“Authentic... not a word I’ve ever given much thought to. Would it still be authentic if someone is hiding from the world?”
“It’s authentic if you are not allowing it to hold you back.” Harriet glanced at her. “You know, there is a world outside of theton. I’ve thought about this a lot.”
That surprised Leonora. “Why?”
Harriet shrugged. “Curiosity, I suppose. Some other things.”
“Did you wish to explore the world?” Leonora asked. If she were honest, she hadn’t really thought about the world beyond theirs. She’d been living as though it could be taken away from her at any moment, but not envisioned what could come next. Yet the thought of there being a whole other world beyond thetongave her a measure of comfort.
“Of course, though to be honest, Leeds and I have created our own world, and I am more than happy to reside there all of my life.”
“Ah, yes, the delightful bubble of love.”
“It’s more than just a bubble; it’s more than just love. It’s family. It’s a life that exists beyond society. Yes, we are still within its realm, but it’s rather freeing.”
Leonora enjoyed that sentiment. “You mean you get away with more when you are married.”
“Exactly.”
“So, I should marry.”
“Oh, Lord, please don’t marry just for the sake of marriage. If you find the right man, then yes.”
Leonora laughed. “Do not fret, my dear friend, I shan’t marry for the sake of marriage. But I’m still looking for my moments.” Her moment to rule all moments, to be exact.
“Of course, of course.” Harriet nudged her with a leg. “Just don’t get so caught up in all the smaller moments that you miss the big one. And for the love of everything, find a man worthy of you.”
“And what if I am the one not worthy?” Leonora asked lightly.
“However can that be?” Harriet exclaimed. “That alligator must have scattered your wits today!”
Leonora shrugged. “It’s not the alligator. I just feel a tiny bit unworthy at times,” she admitted. “Not much, but like an imposter in someone else’s world.”
A moment of silence. “That’s not much?” A short laugh. “However, I do understand.”
Leonora slanted a glance at her friend. “You do?”
Harriet nodded. “I’m not sure whyyoufeel this way, but I know that worthiness comes from a place in your heart, nowhere else. I’ve learned this since I married Leeds.” Her friend gave her a wistful smile. “Trust me, Leonora. If we look anywhere else to find our worthiness, we will get lost. I do not wish that for you.”
“Well, do not worry on that score, at least. I am very good with directions.”
“I do not doubt that.”
Leonora glanced back at the ceiling of her room, her gaze trailing over the patterns strewn overhead. Worthiness from within. She quite liked that. Titles, at the end of the day, could never compare to what was in the heart.
Perhaps one day she would feel it and believe it at the same time.
*
“It’s been along time.”
Dare lifted a lazy gaze to the woman approaching him where he reclined on a sofa of the library. The widowed Marchioness of Pilkington, otherwise known as the queen of the demimonde. He didn’t bother to stand, and she didn’t bother to sit. In fact, he wagered she enjoyed looking down on her prey.
“I’ve been busy.”
“Too busy to visit my chamber?” the lady purred.
Dare bemoaned his luck. “Yes.”
