Page 47 of Lady Fiona's Tall, Dark Folly
Chapter 11
Two hours later, Fifi took the main stairs down for the short walk to the village church of St. Andrew's in the Fields. She paused at the sight of Millicent Weaver below in the foyer. Her friend glanced up and smiled at her with apprehension. Fifi could guess what made her anxious.
"Good morning, Fifi. I wanted to talk to you about a conversation I had..." She paused when Diana came forward and greeted them.
"May I walk with you to the church?" Diana asked, pointing toward the drive.
"Please go ahead, Di," Millicent said with a tight smile. "I must talk with Fifi."
"We'll join you, Di. I promise."
Diana nodded, concern on her brow. "All right. I'll save you a seat in the pew, will I?"
"Do, please," Fifi said. When Diana turned for the door, Fifi leaned closer to Millicent. Welles had told Fifi earlier that Mary had departed at dawn this morning. She'd asked Lord Courtland to allow a servant to take her to the village to catch the Flyer back home to Bath. Welles also had heard from other servants that Lord Bridges had left the house this morning too. "The conversation you had yesterday with Lord Charlton was one that had to occur and you mustn't fret over it, Millicent."
Two other guests descended the stairs, chatting about the wedding.
Millicent drew closer to Fifi. "I understand from my maid that Mary has gone home and that her maid says there was some sort of falling out between Mary and...ahem...you know who."
"I will talk with Mary when I go home tomorrow and rectify what I can of it, Millicent. I spoke out of turn last night and created this problem. Do not worry, please. Much of this is my fault."
"And mine."
Fifi nodded, for that was true. Years ago, Millicent had asked Mary for help with the childish favor. "Mary takes her share of the blame. We've all grown up considerably since all of that occurred."
"But Ivy told me this morning that Mary's gone home. She'll miss the wedding."
"That's true. There is nothing for it now. We'll resolve it later. Today, let's go to the wedding and celebrate Esme's happiness."
"Agreed. I want to see all of us happy."
As do I.
* * *
Inside the tiny stone chapel,the sun sparkled through the two stained glass lancet windows over the altar. The church, built countless centuries ago, reminded Fifi of a few cozy huts that stood outside Bath. She and Millicent took the wooden pew with Diana and sat to await the bride.
Minutes later, a rustle came from the back of the church. Ivy and Grace came to sit beside the three women. Grace whispered to Fifi. "I think a storm is brewing.”
She heard no rain. “What sort?”
“Your aunt.”
“No!” Fifi shot a glance at her.
"A few minutes ago, before we left the house...?" Grace stopped to smile and nod at the couple who took the pew in front of theirs.
"Yes? What?"
“She fainted in the upstairs hall."
"Oh, no."
Her aunt was healthy. Perhaps she suffered from nerves? Or too much wine last night? Or…oh,my. Esme? “I must go.”
”Sit down." Grace caught her arm. "She's recovered. Or at least, your uncle carried her into their rooms."
"Was she conscious?"
