Page 79 of A Naughty Proposal for His Winter Countess
Another day had passed without word from Daniel, but while Harriet held on to the hope that she would hear something soon, she didn't let it preoccupy her.
At nearly four in the afternoon, Harriet received a surprising visit from Emma and Aunt Barbara. Her eldest sister looked recovered from her cold, but her distressed expression had Harriet worrying.
“Harriet, wonderful. I wasn't sure you'd be home, but I'm glad you are. I need to speak with you,” Emma prodded her spectacles up her nose. “May we use a sitting room?”
“Emma,” Aunt Barbara tutted. “I'm telling you, you're worried for nothing.”
Looking at the both of them, Harriet felt concerned. “I think we can use Martha's drawing room. Why are you looking perturbed? ?”
“Emma?” Martha's voice cut as she walked into the front room. Her eyes moved from her eldest sister to their Aunt. “Aunt Barbara? Is something wrong?”
“Ben dropped by to tell me to prepare for Harriet's wedding, as nonchalantly as if he was discussing the weather, and then, he was gone,” Emma's voluminous skirts rustled as she took her coat off. “I have my doubts.”
“You are the only one,” Aunt Barbara scoffed while doing away with her muffler. “Martha, where can we sit and let Emma know that there is absolutely nothing to worry about?”
“We'll go to the sitting room, just down this corridor,” Martha replied. “Harriet, you know the way. I'll send for tea and cake.”
Gesturing for her sister and aunt to follow her, Harriet led them to the sitting room and opened the drapes. Aunt Barbara cocked her cane to rest on a wall and sat on the chaise with an audible sigh of relief.
Martha came in and sat as well, while Harriet chose to stand.
“What are you worrying about, Emma?” Harriet asked.
“Why the sudden marriage? I'd thought you would take your time and see the courtship all the way through?”
Harriet cocked a brow. “Ben didn't tell you that he demanded that we marry after walking in on Daniel and I during a conversation? Admittedly, we were away from the ballroom, but that was because our discussion needed privacy. Ben, however, deemed it scandalous.”
Emma blinked and the wide thickness of her spectacles made her look owlish. “Benconvenientlyleft that section out. But are you sure about this marriage, Harriet?”
“I know you're concerned, Emma, and just like a Mother would, you do worry, but nothing would make me happier than to marry Daniel. Yes, he came into my life unexpectedly, but I'm glad he did. I think my life with him would be sublime. Please, don't worry too much.”
Emma cast a glance around, “I'm ashamed to say that I don't know much about this Earl. What if this is all a ruse? Does he have unsavory connections? Does he have a mottled history?”
Sitting, Harriet said, “His past is an unhappy one, Emma,” she then went on to tell her sister a few principal points of Daniel's life. She felt it hard to tell her about his adulteress mother, and the repercussions that sent his father to his grave. Telling Emma about him being jilted at the altar made bile burn her throat, however, when she was done, the clarity on Emma's face validated her discomfort.
Emma looked away, “I am…there aren't any words to express how regretful I am in doubting him. I don't think I'll be able to face him, if he knows of my cynicism. I'll be mortified.”
“You were only looking out for the best for me, Em,” Harriet replied. “Just like you've been doing all along.”
“As I said,” Aunt Barbara added, “she'll be all set with Lord Barkley. We all knew this day would come. Harriet is going to find her place in life, and I know you all want to hold onto her for a while, but if she doesn't go now, when will she go?”
Emma gave a flickering smile, “I'd thought she would stay a few years more, being the original she is. The boys back in the village will be astounded to hear that you're getting married.”
Snorting delicately, Harriet retorted, “They should, because none of them like me.”
“Actually, Dear, they do like you; they're just intimidated by you. Anyhow, I digress. I'm not pleased with how Ben handled the situation, but if it's all for the best and you love him, thenc'est la vie.I won't let my misgivings stand in the way of your happiness.”
“Thank you, Em,” Harriet hugged her sister. “One day you'll be the same, as blissfully in love as I am.”
“That's quite kind of you, Dear, but I think my time has passed,” Emma blushed. “My prospects, if I should be so bold as to call them that, are a vicar or a clerk.”
Aunt Barbara cleared her throat, “Harriet Dear, how are the preparations going?”
“As for the ceremony and reception, Daniel is in control of both as the locations are in London, and he knows what's best,” Harriet reddened. “I know it's a woman's role to direct her wedding, but you must admit, things are different in this situation.”
Aunt Barbara's lips pursed, “I only wish your Father wasn't away.”
The mention of their missing father dampened the light air among the four, but a maid broke through it, while coming in with a tea serving.
