Elizabeth finally relaxed, having ascertained that her frugality was the only reason for her husband’s agitated state. “I have everything I want,” she smiled. “And you happened to marry a woman whose most frivolous expense is buying beeswax candles instead of tallow ones.”
“And even those she uses sparingly,” Colin grumbled. “Well, I took matters into my own hands.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have arranged a separate carriage for you, with our family crest, of course,” he said arrogantly.
“Of course,” Lizzie humoured him.
“Your Mister Ed was thrilled at the prospect of driving you around again,” he said, trying to pretend that he disapproved, and Lizzie clapped her hands together excitedly. “Your first errand is to go to the final fitting for your new dresses.”
Elizabeth frowned. “What dresses?”
“You need new clothes for the Season, so I took the liberty of ordering some items from the modiste Mary indicated. I am quite confident everything will be to your liking.”
“How arrogant you are!” Lizzie said in mock exasperation, and his lips twitched. “I happen to be otherwise engaged today.”
“No worries, the salon will still be there tomorrow. Pray tell, what engagement does my Duchess have planned for this fine afternoon?”
“I need to call on my brother’s wife. She has just returned from Ashbury, and she invited me for tea.”
“I hope you will enjoy yourself,” Colin said, but looked worried. “Will you see your brother while you’re there?”
Lizzie thought that he was remembering the intimate details he’d shared about their lost friendship, and she felt for him. “I don’t think so. She mentioned the days when he would be in, and today isn’t one of them.”
Colin pressed his lips together and nodded without saying anything.
*
“Can you not stay for a little while longer? Your brother will be home soon. He’ll be upset when he learns he missed your visit,” Sophie begged when Elizabeth rose to leave.
“I can’t, I’m expected elsewhere. Please send him my regards. And extend my felicitations regarding the new addition to your family. I am so happy for both of you,” she congratulated Sophie on her pregnancy once more.
“Lizzie, please, Nicholas is devastated by how-”
Lizzie turned around abruptly, almost toppling the small table next to her. “I have to go. Thank you for everything.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Lizzie, we’re family.”
Lizzie smiled weakly and, with a nod, left before Sophie could say anything else.
The afternoon had been…fine. They had exchanged news and interesting details about their lives in these past months. Sophie had shared the news of her pregnancy, and then the nursemaid had brought Emma in, and the rest of the time had been spent in Elizabeth indulging her niece’s every whim.
So why was she crying in the back of her new carriage?
The truth was, it had felt very unnatural and unlike Lizzie to treat Sophie the way she had. The other woman had always been very kind and welcoming to her, but the situation with Nicholas had led Lizzie to question everything, including her place in her new niece or nephew’s life.
Who knew what Sophie really thought of her? Maybe she agreed with Nicholas’s assessment of her? Perhaps she and Charlotte had always laughed behind Lizzie’s back at how uncouth she was?
*
Right before dinner, Elizabeth sat in her dressing room, finishing a letter to Mrs. Brandon, when Mary came in with the biggest smile on her face.
“Guess what?”
Lizzie looked up.
“What?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
