Page 2 of Lady Mariel’s Scandalous Love

I have so much to tell you! There is no one else who I can speak with about the sort of things that we have always discussed. And, oh my, there is so much to discuss, in that category. Being married is wonderful – the pleasures it brings are even greater than I ever imagined, and possibly than you ever imagined. But I am not going to write down what I want to say…

Instead, I would like to invite you to stay with us at Fortescue Grange from now until the point when you must go to London for the Season.

That way, we can talk as much as we wish, about whatever we wish, with no one to disapprove (Alex certainly won’t and his mother has moved to the Dower House).

Please, do say that you’ll come.

I have included a short note, as an official invitation – one suitable for you to show your parents, when asking them to allow you to come.

I simply can’t wait to see you again.

My best regards

Selina

Mariel felt her heart lift at the idea of a month or more spent with Selina and, most importantly, without her parents, or her brother and younger sister.

Richard was eighteen now, and ostentatiously attempting to show how adult he was, and Jennet was sixteen, and rather painfully determined to learn everything she could from Mariel about society. Jennet was also furious with Mariel, simply because Mariel was ‘out’ and could attend Balls, and Jennet had a whole year more to wait before she might be introduced to society.

She opened the other folded letter, and found, as Selina had said, a very simple invitation.

She folded Selina’s main letter, and tucked it into the pocket of her dress, then, with the invitation in hand, she went in search of her parents. She found them in the parlour, her mother embroidering, and her father reading a newspaper. They looked up curiously as she entered – for she rarely sought them out. Blessedly, neither Richard nor Jennet were in the room.

“Mother, Father, I have a letter from Selina, inviting me to stay with them at Fortescue Grange, from now until the point when we remove to London for the Season.” She held out the note, and her mother took it. “May I go? Please. I have missed Selina, and I know that I would enjoy it.” Her parents looked at each other, and her father gave a tiny shrug – which she had expected, for he generally left decisions about the girls to her mother. Lady Kelsbrook considered her daughter, fixing her with a look which made Mariel’s confidence fail her. Then she spoke.

“Mariel, you must be prepared for this Season – after all, it will be your second, and you really must attract a husband this time, or you will be labelled a spinster! I would not deny you a visit to your friend… but… if you are to go, everything that you will need for the Season must be prepared and packed before you leave. You should not need too extensive a wardrobe for a stay in the country, so packing everything else ready for the Season should not be difficult.”

“I can do that, Mother. I will go and start now.”

“Then you may go to Fortescue Grange. Maintaining your friendship with a Duchess is surely worthwhile, and may even help you find a husband. Although preferably not through a scandal, as Selina found hers!”