Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,25
five and twenty in a few months,” replied Lily.
“Ah, yes,” said Mama with a nod and turned an innocent look to Mrs. Kingsley. “And we met when you were first married. You were well over thirty at the time if I recall correctly.”
There was the barest hint of emphasis on the word thirty, and Sophie knew Mama well enough to hear the criticism buried in it, as though being so much older was a significant mark against one’s character.
Stiffening, Mrs. Kingsley leveled a falsely warm look on Mama. “Your memory does you credit, Mrs. Banfield. And I do beg your pardon, but I was hoping to steal my daughter away for a hand of cards.”
Lily gave some protest, but Sophie waved it away. Whatever history the two ladies shared, it was better to dispel the situation before it grew worse. Lily sent an apologetic smile in Sophie’s direction as she was led away, and with her work done, Mama sought more diverting entertainment, leaving Sophie once more alone.
*
Forcing her feet to maintain a languid pace, Mina fought the instinct to drag her daughter far from Hardington Hall. Pasting a smile on her face, she donned an affable air and cast a cautious glance at the others, but none paid them any heed except Mrs. and Miss Banfield.
“Is anything amiss, Mama?” asked Lily.
“Not at present,” she replied, giving a grateful smile at the concern in her daughter’s tone. “But I do not wish for you to speak with Mrs. Banfield or her daughter.”
Lily’s brows drew together as the pair halted beside a card table. “You wish me to snub them?”
“Certainly not,” said Mina with a shake of her head. “But you needn’t further an acquaintance with them. We will not be able to avoid them while they are in Bristow, but neither do I wish for you to seek their company.”
Lily’s dark brows drew together. “But I enjoy Sophie. She is interesting, and I feel we can be good friends—”
Every muscle clenched at that declaration, making Mina bark out a quick “no” before she thought better of it. Taking in a calming breath, she forced her body to relax and fixed some semblance of peace on her face.
“The Banfields are not good people, Lily,” said Mina. “Please do not seek Miss Banfield out any further. You needn’t ignore her, but there is no reason for you to speak with her beyond vague pleasantries.”
“But Mama—”
“Lily, please,” said Mina. Taking her daughter’s hand in hers, she squeezed it tight. “I know this may seem strange, but I have good reason for asking it of you. Nothing good will come from you speaking with any of the Banfields.”
Lily’s shoulders drooped, her expression falling, but she gave a nod of her head. “If you think it best.”
Mina could breathe again. Motioning for Lily to take a seat at the table, Mina joined her as Mrs. Thompson took another chair beside her.
Leaning forward, Mrs. Thompson met Mina’s eye and then pointedly glanced at Mrs. Banfield. In a whisper Lily could not parse, she asked, “How are you faring?”
“Well enough,” replied Mina, giving the lady a sad smile. “It will be a long month, but I will manage.”
Mrs. Thompson leaned away, her eyes reading all the disbelief due to that statement, and Mina responded with a faint but earnest smile. With such support and knowing Mrs. Susannah Banfield had no reason to step foot in the Kingsleys’ home again, Mina knew this was a burden she could bear. It was not pleasant, but not as miserable as the last time the Banfields and Kingsleys had mixed.
Only a few weeks and the party would disperse. Oliver would be engaged with the wedding date set. Then the Banfields and Kingsleys would go their separate ways and, hopefully, avoid meeting for another thirty years.
Chapter 9
Hands in his pockets, Oliver strolled through the field. Stopping, he turned his face to the broad azure sky stretching above and sucked in a deep breath of air. The sunlight warmed his cheeks, heating them enough that he wondered if this afternoon’s picnic would be an uncomfortable affair; at present, the temperature was perfect, but the day was still young.
Closing his eyes, he drank in the light and listened to the trill of birdsong and chirp of insects, the rustle of breezes through the grass and leaves. At first blush, one might think this world empty compared to the frenetic movement of London, but the country echoed with the sounds of life.