Page 55 of Vying for a Viscount
A footman entered the room and bowed. “Excuse me, my lady. A note has just arrived for you.” He stepped forward and handed over the correspondence. Recognizing Greyson’s seal, she snapped the wax with trembling hands, unfolded it, scanning the words as they were revealed. His father was still alive and improving. She was happy for Greyson and his family, yet still felt unsettled and bored. She left the drawing room for her chambers and had Jane help her change into a lovely cream day dress with a matching pelisse, hat, and gloves. She decided to go to Blackstone Manor for afternoon tea.
Ready for her outing, Letitia made her way down the stairs and into the entry hall, where she found Mr. Henry standing ready to open the door.
“The carriage is ready, your ladyship.”
“Thank you, Mr. Henry, but how did you know?”
“Miss Jane. I told the driver to go to Blackstone Manor.”
“Thank you.”
He opened the door, and she descended the stone stairs and entered the carriage as a footman held the door open. Once inside, he closed the door and knocked on the roof. Her capable driver guided the carriage and horses smoothly and carefully into the street. Blackstone Manor was only a few streets from Rutherford Manor, so it wasn’t long before she was greeted by the Blackstone butler and escorted into the drawing room by a footman.
“The Marchioness of Rutherford,” announced the footman.
“Letitia,” Emmeline said with a smile. “What a pleasant surprise. Please sit with us.”
“Forgive me for coming without sending word.”
“Nonsense. You are always welcome. No note or invitation is necessary.”
Since Lilly sat in a chair, Letitia joined Emmeline on the settee.
“Please forgive me for saying this,” Lilly said. “But you seem out ofsorts. Are you unwell? Has anything happened?”
Emmeline poured her tea and handed her the cup and saucer.
“Thank you. I’m perfectly well. I’ve been worried about Greyson’s father all day since I heard he had taken a turn for the worse last night.”
“Oh, how frightening,” Emmeline said. “Is he any better?”
“Yes, I received a note from Greyson saying he has improved, but I feel it’s only a matter of time. He’s been unwell for quite some time.”
“Yes, we know,” Lilly said. “It must be difficult for Greyson to wake each morning and wonder whether it will be the last day he spends with his father.”
“Indeed,” Letitia said. “I think about that as well.”
A footman entered the drawing room and announced, “Lady Aurora and Lady Anastasia.”
Letitia turned her head to see the twins following the footman into the room. They were both smiling, easing Letitia’s worry. They wouldn’t be smiling if their father’s health had declined further, or worse.
“Anastasia, Aurora,” Emmeline said with a warm smile. “What a lovely surprise. Please sit and join us for tea and biscuits.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Aurora said as both sisters curtsied. Aurora took the chair beside the settee, and Anastasia took the one opposite the settee, next to Lilly.
Emmeline poured them tea, then said, “Congratulations on your engagement to Hunter, Anastasia.”
“Thank you. Warren proposed to Aurora after the Barstow picnic. We’re going to have a double wedding.”
“How wonderful,” Lilly said. “Congratulations to both of you.”
“Thank you,” the twins said together.
“Letitia just told us your father was quite ill last night,” Lilly remarked. “How is he doing today?”
The sisters looked at one another and frowned, making Letita’sstomach tighten. “I don’t know where you heard this, but Father has rallied over the past several days. He’s better than he has been in months,” Aurora replied.
Letitia found it hard to breathe, and the pain in her stomach intensified. Still, she managed to say, “Forgive me. I must have misunderstood Greyson.”
