Coupled Betrayal

Chapter 4

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July 26, 1879

Today is a beautiful day for relationships to grow and with them marriages.

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A few days later, Emily came into my room with a letter.

"When did it get here?" I asked.

"This morning, my lady, perhaps forty minutes ago, but I didn't want to wake you."

"You know me so well. Can you help me get ready?"

Emily agreed and she prepared me for tea with my mother and other guests. After she finished with my hair and dress, I dismissed her.

I tore the letter open once I saw the Westminster wax seal.

"Dear Lady Angelica,

I recall wanting to take you on a walk, and I wondered if you'd still like to do so. I know this is quite short notice, but I hope you might still attend. My family wants to go to Hyde Park in four days time with a few friends and it'd be an honor for you to come along. Please bring Lady Burks if that would aid in an affirmative answer. Have a good day, my lady.

-Kindest regards, the Marquis of Westminster"

It was short, but I decided instantly. I began to draft a reply without asking permission and slipped my reply inside an envelope. I agreed and wrote that Charlie would accompany me. Sure, I hadn't spoken with her yet, but I knew she would agree.

I hid both the letter and reply under my mattress as far as my arm would reach which wasn't very far. I let the mattress fall back down, and I worried its noise would attract unwanted attention.

Lady Sidmouth arrived, and I was forced to walk down to the glasshouse to meet her and my mother. The failed engagement between James and I was thankfully a small hiccup between both mothers and they quickly returned to being bosom buddies. Lady Sidmouth had long accepted Lena as part of the family and now that James was happily married along with her other children, I was her next project.

"Angelica, perfect time for you to come," My mother exclaimed and I looked at her with confusion and sat down in front of the two ladies.

My mother continued, "Lady Josephine was telling me that you danced with the Duke of Westminster's son at the ball last week."

"I did."

"He's very handsome," Lady Sidmouth commented, "Of course, not as much as my James, but many young girls fawn over him.

"He's a very cordial fellow, I hear. What did you think of him, Angelica?" my mother asked, a small grin on her face.

"The Marquis of Westminster is polite and interesting." The words raced out of my mouth, and I could feel my skin warming up.

"Isn't she adorable, Margaret? She's blushing like a schoolgirl," Lady Sidmouth cooed as my mother agreed.

"Have you and the Marquis shared correspondence?" My mother took a sip of tea.

"Yes," I squeaked, "I received a letter recently."

"And you never thought to tell me, young lady, the ball was five days ago!"

"I got it an hour ago," I countered, so my mother let it pass.

Before they could continue interrogating me, Charles came outside to announce Lady Burks and Lady Charlotte; mother and daughter.