d smiled at the mirror – she looked beautiful. Her ever unruly hair danced on the side of her face

door in ten minutes." She approached the

re she was. "I told earlier that I want no part of this ball. How best should I

the door. "Beth says sh

ted up.

. "Why would she not...?" Her Aunt stepped into the room. "Why wouldn't you want

because you feel Lord D'Averette might ask to court Lucy, and you wa

may be true; still I used the excuse of a ball to get your Father to agree. I see no reason why you wouldn't want to make full use of my ill-thought excuse. You are too quiet around the peerag

she held up a conversation with a stranger on a lonely road. "That bein

her feet. "Everyone wants a husban

nt a husband. That wish had

d. "Don't be silly child. You should refr

eth, who quickly rescued her book from underneath her cousin. "A home for myself to t

be rich or titled, be good to me is all I ask." Gwen added much to Beth's despair. How could she even

e tsked with a slight shake of her head. "I guess I was wrong. Get dressed immediately, it doesn't matter if you want a

like it." She said

birthday." Gwen whi

"Precisely." There was no reason to be

celebrate it for you or with you, Father and Mother are eagerly looking forward to the day you would permit us a ball – o

ball in my honour. Also, our econo

nd that you are not at fault and lay that issue to rest, the happier everyone would be." She frowned. "What business of yours is

see the light of day. Like I said, I have absolute

Marrily's stare grew intense. She crossed he

Gwen and Lucy exploded with laughter. "I mos

er a love that can

, Aunt Marrily, there is no one

again. Beth chuckled but quickly fixed her face. "I see no other reason for your utterances. W

Aunt

wen and Lucy giggled again. Uncle Fitzwilliam did have wild hair too. "Gwen put more colors to your cheeks, and Beth," she looked her over. "Why do you still look like a housekeeper? You had better be dressed for when I call yo

"She is alwa

bed, pulling Lucy along. They rushed back to the m

h her hair, forcing it into the ribbon tie, but it escaped every time she thought she had it secured. Finally getting just enough to stay still,

Marrily, not even Uncle Fitzwilliam. When they were called down