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enthusiasm that Harriet did not feel. “Of course, Mother said a lavender shade would be best for your complexion. Though, you will have to add to your wardrobe if you go to the duke’s before London. It will never do to wear the same gowns.”
    “I’m sure I have plenty. I do not know how I will wear what has already been ordered,” Harriet insisted.
    Bessie laughed. “You will be fortunate to make it through the first week with the wardrobe you have now. You are to be the future Viscountness of Daneford. You will find yourself quite busy.”
    “Harriet is set,” Clarissa said, placing her teacup down. “You need not worry about her. Lord Daneford will not allow anything less than a total success.” She glanced slightly over to her left at Harriet. “But that is not what concerns you. Is it?”
    “No, it isn’t,” Harriet admitted. “I checked in on Grandmother after the fitting. She’s sleeping comfortably.”
    “Grandmother?” Bessie asked.
    “Grandmother is having a bad time of it today.” Harriet exhaled deeply. “She is getting more confused with each passing day.”
    “You need not worry, Harriet,” Clarissa said. “I will care for Grandmother. I have no plans to go to London this year. There will be no need.”
    Harriet looked over at Clarissa, who betrayed her happiness by the gleam in her eye. A smile emerged on Harriet’s lips. “It is Lionel Rutland. He’s going to ask for your hand.”
    Clarissa conceded. “He has asked Father for an audience.”
    “It is wonderful!” Harriet rose and hugged Clarissa. “I know you have waited for this day. I’m so happy for you.”
    Bessie shook her head in disbelief. “Truly! How is it that I know nothing about this? Why do you keep things from me?”
    “Because you tell everything to Mother, dearest.” Clarissa broke from Harriet and faced her sister. “I dare not hope, but after Harriet’s engagement, Lionel feels more optimistic Father will accept him.”
    Harriet slipped down onto the sofa beside Clarissa. Long had she known Clarissa loved Lionel. After relaying her news, Clarissa seemed to have discovered a newfound confidence. Even joy beamed from Clarissa.
    “Mother will never have it! Clarissa, Lionel Rutland is a solicitor!” Bessie’s face drained of all color. “Oh, this will never do. Mother has such plans.”
    Harriet took a hard look at Bessie. The poor dear. Bessie had tried so hard to please her stepmother. Harriet and Clarissa had been under no illusion that Bessie tattled on their every move to the woman in an effort to gain favor …love from the woman. Why, Harriet suspected it was the reason Bessie carried those silly books around with her.
    Bessie hadn’t a clue what any of those books meant. Greek mythology. William Shakespeare. Harriet was quite certain Bessie hadn’t a notion who Zeus was, much less King Lear…only the books were her stepmother’s from her days as a headmistress.
    Most attempts failed. Harriet’s aunt had little patience for the impetuous girl, but Bessie never ceased trying.
    “Please, Bessie, Mr. Rutland is from a good family. It is not his fault he is the youngest son,” Harriet interjected.
    “He is a solicitor! Mother…”
    “Mother will be relieved she will no longer have to parade me about,” Clarissa said firmly. “The whole of her attention can be placed upon you. Lionel wants a small, quiet ceremony. We will be happily settled before the Season begins.”
    “This will never do,” Bessie practically hissed. “Mother won’t have it. She has been so excited about this Season. Why…”
    “I know what Mother has planned,” Clarissa interrupted her sister. “I have no desire to marry Ewan.”
    “Marry Ewan,” Harriet gasped in bewildered horror. “Aunt Constance wants a match with Ewan? Arthur’s brother?”
    “Come, Harriet. Have you not noticed that Mother has thrown us in with every invitation that comes from Ayercombe Manor?” Bessie prodded Harriet’s memory.