No one understood the torment she had faced in her marriage as Warner did. In fact, only she knew the truth of what Imogen had scrupulously hidden. They had known each other for eight years, and she considered her a dear friend.
“Thank you, Warner,” Imogen said; meaning every word.
She hadn't cried a single tear for Harris since his death. There was nothing for her to be mournfulabout, no sadness in her heart. Despite this, she felt empty and alone at a time when she should have felt liberated. She wished she could figure out why she was feeling this way. It could be the burdenshe was carrying.
Warner inserted the final pin into her hair before smiling at her through the mirror. “What a splendid image you make.”
Imogen returned the smile and stood; picking up her reticule and slipping it over her wrist.
“Oh, I forgot to give you this, Your Grace.” Warner stopped her when she had almost reached the door. Reaching into her pocket, she retrieved a missive and handed it to her.
Imogen immediately recognized the seal. It was from her sister, Emily, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she opened it.
My dear Imogen,
I would usually prate about how delightful spring is in Kent
but I shan’t bore you with that. Rather, I would implore you
to join Michael and me at Lanburn Hall. The lake is beautiful and
serene at this time, and the village is positively entertaining.
I know how you long to breathe the fresh country air, my dearest.
We had the honor of hosting Lord and Lady Herington for
several days, and they had an unforgettable time. I have been
hankering for more company since their departure and was
even tempted to come to London but I daresay the thought of
the sooty air was quite discouraging.
Please, say you will come and stay with us awhile.
I eagerly await your answer.
Your loving sister,
Emily
Imogen smiled as she shook her head. Her sister had done exactly what she had said she would not do at the beginning of the letter: extol Kent's spring virtues. Her brows knitted together in a frown forshe despised disappointing her; Lanburn Hall was a beautiful estatebut she had no desire to visit – notright now.
“Your expression suggests that she requested you visit her,” Warner observed.
She nodded. “Yes.”She couldn’t possibly face her sister for the time being.
Two years ago, Emily met and married the Earl of Evensdale after a very brief courtship. It was a love match and Imogen was happy for her. The problem was that her sister, like everyone else, believed her marriage to Harris was a love match, too.
Her family would still have been in dire straits and her sister would never have become a countess, had Imogen not married Harris. Her father had fallenill six years ago, rendering him unable to run his businesses properly. This had compelled her to marry well, and when Harris entered her life, he embodied the most charming suitor. She would never have agreed to marry him if she had known what was in store for her. But a knock at the door drew her out of her memories' cage and as Warner went to answer it, she sighed and straightened her shoulders.
“We will be late for the soirée,” said her mother – Barbara Thorne, Viscountess Thornewood. “Is she ready?”
“Yes, my lady, she is,” Warner replied with a curtsy.
Imogen folded the letter and placed it on a side table before going to meet her mother and devising an excuse as to whyshe had taken longer than usual to dress. “I had trouble deciding what jewelry would best complement my dress.”