Page 30 of Courting the Country Miss

“Let’s say good evening to Lady Averston,” Aunt Alice said. “It won’t hurt for Isabella to be seen conversing with the countess.”

Though Leticia understood the strategy, she inwardly cringed at the thought of using her friendship with Elizabeth as a way of improving one’s importance. Elizabeth wouldn’t mind helping Isabella, of course, but it still felt wrong. Leticia glanced at her sister, but Isabella, though composed and serene, stiffened as if she were trying too hard to look pleasant. What could be amiss? Surely not nerves?

“Good evening, Elizabeth,” Leticia said.

Elizabeth beamed. “Leticia, dear, how delightful to see you tonight. And how beautiful you look.” She clasped Leticia by both hands.

Leticia hid her surprise at the enthusiastic greeting. “You look stunning as usual. You remember my Aunt, Mrs. Tallier.”

“Of course I do. She’s been kind enough to invite me to her home for dinner. It’s always a pleasure to see you, Mrs. Tallier.” Elizabeth clasped Aunt Alice’s hand then turned to Isabella. “And Isabella, I adore your gown. I hear you are already leaving a trail of ardent admirers everywhere you go, and rightly so.” Her eyes twinkled.

“Good evening, my lady.” Isabella’s smile tightened, her expression cool. “How kind of you to say, although whatever you’ve heard has been terribly exaggerated, I’m sure, as I have no knowledge of such admirers.”

Elizabeth laughed. “And modest, as well. What a treasure you are.”

“You’re too kind.” Isabella cleared her throat. “Pray, excuse me, my lady. I see someone I’d like to greet.”

“Of course.” Elizabeth nodded, as gracious as a queen.

Leticia stared after Isabella’s back. Why the abrupt departure?

Aunt Alice let out her breath in exasperation. “What has gotten into that girl?”

Elizabeth sighed. “Oh dear. I’m afraid she blames me for marrying Richard and ruining your happiness, Leticia.”

“No, surely not.” Leticia fingered her reticule.

“She may be upset over the debacle in the sweet shop,” Aunt Alice said.

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “What debacle?”

Leticia shot a look of annoyance at Aunt Alice. “I wish you hadn’t brought that up. I didn’t wish to alarm Elizabeth.”

“Tell me what happened.” Elizabeth took Leticia by the arm and steered her to a corner where they could converse without being overheard.

In a low voice, Leticia replayed the accusations, trying to minimize them.

Elizabeth put a hand on her chest, her eyes narrowed in concern. “I had no idea the repercussions would be so serious. I don’t want this to hurt you or Isabella.”

“It won’t. It’s only their opinion, and anyway, Aunt Alice says they are not well-liked among the ton despite their rank.”

“That’s true.”

“Don’t worry. Everything will turn out well.”

The hostess of the soiree musicale called everyone’s attention and asked the guests to take their seats. Everyone sought their companions and seats in a flurry of movement.

When Leticia found Isabella, she leaned into her ear. “Why were you curt to Elizabeth?”

“I wasn’t—I merely excused myself as quickly as possible.”

“Why?”

Isabella hesitated, frowning. “I don’t like her. She stole Richard from you.”

“Oh, Bella, that’s not how it happened.”

“You can lie to yourself, but you can’t lie to me. I know what happened and I don’t care how high her rank is. Her behavior was inexcusable, and she doesn’t deserve to marry well because of it.”