At Harriet’s home. Lora scarcely waited for the footman to open the door before alighting. The familiar scent of sandalwood and old books greeted her, a brief comfort against her inner turmoil.
Harriet looked up from her embroidery as Lora entered the drawing room. A warm smile spread across her face, but it quickly faded as she saw Lora’s strained expression.
“Lora, dear, what brings you by at this hour?” Harriet set aside her hoop and hurried to her friend.
“Harriet,” Lora began, her voice scarcely above a whisper. The words caught in her throat as she struggled to swallow a lump of emotion. Her carefully maintained composure was fracturing, her vulnerability threatening to surface.
Harriet gently took Lora’s hands. “Come, let’s sit. Whatever it is, you can share it with me.”
They settled on the plush settee near the hearth, the crackle of the fire filling the silence. Harriet waited patiently, her steady presence a comfort to Lora’s frayed nerves.
“It’s Rockford,” Lora finally managed, her gaze fixed on the carpet’s intricate pattern. “I haven’t heard from him in two days. When I called today, I was turned away. And…” She paused, her hands clenched in her lap. “Hastings was there. He implied things, suggested that Rockford might be… neglecting certain obligations.”
Harriet inhaled thoughtfully. “That doesn’t sound like Rockford at all,” she said softly. “What exactly did Hastings say?”
“It’s not just what he said, but how he said it,” Lora replied, frustration and hurt mingling in her chest. “With that smirk, as if he knows something I don’t. I pride myself on not being swayed by idle gossip, but his words…” She paused. “They’re difficult to ignore.”
“Hastings has a way of twisting words, doesn’t he?” Harriet placed a comforting hand over Lora’s. “Always looking to stir the pot and leave a trail of doubt.”
“I know.” Lora nodded, her voice quavering slightly. “But I can’t help feeling that there’s truth lurking beneath his insinuations. Why else would Rockford avoid me? Especially after…” She flushed, the memory of their shared kiss rising unbidden.
“After what, Lora?” Harriet prompted gently.
Steeling herself, Lora met Harriet’s gaze. “We shared a moment, a… a kiss. It felt significant, as though we acknowledged what was growing between us. And at tea, he spoke of his feelings. But now…I’m left questioning if it meant anything to him at all.”
“Oh, Lora,” Harriet murmured, squeezing her hands gently. “Matters of the heart are seldom straightforward. But Rockford doesn’t appear to me as a man who takes such things lightly.”
“Then why his silence?” Lora’s composure slipped further. “Why distance himself now? It feels as though he’s built a wall between us overnight, and I don’t understand what I’ve done wrong.”
“You may have done nothing wrong,” Harriet assured her. “Men often grapple with their own battles, internal and otherwise, and believe they must do so alone.”
Lora’s eyes flashed with frustration. “But I am not some fragile creature to be protected from the world’s harshness. I thought he saw me as an equal, a partner. How can we build anything lasting if he shuts me out at the first sign of difficulty?”
“Your feelings are valid. But patience might serve you here. Give him a little time. He may come to you when he’s ready.”
“Patience has never been my virtue,” Lora muttered, a wry smile tugging at her lips.
“I am well aware,” Harriet replied with a soft laugh. “But consider this. Acting in haste might push him further away. If you confront him now, while emotions are high, it could lead to misunderstandings that are difficult to mend.”
Lora leaned back, closing her eyes briefly. The logical part of her recognized Harriet’s wisdom, but her heart ached with the need for an immediate resolution. “Perhaps you’re right,” she conceded quietly. “But what am I to do in the meantime?”
“Focus on the things in your control,” Harriet suggested. “Isn’t the gala approaching? Pour your energy into ensuring its success.”
“The gala,” Lora echoed, the thought distant. “Yes, there’s still much to be done.”
“And remember, I’m here whenever you need me.” Harriet gave her an encouraging smile.
“Thank you, Harriet. Your friendship means more to me than I can say.”
“Nonsense,” Harriet put her arm around her and drew her close. “That’s what friends are for.”
They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, the warmth of the fire seeping into their bones. Lora felt a measure of peace returning, the chaos settling ever so slightly. While the path ahead remained uncertain, she took comfort in knowing she didn’t have to navigate it alone.
As she prepared to leave, Harriet walked her to the door. “Promise me you’ll be kind to yourself,” Harriet said, her eyes earnest.
“I’ll try,” Lora replied, mustering a small smile.
“And if you decide that patience isn’t the way,” Harriet added with a teasing glint, “just make sure you’re prepared for whatever you might uncover.”
