Page 36 of Vying for a Viscount
“Yes. They are so happy, and I believe Warren is going to propose soon. A double wedding is in the near future.”
“Greyson must be thrilled,” Lilly said. “Two fine gentlemen for his sisters.”
“Yes, he is,” Letitia answered.
“Tell us all about you and Greyson,” Emmeline said. “And don’t leave anything out.”
“I... I don’t know where to begin. He is everything I ever wanted. He makes me laugh and melt.”
“Have you . . .?”
“Lilly, I can’t believe you said that,” Emmeline chastised.
“Well, she’s been married before, and it’s quite acceptable for a widow to take a lover.”
Letitia quickly covered her mouth to hide her shock, then began to laugh. Nervous laughter, since she planned to take Greyson as her lover that very night. When her laughter subsided, she took several deep breaths and said, “No. But I hope to soon. The man says he’s waiting for the perfect time.”
“So romantic,” Lilly said. “He looks at you as if he’s starving and you’re his first meal in months. He also looks like he knows how to kiss.”
Letitia found herself laughing again. “Oh, he can kiss.”
“Who can kiss?” Blackstone asked as he entered the drawing room, making all three ladies blush and look at one another. Letitia wanted to crawl beneath the chair and hide.
“None of your business, husband,” Emmeline said. “What brings you here?”
“Cook said she made biscuits. I’ll grab a handful and leave you ladies to your visit.”
When he left, all three of them giggled. “Oh my God,” Letitia said. “I can’t believe he heard me. I’m sure he knew who I meant.”
“Yes, no doubt he did,” Emmeline agreed. “He’s probably sitting in his study, chuckling.”
“Do you think he’ll say anything to Greyson?” Letitia asked suddenly, in a panic.
“No. He wouldn’t dare repeat anything he overheard in this drawing room,” Emmeline said.
“Phew.” Letitia’s panic eased. She so wanted to tell them about the masquerade at Club Knight, but she knew she couldn’t reveal anything about the secret club, even if she wanted their advice. She would have to rely on her own intuition. Not long after, she took her leave, thankful she had visited and learned about Emmeline’s joyful condition. Too bad her nerves were still strung tight about tonight. She closed her eyes during the carriage ride home and forced her body and mind to relax. She would be with Greyson tonight. There was nothing to be anxious about.
When she returned home, she visited with Simon in the nursery for a spell, then went to her chambers to take a nap. She asked Jane to wake her at eight so she could eat dinner and prepare for the masquerade. She had asked Jane to create a costume and mask for her, and she was excited to see what Jane had made. Knowing Jane, it would be fabulous.
As much as Letitia wanted to nap, her mind wouldn’t let her. As soon as she started to doze off, something else would pop into her mind. She finally gave up, rolled onto her back, and let her mind wander as it wanted. It wasn’t just Greyson weighing heavily on her mind. Every little thing she’d neglected lately came to mind—things such as new clothing for Simon, who was growing so fast, and a new bed.
She took this time to worry about Lilly and Emmeline, and even Clarice. She missed Clarice terribly and couldn’t wait for her to return from her honeymoon. She tried to keep her mind off Greyson and the masquerade, but she failed miserably. By the time Jane came in to wake her up, she sighed with relief. Having dinner and dressing up for the evening would keep her from jumping out of her skin.
Jane brought a tray of beef, carrots, and potatoes for her dinner, and Letitia forced herself to eat. Well, she ate the meat, mashed potatoes, and a roll. For some reason, the carrots were not to her liking tonight, even though the cook prepared them as she preferred.The beef, potatoes, and roll soothed her stomach. The carrots had the opposite effect.
When it came time to dress, Jane went into the dressing room and came out carrying a pile of white cloth. “What am I going to be?” Letitia asked.
“A shepherdess. Your simple, ankle-length dress will be tied at the waist with a gold rope, and it will have a fitted hood that will cover your hair, which you will wear down. And of course, you will carry a staff.”
“I think I need to be dressed to visualize it, but it sounds exciting.” Once she was dressed and looking in the mirror, she sighed with relief. The white shift fell to her ankles, revealing the tops of her brown boots. The sleeves were long and flowing. A gold braided rope encircled her waist, and the ends fell almost to the length of the dress. Her hair hung loose but was tucked into the fitted hood. Her half mask was white and adorned with thin gold braid. Overall, the costume was simple and plain, yet it made Letitia feel beautiful. Sometimes, simplicity was more alluring.
“As always, I knew I could count on you, Jane. It is perfect.”
“Thank you, my lady. Your hair looks like spun gold beneath the hood. The costume suits you well.”
“Thank you again, Jane. What would I do without you? You may retire for the night. Please don’t wake me in the morning. I will call for you when I’m up.”
“Yes, my lady.”
