“Do you ever think you might never marry?” Lucy asked, almost not wanting to hear the answer.
Staring out the window for a moment or two Betsy finally said, “It does occur to me. I know my parents want me to be happy, but by their definition, the only way for a woman to be happy is to be married. And I am not willing to do that unless I meet just the perfect young man.”
Lucy lowered her head thoughtfully and then said, “Yes, I know what you mean. I have been alone for so long I feel I may always remain so. And that is why I feel I must move on. I need to find a new life where I am not so restricted. And if that means taking a job in London, then that is what I must do.”
* * *
Mother burst into the drawing room with a letter in her hand. “My darlings,” she began, “You can never guess…”
“What Mother?” Ann replied, impatient to be told the news outright.
“We have had an invitation to dinner at the Goodwins. And about time too, I might add. I was beginning to wonder if they had any manners at all.”
Both Ann and Charlotte perked up.
“Are we all invited?” Charlotte asked. “Even Father, George, and Betsy?”
“All of us. Quite true. Is that not marvelous?”
“Do we need new dresses?” Charlotte asked hopefully.
“No, my dear, I am quite certain you both have something quite suitable for a weeknight dinner out. It is not as if it was another ball. After all, we do not live in London where everyone is in such fierce competition. You will both look lovely in what you have.” Then she thought for a moment. “But I am not certainIhave anything suitable.”
“And have you replied to the invitation?” Ann asked.
“I have. Just now. But it may take some convincing to get your father to come. He does hate dining out on a weeknight.”
“Then let him stay at home,” Charlotte said.
“Oh, no, that would never do. There must be several gentlemen present, or it will be like some horrid hen party.”
“But mother, then Beaumont will be able to focus his entire attention on a conversation with us,” said Ann. “I feel he is very close to choosing one of us.”
“And perhaps this dinner is to announce his intentions,” Charlotte spoke up hopefully and with great excitement.
“Oh, my dears, do you think so?” Mother asked in a fever of excitement.
“We had the most delightful conversations the day of the picnic. I think he might just do that. Remember, he said his father had instructed him to find a wife. I feel certain he is ready.”
“Oh, my—this is an exciting moment.”
“Must I go?” Betsy asked forlornly.
“Of course, you must.”
“But it will be such a bore with you three fawning all over the poor Mr. Goodwin and George, no doubt, fawning over Miss Priscilla?”
“Miss Priscilla? Has George expressed interest in her to you, Betsy?” Mother asked.
“No, but I could clearly see the day of the disastrous picnic that she was all gooey eyes at him. It was a pathetic display.”
“Really, how did I miss that?” Mother asked. “Oh, my, then that will make the evening even more important. I must have a word with George to find out his intentions. What possibilities!” she exclaimed clapping her hands.
* * *
There could be no thought of taking Lucy to the Goodwin’s dinner party. There must be absolutely no distraction from Ann and Charlotte. Judith had sent word to George that she wanted to see him.
She was seated in her sitting room when he came to her.
