Under the Mistletoe with the Viscount (Unlikely Lords #6)

Chapter 9

T wo days later, the sun was streaming in her windows when Bett opened her eyes and stretched her long, lean legs. Today, she would have a visitor to break up the monotony of her life at Crenshaw Manor. Each day that passed, she became more and more aware that this was not her home. It belonged to Peter and Cecily, and she was merely a guest. With Peter’s edict that she couldn’t invite any more guests to the house until after the child was born, she was looking forward to seeing Emma later today more than ever. It had been quite a while since they’d had a chance to spend time together.

Lydia entered her room carrying a tray of tea and toast. “Good morning, my lady. I hope you slept well.”

“I did indeed,” Bett said, pushing back the covers and getting out of bed.

Lydia placed the tray on the table by the fireplace and poured Bett’s tea. “Your bath will be ready shortly.”

“Thank you, Lydia,” she said, pulling on her dressing gown and sitting down by the warmth of the fire that her maid had stirred up. As she sipped her tea, she wondered if she should confide in Emma about her feelings for Mr. Hughes. So far, only her friend Olivia, and now Georgianna, knew of her attachment to him. She desperately wanted to talk about him, but perhaps it would be better if she waited to see how their conversation went first before deciding if she should share her secret.

An hour later, Lydia finished putting the last pins in her chignon. “There you go, my lady. As pretty as ever.”

“Thank you, Lydia. I shall see you later,” she said and swept out of the room. She made her way to the breakfast room to find Peter there.

“Good morning, Bett,” he said, looking up from his newspaper when she walked in.

“Good morning, Peter. How are you faring today?”

“Well, thank you.”

“And Cecily?”

“She had a fitful night.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that,” Bett said as she helped herself to eggs and bacon before joining Peter at the table.

“Miss Bent’s upcoming visit has frayed her nerves. It would be best to cancel tea.”

Bett nearly choked on a mouthful of eggs. “What? You heard Cecily say the other day she was looking forward to seeing Emma today. I think having some company would cheer her spirits.”

Peter slammed his hand down on the table. “You have nothing to say about what’s in my wife’s best interests. I will decide what is best for her, now and in the future. Am I clear?”

Bett stared at her brother-in-law, not quite believing how autocratic he’d become over the past months. Gone was the congenial man who would do anything to comfort her in her grief. Now all Peter cared about was having his will obeyed. It was shocking, to say the least.

“Quite clear. I shall send a note to my friend,” Bett said, pushing back from the table. She no longer had an appetite, and Peter’s heavy-handedness was grating on her. She couldn’t imagine spending day after day listening to Peter’s dictates. A change was clearly needed.

But where could she go? Her parents would always welcome her back, but that wasn’t her first choice. Perhaps another extended visit with Georgiana would be her best option until she went to London in the spring.

She hurried upstairs, feeling tears prick the back of her eyes, and burst into her bedchamber.

Lydia, who was sorting through some of her clothes, turned toward the door. “My lady? Is something amiss?”

Bett didn’t answer her maid but instead marched to the small desk and pulled out a sheet of paper.

Dearest Emma,

There has been a change of plans. Lady Williams isn’t feeling well and cannot host tea today. I shall be happy to join you at Fleming Manor if that is convenient. Please send your reply as soon as possible.

In friendship,

Bett

She sanded and folded the note before turning to Lydia. “Please have Adams deliver this note to the Fleming Manor immediately and wait for the reply.”

Lydia took the note. “Of course, my lady. I shall see to it.”

Once Lydia was gone, tears of frustration rolled down Bett’s cheeks as she paced back and forth. How dare Peter curtail her activities like this? She was a grown woman. It was so unfair, but as she was unmarried and living under his roof, she was under his protection. He had all the power, and she had none. The situation chafed more than ever.

By the time Lydia returned, Bett had dried her tears.

“My lady, Adams has sent a messenger to deliver your note,” Lydia said.

“Thank you, Lydia. I hope to join Miss Bent for tea today. I await her reply.”

“Very good. Is there anything I can get for you?”

“No. I’m fine. I think I’ll take a stroll in the garden. It’s such a lovely day.”

Lydia nodded before disappearing into the dressing room.

There was no sense in stewing in her room. That wouldn’t do her any good, and she needed some fresh air. Bett made her way down the stairs to the foyer.

“Good morning, Lady Williams. Are you in need of assistance?” Adams asked.

Bett shook her head. “I’m going for a stroll in the garden.”

Adams opened the front door. “Enjoy the garden.”

Bett walked outside and inhaled deeply. It was a glorious day, and as she walked toward the garden, her sense of peace returned. Too bad she couldn’t stay in the garden forever. She walked down the path, past the blooming rose bushes, as their sweet aroma scented the air. “It’s so lovely out here,” she murmured.

When she married Stephen, she’d thought Crenshaw Manor would be her home forever and had not only lovingly redecorated the manor but also revamped the gardens to include all of her favorite flowers. Now she no longer had any say about either the house or the garden, if Peter or Cecily decided to redo everything. It made her sad to think that there would be no trace of her left at Crenshaw Manor.

She shook her head to dispel her melancholy. There was no sense in dwelling on things she couldn’t change. It was time to look forward to finding a husband and having a home of her own once again.

If Mr. Hughes was no longer interested in her, she would travel to London in the spring with her mother and sister and enter the marriage mart. It wasn’t something she was looking forward to, but there weren’t any other options available to her. The good thing was that she was of age and didn’t need Peter’s permission to marry.

A few hours later, she walked back to the house where Adams was waiting in the foyer.

“This letter has just arrived for you, Lady Williams,” he said.

Bett took the letter and headed upstairs. As she walked down the hallway to her bedchamber, she said a silent prayer that Emma wouldn’t mind hosting tea today. Once in her bedchamber, she broke the seal and read the letter.

Dearest Bett,

I’m sorry to hear that Lady Williams isn’t feeling well. I would have liked to visit with her.

I would be delighted if you would join me today. Please come for luncheon so that we may spend the afternoon together. I look forward to seeing you soon.

In friendship,

Emma

This was the best outcome Bett could have wished for. She left her room in search of the butler, who she found talking with the housekeeper. “Adams, please have the carriage readied. I’m going to visit Miss Bent at Fleming Manor.”

“Of course, Lady Williams. I shall see to it,” Adams said.

It didn’t take long to find her maid and tell her about the change of plans.

“Would you care to change your dress?” Lydia asked.

Bett shook her head. “No. I quite like this one, and it’s suitable for luncheon.”

Gathering their hats and gloves, the two women went outside to wait for the carriage. It didn’t take long, and they were soon on their way to Fleming Manor.

“I’m so looking forward to seeing my friend,” Bett said to Lydia as the carriage traveled down the road.

“My lady, forgive me, but I thought she was joining you for tea today?”

Bett shook her head. “No. There was a change of plans. Lady Williams is feeling poorly today.” She didn’t want to discuss Peter’s heavy-handedness. It wouldn’t be appropriate for her to disparage her brother-in-law, especially not to a servant. As loyal as Lydia was to her, Bett didn’t want her maid to accidentally let some remark slip while talking with the other staff.

“It’s a lovely day for a carriage ride,” Lydia said.

“Indeed it is.”

When Fleming Manor came into view, Bett let a sigh of relief escape her lips. She could enjoy an afternoon with her friend without worrying about Peter’s disapproval.