room. “Already in your chocolates I see, my love,” he asked his wife with a teasing tone.
Aunt Harriet popped one in her mouth and smiled as her cheeks puffed out.
“When I go broke, dear child, let it be known it was because of my wife’s addiction to chocolate and gossip papers. Both of which cost more than they are worth. Now, do tell me what it was you said to Ashington last night. It appears to have made the rounds rather swiftly.”
I felt my face heat up. How had my uncle already heard of this, if not from my aunt? Surely it wasn’t important enough for talk. It was simply a dance. Nothing more. I cleared my throat to stall when Aunt Harriet managed to finish the chocolate she had stuffed into her mouth.
“You could have asked me. I was there you know. Don’t embarrass her,” Aunt Harriet scolded him.
He looked taken aback. “I wasn’t trying to embarrass the child. I was impressed. Her first ball and she was already making the news circuit.”
Aunt Harriet rolled her eyes. “Good Lord, Alfred. Of all things.”
“Tis true! She turned down Ashington flat, they say. While all the other ladies were hot on his coattails, I assume. Not my niece,” he sounded proud as he said it and I was relieved.
“She was quite the bell of the ball. The gentlemen were all enamored but then she’s a beauty like no other,” Aunt Harriet bragged then ate another chocolate. This one she took a nibble from rather than place the entire piece in her mouth.
I did not agree that I was the bell of the ball. It was clear Lydia Ramsbury held that title and rightfully so. She was a true English beauty. I was doing my best not to appear an imposter.
“Tell me then exactly what you said to Ashington,” Uncle Alfred demanded then slapped his knee as he sat down across from me. He appeared ready to hear of a great tale.
“It was nothing really. I believe the gossips have turned it into something more than it truly was,” I said, wishing I didn’t have to rehash this.
Uncle Alfred chuckled. “No doubt. They always do, dear girl, but I want to know the real story.”
It was becoming clear that I wasn’t getting out of this.
“Ashington came up to me claiming he was next on my dance card, when he wasn’t on it at all. The gentleman who was next spoke up and I sided with him.”
Uncle Alfred was grinning broadly. His jovial face was always so friendly. Nothing like my mother’s. It was hard to believe the two were siblings. “Arrogant ass. You set him straight.”
“Right? It was arrogant, wasn’t it? “I liked the confirmation from my uncle.
“Absolutely! Teach him to assume his title can get him anything he desires,” Uncle Alfred stood then and patted my shoulder. “Well done, girl, well done,” he replied.
I felt an odd sense of pride and acceptance. It was new and I wasn’t sure how to describe it. My mother nor my father had ever said words even remotely close to those to me. I felt tears sting my eyes and I fought them back. I would not get emotional over this. That was weak and silly. I was neither.
“A Mr. Fletcher is here to call on Miss Bathurst,” the butler announced from the doorway.
My first thought was, Aunt Harriet is still in her bare feet. My second thought was, at least the first gentleman to visit was a pleasant one. Even if I had no interest in him as far as a husband went. He was still kind, had a genuine smile, and didn’t require much conversation.
“That would be my cue to leave. Enjoy your morning, ladies,” Uncle Alfred said as he went to leave. “Fletcher,” he greeted as he passed him.
“Sir,” Fletcher replied nervously.
I wasn’t sure this situation could become anymore awkward unless, of course, Aunt Harriet decided to shove another entire piece of chocolate in her mouth. I glanced quickly at her, wondering if that was, in fact, her next move.
Aunt Harriet quickly put her slippers on and I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or disappointed. It would make for an interesting story if she’d kept them bare. The letter in my hand, I quickly folded, and handed back to my aunt just as Mr. Fletcher entered the drawing room. She didn’t reach for another chocolate but then this visit was not yet over.
“Good day,” he said as he smiled much too