Page 80 of A Naughty Proposal for His Winter Countess
“So now that your fears are dispelled, how do you feel now?” Harriet asked Emma.
“Relieved,” she replied. “My only concern is what to wear.”
“Don't worry,” Harriet teased lightly. “All your gowns are the same, starchy and with enough material to cover us all. It's classic and emblematic of you.”
Emma's eyes narrowed, “I'm now delighted Lord Barkley is taking you off our hands. Now, he has to put up with you; you're a pain in my backside.”
Laughing, Harriet reached for her teacup. “Why, thank you. I try.”
After a sip of her tea, Aunt Barbara asked, “Have you given any thought to my suggestion to travel, Dear? I'm assured you won't regret it.”
Harriet brightened, “I have, and I think it's a wonderful idea. I just need to suggest it to Daniel. I know he cannot leave at the drop of a hat. He has charity schools, and other dependents under his care.”
A maid knocked quietly, “Pardon me, a message has come for Miss Bradford,” she said, coming in to hand over the letter then left with a curtsy.
After giving her thanks, Harriet saw Daniel's seal and quickly popped it. It wasn't a letter, but the words had her smiling wildly.
“It's been granted!” she exclaimed. “The marriage license has come through!”
Martha's hand flew to her heart, “That's wonderful! When are we off to London?”
“In four days,” Harriet replied, “Almack’s has a few bookings for the next three, so on January twelfth, I'll be married!”
Emma hugged her tightly. “I'm overjoyed for you.”
“I believe this celebration needs more than tea,” Martha declared as she stood. “I'll get some wine.”
As she hurried off, Harriet read over the words. At the bottom was a line Harriet hadn't read. Instead, she kept it dear to her heart.
I yearn for the moment I'll call you My Wife, My Only Love.
When Martha came back bearing glasses, she wasn't alone; Antony was there as well carrying bottles of wine. Harriet forced herself not to tense at seeing him, and managed to keep her expression steady. The Baron looked pleased, as he placed the bottles on the coffee tables.
“Harriet, I hear all is set for you now,” the Baron said while opening the first bottle. “You have my best wishes.”
“Thank you,” Harriet said, closing the letter and taking the glass of wine. “I'm left with four days as an unattached woman. Days, I pray, will pass quickly.”
“Never thought I'd see the day,” Antony said, as he turned to Martha to kiss her hand. “I'll be in my study if you need me.”
Without being obvious, Harriet watched him, trying to detect by his motions, any anger toward her sister. He looked carefree and just as Harriet was willing to believe that maybe he was changing, he walked away with his lips pressed tight in discontent.
Why the sudden change?
With Antony gone, Harriet felt a bit calmer, but his expression continued to perplex her. However, a glance at the letter had her thinking of nothing else but Daniel. He loved her, and she regretted not telling him so that evening in the park.
The moment had been right and I just let it pass by. I’ll remedy that in my letter tomorrow.
“Harriet?” Martha's voice cut through Harriet's thoughts and she lifted her eye from the letter.
“Hm?”
“I think a trip to London is in order. We'll get the dress first,” her sister said merrily, “find you some shoes, perhaps some jewelry, and lovely hair ornaments. We'll have to see the reception rooms, if they're good enough, tell them the decorations we want. Oh, and we have started packing your belongings. I have some trunks I haven't used, so—”
I won't have to write a letter then, I can just tell it to him in person.
Dipping her gaze back to the letter, Harriet let her sister ramble on while she finished her wine. “If you will excuse me, I'll retire early,” Harriet quietly interrupted her family's conversation; she then stood and embraced all three, “Good evening.”
It was an abrupt departure, but her sisters and Aunt understood why. She was on the verge of a pivotal change in her life, and it was only fair that she had some time to herself. She opened her door but her foot slipped on a piece of paper. Nearly falling backwards, Harriet managed to right herself and sucked in a stabilizing breath.
