A Lady's Scandal

XIII: Secrets and Promises

1810

NOBLEBRANCH ESTATE, PEMBROKE, DERBYSHIRE

The carriage pulled up to the Glanchester estate, its wheels crunching over the gravel driveway. Ophelia stepped out, her heart fluttering with excitement as she smoothed down the skirts of her lavender dress. Mr. Crawley, the butler, greeted her warmly and escorted her through the imposing double doors into the foyer.

"Young master Paul is with his father," Mr. Crawley informed her with a courteous nod. "However, you may wait for him in the drawing room, my lady."

Ophelia nodded eagerly and followed Mr. Crawley down the hallway lined with portraits of stern-faced ancestors. The drawing room door swung open smoothly, sunlight streamed through tall windows adorned with rich velvet curtains, casting warm pools of light on the Persian rug that sprawled across the polished oak floor.

Settling herself on a plush settee, Ophelia glanced out of the nearest window. Paul's younger brothers—Edward, Henry, and William—were engaged in a playful game of tag in the sprawling gardens. Their laughter floated through the open window.

Lost in watching their antics, Ophelia was startled by the soft sound of footsteps approaching. Expecting to see Lady Glanchester, she looked up in surprise to see a lady with chestnut hair entering the room. For a moment, she wondered if Lady Glanchester's hair had magically changed color.

The lady caught her gaze and smiled warmly. "Good afternoon, young miss. Are you waiting for Paul?"

Ophelia nodded eagerly, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, I am a friend."

The lady's smile widened. "How delightful." She gracefully took a seat opposite Ophelia.

Ophelia leaned forward, eager to share her unrestrained excitement. "Paul told me he wants to show me the woods near town. He says nobody has explored there before, and he wants us to be the first. But I have yet told him I have been there on my own a few times before. I do not want to hurt his feelings. But this is our secret now."

The lady chuckled softly, charmed by Ophelia's innocence. "What a wonderful adventure awaits him. Paul is fortunate to have such a considerate friend."

Ophelia blushed, suddenly remembering her mother's stern lessons on proper manners. "I apologize if I have not shown proper manners. My mother says—"

The lady waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, no need for formalities, my dear. We are not at a ball, after all."

Relieved, Ophelia returned the lady's smile. "I am Ophelia Autumnfield, but you can call me 'Fifi'."

"What a delightful name, Fifi. My name is Beatrice Alexandra Whitbell."

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"Auntie!" Emily exclaimed, rushing to her and enveloping her in a hug. The others followed suit, their earlier conversation momentarily forgotten as they greeted their father's spirited sister.

"What is this about going somewhere far away?" their aunt asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Catherine hesitated. "Oh, it is nothing, aunt Beatrice. Just a little adventure we were discussing."

Lady Bridgetree raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but willing to let the matter drop for now. "Well, whatever it is, I hope it is not something inappropriate. Now, who will help me with my bags? I have brought some delightful surprises for all of you."

As the siblings eagerly assisted their aunt, the room filled with chatter and laughter, Catherine's daring plan temporarily set aside but lingering in the back of her mind.