Page 28

“Thank you, Mama.” Mother always did something special for Marianne on the evenings they attended parties, whether that was requesting pastries from Cook, purchasing new paints, or finding a different book for Marianne to read. The gestures always made the sting of being left at home a little less potent.

“Extra sugar biscuits?” Father chuckled. “You and your pastries, Marianne.”

She wouldn’t need to eat her pastries if she was allowed into Society.

She ignored Father’s teasing and turned to her sister. “Enjoy yourself tonight, Beatrice.” The words lodged inside her throat as if she’d swallowed a cherry pit. Perhaps she wished to join them after all.

“I hardly think that’s possible,” Beatrice said, readjusting her shawl around her shoulders. “You are fortunate enough to be allowed to stay home, Marianne. Dull conversation and forced merriment will surely be the order of the evening for us.”

Marianne always tried very hard not to be envious of Beatrice and her freedom. But it was in moments like these where she despised her sister’s apathy. Did Beatrice not know her own fortune?

“Come along,” Father said, clearly finished with the conversation.

He moved to the doorway, but footsteps above stopped their progression. The family turned toward the stairs as Mr. Steele descended them.

His eyes fell on Marianne first, and her spirits instantly raised. What a thrill it was to have a man as handsome as he watching her.

“Mr. Steele,” Father said at once, “it is good to see you again.”

Mr. Steele reached the landing, coming up to stand near Marianne. That foreign shyness she had felt in his presence before slipped back onto her tongue, and she was rendered mute.

It was just as well. She shouldn’t be speaking with him anyway.

“I hope your business in Bath was completed satisfactorily, sir,” Mr. Steele said.

“Oh, very much.”

Marianne understood Father’s grin all too well. He clearly believed he’d found his daughter’s future husband.

“How fares the carving?”

“Very well, I believe,” Mr. Steele responded.

“Do you always work this late?”

“No, sir. I typically leave before six o’clock, but I lost track of the hour.”

“A man truly dedicated to his work.” Father nodded in approval. “I am sorry I’ve been unable to see your progress thus far. I would do so now, but we are just about to leave for a party.”

Instead of responding or looking at any other member of her family, Mr. Steele’s gaze found Marianne’s. She stood, taken aback at his lingering gaze. It was filled with understanding. But how?

“In that case, I will bid you farewell,” Mr. Steele said. After another glance at Marianne, he departed.

Her family bade farewell to her shortly after, and Marianne was then left alone in the entryway with only her thoughts for company—and only sugar biscuits to look forward to.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The soft crunch of wheels against gravel stirred Marianne from her restless slumber. She sat up, blinking to gain her bearings. She hadn’t realized she’d fallen asleep.

She slipped off her bed, covers still up, and peered down at the drive. The lantern glowed from the carriage below as her sister and parents spilled forth from within then disappeared from her view as they entered the house.

Thank heavens Marianne was awakened by their arrival. She was desperate to hear how the evening went. Might Beatrice be even remotely interested in father’s gentleman?

After a moment, she donned her dressing robe and made for Beatrice’s chamber, knocking softly on the door before being bade to enter.

“Marianne?” Beatrice said, her brows arched. “I thought you were Patton. Why are you not yet asleep?”

Marianne shrugged. “I wished to see how you fared at the party.” She held her breath. Dare she hope the evening was a success?