispered.
“Oh, shush.” Marianne wiped her eyes quickly.
“You literally paid for my mistakes. I’ll repay you.”
Marianne grinned and took Edith’s hand. “Let’s take a walk.”
“You know there’s a rumour about Perry and me circulating, don’t you?”
“Yes, a few ladies have been enthusiastic enough to inform me of the latest gossip.” Marianne lifted a shoulder. “We’ll discuss that.”
With a perfect blue sky and a warm breeze, the day was indeed a fine one, not merely from a weather point of view.
“The best way to kill gossip is to show yourself, not to disappear. If you disappear, people will make up more stories,” Marianne said as they promenaded in the park.
Marianne’s lady’s maid followed them as usual.
Marianne gave nods and polite smiles to other promenading ladies. “If you disappear, people will think the worst, and the gossip will become a certainty.” She winked. “It wouldn’t harm if you announced your engagement with Lord Ravenscroft, too.”
Edith’s face flamed as love warmed her chest. “The engagement isn’t official yet. But if we announce it, everyone will believe we’re engaged because of the scandalous rumours, not because we love each other.”
“Does it matter? Needless to say, you should be careful when talking to Daphne.”
“I haven’t seen her in a while, and I’m not planning to.”
Marianne leant closer. “A friend of mine told me Daphne is quite close to Lord Neville, which worries me. He’s openly against his nephew, and I can’t help but think that Daphne is working by his side, maybe to the point of being involved in the carriage accident.”
Edith came to a quick halt. “You’re right. Sir James told me he met her, and during their conversation, he mentioned to her I would take the medical test with him. Daphne must have told Neville. That’s how he knew where Perry and I were going.”
“Well, that doesn’t prove she’s involved in Lord Neville’s plan. Perhaps she mentioned the test to him in all innocence.”
“Possible. Besides, I’m not sure what she would gain from the incident.”
“If she hopes to become the next Countess of Ravenscroft by marrying Lord Neville, then she has a good reason to help him. Her father is eager for her to marry a lord.”
Speaking of the devil. Daphne was walking with another woman towards them. The moment Daphne saw Edith, she sped up, the ribbons in her hat flapping.
“Careful,” Marianne whispered. “Whatever happens, don’t make a scene. It’ll make things worse.”
“Edith, Lady Lancaster.” Daphne bobbed a curtsy to Marianne. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m so sorry for what happened to you, the carriage accident, I mean.” She sounded honest.
“Daphne,” Edith said, “I don’t wish ill on you, but it’d be better if we avoided each other.”
Marianne gave a nod of appreciation. “Have a good day, Miss Ferguson.”
They started to sidestep Daphne, but she touched Edith’s arm.
“Wait, please. I know I did wrong to you, but I’m here to make amends.” Daphne closed her parasol.
“May I ask how?” Marianne lowered her voice. “Every time my sister gets involved with you, something unpleasant happens.”
Well, if Edith had to be honest, she was partly to blame, too. Daphne had never forced her to go out partying. Edith had followed her willingly.
Daphne bobbed another curtsy. “I understand your sentiment, my lady, but see, Lady Upchurch is giving a party next week to celebrate the end of the renovation of her manor. Her husband is friends with my father, and I was invited. Lady Upchurch was kind enough to allow me to extend the invitations to some friends, and I thought of Edith. Likely, you, Lady Lancaster, will receive an invitation soon.”
No, Edith was done with the balls and parties suggested by Daphne. “Thank you, Daphne, but I’m not interested.”
