Page 13

Chapter Thirteen

“ C ome in, Lizzie,” Marianne called out, her voice light.

There was a surprised gasp from the other side of the door before Elizabeth entered, wide-eyed.

“H-How did you know I was here?” Elizabeth asked, looking rather puzzled.

“Really, Elizabeth?” Marianne teased, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “I heard you tiptoeing like a cat on the prowl—and the muttering. It was hardly subtle.”

Elizabeth blinked, then let out a dramatic sigh. “Ah, so no hope of becoming a detective for me, then?”

Marianne raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. “Not unless they’re in need of someone to investigate where all the biscuits have gone.”

Elizabeth chuckled, her shoulders relaxing as she crossed the room. “It’s a tragic loss for England, truly.”

“Indeed,” Marianne agreed, her gaze softening as she patted the seat beside her. “But the world is better off with your wit, as always.”

Elizabeth paused, studying her sister. “You don’t look ill,” she remarked, glancing at the untouched food before her.

Marianne tilted her head, a half-smile on her lips. “No, dear. I’m only ill from lack of conversation with my most amusing sister.”

Elizabeth cracked a smile. “Then I suppose I’ll have to keep you well, won’t I?”

Marianne chuckled softly, the air between them light and comforting. “I believe you’ll manage it admirably.”

“Father told everyone you were indisposed.”

Marianne looked out the window thoughtfully, her smile completely fading as she recalled last night’s encounter by the pond and her father’s early morning visit.

“Father forbade me from joining everyone else for breakfast. He thought it was for the best. He said that a lady should not make a scene and that Serafina would more likely follow me again. I can only join you at tonight’s ball. Before that, I must stay inside.”

“That’s not fair!” Elizabeth wailed. “It’s not your fault. You did not do anything wrong, Marianne, except keep on defending and protecting us.”

“It doesn’t matter, Lizzie,” Marianne said gently. “Perception is important in the ton. Besides, I do feel indisposed. That part is not a lie.”

“It is still not fair,” Elizabeth insisted, sitting next to her.

“Life rarely is,” Marianne said softly, pressing her temple against the glass pane. “Most of the ladies are dreadful, anyway. So, I am not missing much.”

She wondered if the Duke would be there. Would he look for her? Or would he flirt with another young lady? Another one who could be prey.

“Not all the ladies are dreadful. Lady Darfield had been kind to me last night, and she seemed charming,” Elizabeth revealed. “When things became awkward last night, she asked me to give her a tour of the drawing room paintings to save me from Father.”

“I’m glad you found someone like her.” Marianne remembered that Lady Darfield was the wife of Lord Darfield, who was the Duke’s friend.

“Her husband is the same. They truly love each other.”

“Everything you are saying about the Countess is truly special and rare. I hope you can keep her as your friend.”

“I hope so, too.”

There was silence. This one was not awkward at all. It was one between two sisters, each willing to protect the other until the end.

“You know what?” Marianne blurted, straightening up. “The weather seems clear. The sky is blue, and the stables should be mostly empty by now because of the gentlemen’s ride.”

“So?” Elizabeth asked, confused.

“So, I’m going for a ride,” Marianne declared, grinning.

“B-But Father said that you?—”

“I am aware of what he said,” Marianne replied, her tone steady. “He ordered me to avoid the other ladies, but he never mentioned that I could not explore the forests or ride across the hills. I need to feel some sense of freedom, or else I fear I will truly lose my sanity.”

She rose and went straight to her wardrobe to pull out her riding habit.

“Someone might notice, Marianne. You sound like Victoria now!” Elizabeth warned, chewing on her bottom lip.

“I will be careful. You know I always am. Yesterday, Father did not catch Victoria and me,” Marianne reminded her while quickly getting dressed.

“What if you get caught?”

“I simply won’t. And If I do, I’d at least be doing what I love, instead of hiding away here like a fugitive. Keep an eye on the girls for me, Lizzie. Please?”

“Of course. Anything for you, Sister,” Elizabeth said.

“If anyone asks about me, tell them I had a fainting spell or two from the scandal with Serafina,” Marianne said with a big grin.

Elizabeth giggled, and her sister winked at her conspiratorially.

Marianne called for Helena to help her style her hair.

“I won’t be long,” she promised.

She wondered then, with a lump in her throat, if she was going to keep her promise.