Page 88 of The Quiet Wife
Frederick paid attention to the gentlemen who had arrived with their wives from Bibby, and it pleased her to see Rosa Caldicott join them, along with her husband. She went to speak to her.
“I’m so pleased you could come,” she smiled.
Rosa hugged her lightly. “I’m delighted to be here.” She scanned the room. “Are those your lovely girls?”
Frances nodded, a lump in her throat. “They are indeed.”
“They are an absolute credit to you. You must be so proud.”
“I am. I can scarcely believe they are old enough to be coming out soon. I’m not sure what I’ll do when they fly the nest.”
“I doubt they will go far. They love you too much.”
Frances laughed. It was a kind thing to say, but it would all depend on who they married as to where they ended up. She prayed they would stay close, but if Frederick had his way they would be marrying into aristocracy and could end up anywhere.
“I hope so. Tell me, how have you been? You were looking for a housekeeper last time we spoke.”
She tucked Rosa’s arm in hers and they wandered through the rooms chatting as they went. Frances felt her confidence lift as people smiled and nodded at them as they passed, some pausing to chat. The coolness towards her and Frederick of some previous social events seemed to have lessened, and that was a huge relief that perhaps his business dealings were now not a source of gossip.
Eventually, Rosa excused herself as her husband seemed to be trying to attract her attention. She was preparing to sally forth again when the doors opened to admit Jemie and Anna along with Mr Rossetti and Mr Prinsep. Mr Rossetti made a fuss of the girls, and Mr Prinsep seemed to pay particular attention to Florence, much to her delight. Jemie clapped Freddie on the back, telling him how glad he was to see him again, making her son grin widely.
“Oh, to be in the first flush of youth again,” Aunt Agatha mused as she came to stand beside her.
Frances chuckled softly. “Indeed.”
“They are beautiful girls. They will break hearts. Frederick’s mother would have been so proud.” She gave her a soft smile. “So would yours, I imagine.”
Frances sighed. “She would indeed. I so wish she could see them.”
They stood in quiet introspection for a moment or two until Freddie ambled over and Aunt Agatha demanded that he tell her all about his schooling. He obliged, taking her by the arm to a comfortable seat, and Frances drifted over to where Jemie stood in a way that she hoped wouldn’t be noticed, just rather a hostess circulating among her guests.
“Good evening,” she murmured when she stood beside him. He appeared terribly handsome tonight. His hair gleamed almost as much as those blue eyes. Since the revelation about his son,she had felt closer to him than ever and it warmed her heart to stand beside him. The evening felt somehow complete and perfect.
“Good evening.” He bowed over her hand. “Don’t they look a picture?” he nodded to Fannie and Florence, who were now holding court and relishing the attention.
“They do.”
“They must be terribly excited, but I wager Elinor’s nose is well and truly out of joint.”
“She is beside herself,” Frances confided.
“Would you mind if I nipped up to see her?”
“If you are careful about it, don’t let Frederick see and perhaps take your mama?”
He nodded. “I’ll do that in a little while.”
“That’s awfully kind of you.”
“Not kind at all. The little wretch has quite stolen my heart.”
Frances laughed because Elinor certainly had that effect on people.
“I’ve already done two drawings of her. Now she’s demanding a portrait, and what can I say? I have no defences.” He held his hands up playfully.
Frances laughed harder as Lizzie joined them, and they talked until the bell for dinner sounded.
Frances took a deep breath because this would be the real test. She had no qualms about how the girls would comport themselves; rather it was Frederick she was worried about.
