Married By Twelfth Night (Regency Christmas Brides)

26. Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Grace nibbled half-heartedly on her breakfast, observing her family carefully. No one acted as if anything unusual had occurred the night before over dinner. Ruth seemed especially oblivious. Where was the announcement of her engagement? The talk of weddings?

Biting into her warm bread and butter, she chewed furiously, not tasting any part of it. She swallowed down a lump and forced herself to pry out answers. “Father, did you enjoy the dinner last night?”

He lowered his newspaper and grunted. “I always enjoy dinner.”

She tried again. “What about our company?”

“Pleasant.”

Pleasant? That was a remark on the weather, not a person. She required specific information. “Did you and Mr. Graham discuss anything interesting?”

He folded his paper. “Our conversation is always interesting. Are you asking if your name was brought up?”

She sputtered. “My name? Certainly not. Why would you speak of me?” Her cheeks burned worse than the steaming sausage on her plate. At least she was not crying. She had done enough of that last night, hiding her sobs in her pillow.

“Because he lost his senses,” Tobias answered. “What man makes riddles about mistletoe?” Her brother curled his lip in disgust.

Her father laughed and picked up his paper again .

Grace stole a glance at Ruth. Every time she looked at her, jealousy threatened to erupt in her throat. Ruth had an open book on her lap, partially hidden by the tablecloth. Their parents hadn’t seen it yet, but it was obvious that Ruth was absorbed in a story and not at all aware of her future nuptials. Otherwise, she was certain Ruth would be incapable of reading.

A footman came in carrying a letter. Instead of stopping at Papa’s side or walking to Mama, he stopped at Grace’s side and extended the folded paper.

“For me?”

He nodded.

Was it from Richard? She accepted the letter and turned it over to see the address. It was from her aunt in London.

Ripping into it, she read the contents and sighed with relief. She could leave this place. It was the only way to breathe fully again.

“Who is it from?” Mama asked.

“My aunt in London is requesting again that I come for the Season. She is promising new gowns and invitations to popular assemblies. Please, Mama, won’t you consider it?”

Mama sighed and looked at Papa. “I am leaving this argument up to you, dearest.”

“Should I thank you?” Papa asked, grimacing. “Grace, my sweet, we will discuss it after the holidays.”

Could she make it that long in this small town? She was bound to run into Richard, and if that did not kill her, discussing wedding details with Ruth would.

“How about after the new year? Can we discuss it then?”

Papa tightened his hold on his paper. “Very well, we can have a short conversation about it then.”

Hallelujah. There was hope !

“But don’t get your hopes up,” Papa added, likely reading the expression on her face. “I have a feeling that this spring will be eventful, and you will want to be here for it.”

She blinked several times. Eventful? Like a wedding?

“I don’t care for events,” she said, pushing at the crumbs on her plate with her fork.

Papa chuckled as if he knew something she did not. He looked up and winked at Mama. Mama only shook her head, but a small smile touched her lips.

What was that about?

She had eternity to wonder about it.

And in her wondering, she had to resist racing over to Belside to discuss it with Bridget. One look at Richard and she would beg him to give up everything so they could be together.

No, she would have to suffer alone until her parents let her leave for London. She angrily shoved a large bite of toast into her mouth.

“That reminds me,” Mama said. “Bridget left one of her gloves in the entrance hall. Be a good girl and return it to her?”

“What?” Bread crumbs spewed over her gown and plate. She brushed herself off with a napkin. “I am terribly busy today. Ruth could take it.”

“I cannot,” Ruth said, jerking her gaze away from her book. It was a wonder how she could listen and read at the same time. “I have been invited to a musical club with Miss Craig.”

“Miss Craig?” Since when were they friends? She couldn’t even invite herself along for multiple reasons. Drat.

“Tobias?”

He stood, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “I am practicing my fencing. Mr. Graham promised to spar with me soon. I need to practice. ”

Of course he did. That man was entirely too entangled into her life.

“Couldn’t you take it, Mama?” At this rate, she might be forced to run away without their permission. She couldn’t go to Belside. She wouldn’t!

“Nonsense, I am delivering charity baskets with the vicar’s wife today. And don’t ask your father. He hasn’t the time. You, on the other hand, have nothing pressing today.”

Grace batted her hand. “Certainly there is no rush for a mere glove. She has spares.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. She grew a whole two inches this last year, and her mother has not been well enough to see to all the changes in her wardrobe. I will feel personally responsible if she is invited to dinner somewhere and must refuse because of something so easily remedied.”

But who would invite them to dinner? Bridget did not dine out often. She closed her eyes and squeezed them tightly. But if she was invited, she deserved to go out. She of all people needed outings and more opportunities to meet people.

Dear, merciful heavens. She was going to have to go to Belside.