Page 8 of Courting the Country Miss

Leticia blinked. Did she mean…

“The doctor has recommended that I not travel any long distances. He allowed this visit because it’s a scant few hours’ drive. Once I return home, he advises that I stay abed for the duration.”

Leticia put her hand on her cheek. “A baby?”

Mama beamed, her eyes shining, and said in an excited whisper, “Isn’t it wonderful? Perhaps I’ll give your father a son, at last. Of course we’d love another daughter, as we love all you girls, but a son…” She stared off into some distant view only she saw.

After five daughters, a son would be a blessing for Papa, not to mention that an heir would keep the property in the immediate family and assure the family line. And yet…

“Why must you stay in bed?”

Her mother put a hand over her stomach as if cradling the unborn child. “Due to my age, and after losing the last one, we can’t be too cautious.”

Leticia’s mouth went dry. She leaned in, touching her mother’s hand. “Are you in danger?”

“Oh, good heavens, no. Well, you know, not any more than normal—merely a precaution to help the baby not come too soon.”

Leticia gave her mother’s hand a squeeze. How Mama endured childbirth all those times posed a mystery. “So, since you cannot accompany Isabella, are we to cancel the trip?”

“Of course not. Isabella will go to Town this Season—she’s the perfect age and besides, we’ve already let a house in Town.”

“Then you want me to be her chaperone.”

Mama choked on her tea. “Leticia, I wonder about you sometimes, I really do. You aren’t old enough to be a proper chaperone. Believe it or not, you aren’t as long in the tooth as you seem to think.” Her eyes twinkled.

Leticia spread her hands in a helpless gesture, warming at the indirect assurance she wasn’t a complete spinster—a silly thought, since she no longer wished to marry. Spinsterhood lay in her future regardless of her wishes. “What do you plan to do?”

“Aunt Alice offered to chaperone Isabella in my place on one condition; she wants you to go, too. She insists that sisters always make a bigger splash than one girl. She’s still crowing about how both your older sisters received proposals when she launched them together four years ago.”

“She wants me to go, too?” Leticia’s thoughts tumbled. “But my wardrobe is unfit for a Season in London. Papa already explained he cannot bear the cost of a wardrobe for me in addition to Isabella, especially since I’ve already other Seasons.” Her face warmed at the reminder that, while her older sister married after one Season, Leticia had not received a proposal in two. That might have been because everyone thought she and Richard had an understanding…or perhaps she was even plainer and less interesting than she supposed.

It didn’t matter. She had a school to which she planned to devote her life and her energy. She didn’t need a husband or children to make her feel worthwhile.

Mama’s voice broke into her thoughts. “I’ve given some thought to your wardrobe issue. I think if we make over your best gowns from two years ago, we’ll manage. Perhaps not quite as spectacular as a London modiste, but I’m sure if we study the latest La Belle Assemble engravings, our own town dressmaker can modify yours and come close to something fashionable.”

“I suppose she could,” Leticia conceded. She need only look fashionable enough not to embarrass her sister in front of London’s grande dames.

“If we make over a few of Isabella’s things, too, we ought to be able to get you at least one ball gown from London.”

“Mama, that’s not necessary. Make Isabella’s gowns the very finest. Mine aren’t important. I won’t be going to London to search for a husband, I’ll be going to satisfy Aunt Alice’s stipulations…and to help with our cause.”

“Cause? Ah, of course—the school.” A mysterious gleam entered Mama’s eye. “Then you must look fashionable if you are to garner some commitments from those who have deep pockets.”

“My relationship with Lady Averston will help with that. A duke’s daughter who marries an earl has few doors closed to her.”

“Thanks in some part to you, I think.”

Leticia toyed with her napkin. “Certainly not. Her reticence adds to her charm, and she’s toasted as a beauty everywhere she goes. Everyone admires her.”

“I know all about how you helped quell the rumors regarding the origin of her betrothal to Lord Averston. That was most admirably done, dearest.”

Her mother smiled with such fondness that a lump rose to Leticia’s throat. She had tried, whenever possible, to protect the couple from rumor but not for the unselfish reasons Mama supposed.

As guilt wagged its finger, Leticia glanced at her mother. “I did it for Richard, not for Lady Elizabeth. At least, not entirely.”

“Still, both benefited.”

Leticia nodded. “Well worth the effort if it spared Richard any discomfort. Besides, it led to a partner in my venture for the school and to an unexpected friendship with Lady Elizabeth—er, Lady Averston.”