Page 6 of Unmasked By a Captivating Lady
“I know you and Mama are doing your duty,” she said slowly. “I will make a greater effort, Papa.”
He smiled. “That’s my girl! Run along now, Ara. I still have two more newspapers to peruse.”
She stood up. “Thank you, Papa.”
He waved a dismissive hand, heading back to his desk. Even before she had opened the door to leave, he was engrossed once more, not even turning his head to look at her.
***
Ara sat in the window seat of her room, staring down at the street below morosely. London was always so grey and drab. How she longed for the rolling green hills of Dorset. How she longed to be riding out on Pem, with the wind in her hair, and not a worry in her mind.
There was a soft knock at the door.
“Come in,” she said wearily.
Ruth entered. She stared at Ara, a surprised look on her face.
“Ara,” she rebuked. “Why are you not ready? We are going to the tea rooms, remember?”
Ara’s eyes widened. Somehow, she had forgotten that entirely.
With an effort, she stood up. “I am sorry, Ruth,” she said listlessly. “But my gown is good enough, is it not? And all I need is to get a bonnet and my gloves…”
Ruth’s face softened. “Oh, Ara, it is not that bad! You act as if you are about to go to the gallows, not a tearoom.” She paused. “Itisonly tea, after all.”
Ara nodded. “Yes, yes, I know that you are right.” She sighed. “And all that I need to do is smile and nod, to all the dowagers that Mama confers with…”
Ruth studied her carefully. “You really find it all insufferable, don’t you? It seems to genuinely pain you.”
Ara blinked rapidly. “Yes, it is true, Ruth. I cannot hide my feelings, but I am trying to do my duty regardless.” She paused. “You are the opposite to me, dear cousin. How I wish that I were more like you. Life would be so much simpler if I was.”
Ruth stared at her. “Do not say that, Ara,” she said slowly. “I think that you are wonderful.” She hesitated. “Sometimes, I wish that I were more likeyou. You are so independent and can speak your mind. Whereas I tremble to say anything, thinking that all are judging me.”
Ara smiled faintly. “We are a silly pair, are we not? Each wanting to be the other?” Her smile widened. “How about we stuff our faces with all the cream pies and scones? Just like we did when we were children.”
Ruth giggled a little. “Do you remember the day that we made ourselves sick, when we ate too much? I had to go to my room with a stomach ache.”
Ara laughed. “You have always had a sweet tooth, dear cousin! Let us go and indulge. I am game if you are.”
Ruth giggled again. “Oh, Ara! I am so happy that you sound like your old self again!”
Ara blinked back tears. She loved Ruth dearly. She loved all her family dearly, and it always pained her when they were angry at her.
Shewouldtry harder. It couldn’t be that difficult, could it?
She took a deep breath, holding out her arm towards her cousin. “Let us depart to the tea rooms, cousin, to eat until we are bursting.”
Ruth’s eyes sparkled. She took Ara’s arm. Together they descended the stairs, leaning towards each other. Ara’s heart lifted. It meant so much to her that things were good between her and Ruth again.
In the carriage ride towards the tea rooms, Ara stared out of the window. They were passing Hyde Park. Her heart lifted just seeing the acres of green. Some people were strolling the paths in the park, but others were on horseback, enjoying an afternoon ride.
Her heart seized a little. She missed Pem. If only he were here, perhaps it would make London more tolerable.
She took a deep breath. She would try to walk in the park, at least. Perhaps that might allay her awful homesickness, just a little.
Chapter 4
The very next morning, as Ara was scraping marmalade onto her toast at breakfast, the butler entered with a crisp, white letter on a silver tray.
