Page 63 of Sensibly Wed

“More trouble?” Lady Edith bent to put away her embroidery. “Good heavens.”

James gave my hand a squeeze and released it. “Is this not something Felicity should be included in?”

Lady Edith paused and looked up at me, and I could immediately discern the distrust in her gaze. Had it always been there? Had I just been blind before she revealed herself to me?

“I do not think it necessary—”

“Nonsense,” James said clearly, his voice ringing through the room with authority. “You are the mistress of Chelton, my dear. It is completely necessary for you to be involved in the trouble that occurs below stairs.”

Irritation flashed in my mother-in-law’s eyes. I did not know how, but James had likely made the situation worse for me.

I gave Mrs. Prescott—whose worried gaze flicked between me and Lady Edith—a kind smile and a nod. “Can we all attend to it together?”

“Of course, ma’am.”

Lady Edith led the way from the room, and I followed her, Mrs. Prescott bringing up the rear. Icy coldness lifted from Lady Edith in waves, and I knew at once I was no closer to proving myself now than I had been before the previous four days of incessant callers. My attempts to appear refined and graceful and kind had fallen flat, and after the strain and toll the effort had taken on me, I was certain I couldn’t keep it up forever.

Hope dwindled on its narrow, cheap grasp, and I watched it flutter away into the wind and far from reach like the finches outside, flying away until it disappeared completely.