Emily gave a tinkling laugh at that. “I can’t deny that I’m quite smitten and glad to move on to the next part of my life.”
“Me too,” Mirabelle answered. Though she didn’t mean the same phase as Emily. Far from it.
“Which phase is that?” Anna asked, clearly listening in from her spot on the settee. “Are you also thinking of marriage or do you still want to participate in society?”
“Society,” she answered without thought.
Emily nodded. “I know you feel like you’ve missed out, but—”
“Missed out?” she asked, curious what her friend meant.
Emily started. “Isn’t that why you always asked me all those questions about society events, because you wished to participate in them?”
“I do wish to join in, but not because I’m missing out. It’s more…” She’d never shared this part of herself. Not even with Emily. The person she’d come closest to telling her secrets was Ken, and that was only because he’d been drunk. And there was something about him that she trusted. “Ace is a marquess now. He’ll need me to add legitimacy to his claim.”
Emily’s brow puckered as her mouth turned down. “His claim is secure. And his marriage to me has only made it more so.” She turned to fully face Mirabelle. “You should do what will make you happy, Mira. Honestly.”
Mirabelle frowned but said little as she and Emily made their way over the settee to sit with Anna.
Proving that she was worthy of theton’sadoration also meant that Anna would have an easier time. But then again…
She looked over at Emily, who practically glowed with her joy. Would marriage suit Mirabelle as much as it did Emily?
And what of her plan to redeem herself and further her family’s interests? And even if she were to abandon that, would Ken want her for a bride?
She suspected that until she’d proven herself accomplished, he wouldnotwant her, and even if he did…
She didn’t feel herself worthy of his affection. Not yet. She knew without asking herself that he was the man she wanted above all others. But despite his assertions that he liked her far more than he did those proper ladies, would he ever marry a woman that he knew to be a bastard?
She shook her head. He could have any woman he wished.
Fair and lovely like Anna. A proper lady who knew every rule and could effortlessly move through any social situation.
Why would Ken ever choose her?
Why would any of the lords, really? She shook her head. If she could just pretend long enough…
“Don’t you think?” Anna said, holding her sister’s gaze.
“I beg your pardon?” She smoothed her skirts, aware that she’d not been paying a lick of attention.
“I was telling Emily that the rest of our brothers have been doing quite well without Ace.”
“Oh. Yes.”
Emily nodded. “That’s good. Ace will have actual obligations to the title and lands that he holds. I’m sure your other brothers will be able to take over where he can no longer manage family and club affairs.”
“I’m sure they can,” Mirabelle murmured. “He’ll also have Anna and myself to escort, along with you, of course. But it will take up your time, to be certain.”
Emily nodded. “Of course we will. But I have to warn you. Society isn’t all fun. You know how hard I struggled to find my place.”
Anna peered at her new sister-in-law. “You did?”
Emily nodded. “I’m too quiet, I think. And the women who succeed are as ruthless as they are sparkling. I just didn’t…”
Anna looked at Mirabelle with a worried expression, her brows drawn tight together. “If Emily wasn’t a success, how will we manage?”
Mirabelle reached for her sister’s hand. She’d see Anna through and that was a promise.