Chapter 11
“She hired the musicians?” Sarah asked, glancing over to the quarter that was playing under the archway in the gardens. There were little tables set up throughout the paths and guests could sit near the lavender or the roses or the gardenias, enjoying the floral scent while they drank tea and ate little pastries that Lady Rachel had insisted upon for the event.
“Of course she hired musicians. It would not be the grandest picnic in London had she not done so,” Mary replied.
“But this is hardly a picnic. Those are tables, not blankets. And there are maids bringing out pastries and tea. Should a picnic not involve bread and cheese on the ground?” Sarah laughed.
Mary agreed, but she knew that her stepmother wanted everything to be as presentable as possible and that meant that nothing could be on the ground. She just wanted it all to look lovely.
But Mary was relieved that Lady Rachel was so distracted by the many things she had arranged that she was not paying as close attention as Mary had feared. Indeed, while she was rushing about, urging a group of young gentlemen into conversation with Charlotte, Mary and Sarah looked at one another with an understanding.
“The moment we are able, we shall find a blanket and go sit over there,” Mary said, nodding to a space on the other side of the garden gate.
“I think that is perfect. We may still smell the hyacinths, but not have to be under the eye of your stepmother,” Sarah agreed.
Mary noticed that Lady Rachel quickly forgot her other tasks once Charlotte was being engaged by the men. She simply wanted to stay nearby and help with conversation if she was able and that was more than a blessing for Mary.
“It appears as though she is distracted. Now would be an excellent time if we wish to sit for a while. Miss Juliet, one of the maids, will bring us whatever we wish,” Mary said.
Sarah nodded eagerly and they rushed outside the garden gate. They sat in the grass until Miss Juliet happened by on her way to get something from inside the house.
“Will you please get us a plate of pastries and some tea?” Mary asked her.
Miss Juliet nodded and laughed before departing. She came back a short time later with what they had requested, and Mary and Sarah were able to enjoy themselves.
“So, she is going to be watching you more closely? I can see why you wished to come out here where you are behind the shrub,” Sarah remarked about Lady Rachel’s insistence.
“Yes, I know. I simply want to get away from here sometimes. But, more than anything, I just wish to be respected and valued,” Mary confessed, wishing that she was not so sensitive.
“Your time will come, Mary. I am sure of it. You simply need to be patient,” Sarah replied.
They drank their tea until, seemingly out of nowhere, Mary saw Lord Hanbrooke striding towards them. She had not even seen him arrive and was shocked by him now.
“Lady Mary, Miss Lambton. I am surprised to see the both of you out here as opposed to sitting amongst the beautiful flowers,” he said.
“Oh, indeed. We wanted to have a bit more space,” Mary said awkwardly.
“I understand. I am surprised there are so many people here. I know that Lady Rachel wished for only the best of London society, but it would seem that there are a great many of those,” he said with a laugh. Soon enough, Harry came behind him and the two men stood uncomfortably, clearly waiting for an invitation to sit.
Mary wasn’t sure what to do. She longed for them to sit with her and Sarah, but she also had no desire to get into trouble with her stepmother. At last, however, Mary did not have to say a word.
“Would you mind if we sat for a moment?” Harry asked. “I think we are surprised by the number of people, and I know that Crispin is not overly fond of crowds. Do you mind?”
“Oh, please,” Mary said, gesturing for them to take a seat. “And as you are guests here, you may even have the space to yourselves. Sarah and I may give you time here if you prefer it.”
“Nonsense. We would be delighted to spend time with the both of you,” Lord Hanbrooke said, clearly not wanting her to leave.
Lord Hanbrooke sat very close beside Mary on the blanket, and she was surprised that he was comfortable with such a small distance between them. Miss Juliet brought tea for the men, and they all dove into conversation at once.
“Have you read more of the book?” he asked Mary eagerly.
“Oh, yes. I am on chapter eighteen. And you?”
“I am on chapter fifteen. But I am enjoying it very much and I think I can understand why it is spoken of so highly. It is an excellent work. I find myself constantly drawn in, particularly by the nature of Tabitha. I have not yet decided whether she is victim or villain,” Lord Hanbrooke said.
Mary giggled to herself with delight. “Oh, you shall find out within a matter of pages.”
“No! That means she is a villain,” he laughed.