more than an hour away as Millicent entered the front door, her steps slower and heavier than usual. Hamlet announced her with his warning bark, but it didn’t seem to be as loud or frantic as usual. She turned out the lamp that was always left on for her and leaned against the back of the door as was her custom. Most nights she was too weary to go immediately to her aunt’s room. She usually took a minute or two to unwind before starting the column.
She wanted the privacy of her own bedchamber so she could have some time to think about Lord Dunraven and all the unwanted feelings and emotions he had stirred inside her before going in to see her aunt. But, she couldn’t do that. There was little enough time each morning as it was to write the article and get it out to the newspaper on time.
Millicent pushed away from the door and climbed the stairs, stopping short of her aunt’s door. She knocked and upon hearing the response, she entered her aunt’s room. Aunt Beatrice was sitting up in her bed, looking much better than she had the day before. Once the healing had started taking place in her face it was rapidly returning her features to their normal size and shape.
Weary though she was, Millicent smiled and said, “Good morning, Aunt Beatrice.” She stopped at the foot of the bed, knowing Hamlet would not allow her to go further. “Is that a new bed jacket you’re wearing? It’s lovely and you are looking better each day.”
Her aunt smiled. “Thank you, dearie. I’m happy to say that I’m finally beginning to feel better. I was starting to think that day would never come. Tell me about the parties tonight. Was everyone at Almack’s? You must have been having a delightful time to be out so long. I do wish I could have been there. I miss seeing everyone.”
“My first evening at Almack’s was splendid. Thank you for arranging that, Aunt Beatrice. And from what I could tell everyone was there. The place was overflowing with people.”
“It’s always that way, dear, even on the stormiest nights. It’s wonderful to hear you had a splendid evening. It seems like I’ve been waiting hours for your return. I’m simply faint with wanting to get out of this bed and back to the parties to chat with my friends and listen to what everyone has to say.”
“I’m sure it won’t be long now. I don’t know how the viscount and his lady stay out so late night after night. It’s no wonder his lordship sleeps on the drive home.” Millicent purposely looked down at the dog. “Good morning, Hamlet. How are you today?” Hamlet barked once. Millicent lifted an eyebrow. Maybe she was winning him over.
“They sleep until it is time to get up and get dressed for the next party. That’s how they do it. It’s not too bad a life. Remember, this hectic schedule only lasts for the Season. They should attend more luncheons and take more rides in the park, but they do what they can, I suppose.”
“I wasn’t complaining about them. They are very attentive to me.”
“Good. Now, before we begin, I have something for you to read,” her aunt said. “A letter for you.”
She saw the sheet of vellum in her aunt’s hand. “For me?” Millicent’s spirits lifted. “Is it from my mother?”
Millicent reached for the letter. She truly felt terrible that she had neglected writing to her mother while she’d been in London, but there had been so little time. She was quite happy with the lace she had picked out for her mother after Lord Dunraven had left her in the shop, and she would see that it was sent to her tomorrow.
“No, but this might make you almost as happy as hearing from your mother. Read it out loud.”
Millicent took the sheet and moved closer to the brightly lit bedside lamp. Why would anyone other than her mother write to her?
“Dear Lord Truefitt,” she read aloud. She stopped and looked up. “This is not for me.”
“But of course it is. My dear Millicent, you are now Lord Truefitt.”
Hearing those words spoken stunned Millicent. She was Lord Truefitt?
Yes, until her aunt returned to the parties. Millicent must talk to her aunt about Lord Dunraven. There was no putting it off any longer.
“Go ahead,” her aunt insisted. “Read it.”
Dear Lord Truefitt:
It has come to my attention that we have had numerous comments