Her mother patted her on the back. “It can take a while for love to grow between some couples,” her mother said, reassuringly. “Not to mention that we are finally safe, all thanks to you, my dove.”
Louise smiled, this time genuinely. “It is my duty, Mama. I am glad I did not disappoint you.”
Louise’s betrothal to the Earl could not have come at a better time. With the death of her father came the threat of homelessness, and when the heir finally arrived to take over her father’s estate, they all hoped that he would be kind and patient with them. Their prayers did not seem to have been answered because only a day after he moved into the house, he denied any responsibility for them and asked them out by the end of the Season.
By this time, they had joined the crowd heading into the Earl’s house. If Louise thought that the exterior of the house looked luxurious, she was simply amazed at the interior. Tasteful art works and paintings adorned the walls and every surface sparkled.
“This would make a beautiful home for us,” her aunt said. Aunt Theodora, Louise’s father’s younger sister had not been able to secure a match in her prime and had lived with Louise’s family all her life. Louise was happy that by marrying Lord Felington, she would be able to provide a comfortable life for her sixty-year-old aunt as well. “But Louise, I need you to know that you do not have to marry a man you do not love because of our predicament,” Aunt Theodora added.
“Nonsense, Aunt Theodora,” Louise laughed, “even if I do not love the man, he will definitely make a good husband and that is all I need for now.”
Aunt Theodora sighed. “I hope your mother is right and love comes after you are wedded to him.”
“Of course, love will come after the wedding,” Louise’s mother replied, “Lord Felington is a dashing young man with so many prospects. Louise, do you…”
Louise, however, did not hear what her mother had just said because it was at this moment that she saw her friends, Amelia, Catherine, and Emily engrossed in a conversation. Amelia was the daughter of Lord Hampton, Catherine had just entered the society and was the daughter of Lord Fletcher, Emily had been out in the society as long as Louise and she was the daughter of Lord Filmore. Louise had been friends with all the girls for as long as she could remember so she was glad to see them.
“Mama, Aunt Theodora, I would like to go greet my friends. I will be back in a moment,” she said, before bounding excitedly to her friends.
They were so engrossed in their conversation that they had not even noticed her approaching.
“…he is absolutely smitten,”were the few words Louise heard before she announced her presence.
“Here you all are,” she said, smiling from ear to ear. “Who is absolutely smitten?
The girls turned to look at her and immediately, their expressions changed. Louise could not quite place it, but she could feel a change in their demeanor.
“Excuse me, girls,” Emily said and left without a word to Louise.
“Is something troubling Emily?” she asked in concern, “she does not seem quite all right to me.”
Amelia smiled at Louise. “Nothing is wrong with Emily. In fact, she could not be any better,” she said before glancing briefly at Catherine.
Louise shrugged, taking her friend’s words for it.
“What were you all talking about? It seemed like an interesting discussion,” she said.
Catherine and Amelia glanced at each other again. “Oh, it was nothing,” Catherine said.
“Is that so?” Louise could tell it was not nothing.
“Do not bother your pretty little head, Louise,” Amelia replied, “you shall find out soon enough.” Louise did not quite understand what they were talking about, but she did not want to push the topic. “Anyway, I heard that the Earl would be proposing today?” Amelia announced, she and Catherine looking expectantly at Louise.
“Well, it is not that he has asked for my hand yet, but–” Louise said, trying not to get her everyone’s hopes up too soon.
“Oh, do not be so modest, Louise,” Catherine said, “especially as we all know when the Earl started courting you. It has been a few months now.”
Louise blushed. “Indeed, I have found him to be quite cordial during our courtship. I am lucky to have made a match in the Earl.”
Amelia made a sound that seemed like a snicker.
“We cannot believe it too,” Catherine said, “you aresolucky.”
“Just do not forget us once you become the countess of this beautiful mansion,” Amelia said.
“I would never dream of it. Once His Lordship and I are wedded, I would invite you to tea. You girls have been my friends since childhood, and I would be a fool to let go of you when I become a countess. Oh, I cannot wait until we are all married!”
Amelia nodded in approval. “We will be waiting excitedly for the announcement today,” she said.
