A Wallflower Ruined by the Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Wallflowers and Rakes Book 3) by Ava MacAdams

Author:Ava MacAdams [MacAdams, Ava]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Published: 2023-08-19T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

“I cannot say that a tea party invitation has come at a better time than it has today, my dear friends,” Sally confessed with a heavy sigh as she embraced one of her friends after the other.

Anne laughed softly and nodded. “I cannot say that I miss the feeling of constantly performing as a member of the marriage mart. I can only imagine how exhausted you must be, given everything. Come, sit, Natalie will be along shortly.”

The sun cast a warm glow on Anne’s elegant drawing room as the scent of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air. Delicate porcelain cups and saucers adorned the table, accompanied by a delectable spread of cakes and pastries. The room buzzed with anticipation as Anne prepared to host a tea party for herself, Sally, Natalie, and Peggy.

As the clock struck the appointed hour, Sally and Anne exchanged excited glances, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their dear friends. However, to their disappointment, they received a note from Peggy regretfully explaining that unforeseen circumstances had arisen, preventing her from joining their gathering.

Sally sighed softly, her brows furrowing with concern. “I do hope Peggy is all right,” she voiced, her voice filled with genuine worry. “She rarely misses our tea parties.”

Anne, her smile unwavering, reassured her friend. “I am sure it is nothing serious, Sally. Knowing Peggy, she is likely lamenting the fact that she is not here with us all the while punishing her husband for giving her such a difficult pregnancy. Let us hope she joins us again soon.”

Sally nodded, though a flicker of disappointment remained in her eyes. The tea party would not be the same without Peggy’s infectious laughter and mischievous anecdotes and tales of gossip from the country. Nonetheless, she took solace in the company of Anne, grateful for their enduring friendship.

“Here! Here! I am here!” Natalie huffed as she invited herself into the drawing room. She pulled her gloves from her hands as she spoke and instantly lowered her arms to support her rounded belly.

Sally felt that it was something of a wonder that her friend was able to walk as easily as she was, given how close she was to her due date.

Natalie sank heavily into her chair and motioned for a footstool to be brought closer to her, which Sally happily obliged. “My feet swell something terrible. I am certain that my baby shall come any day now. I can feel it.”

Sally glanced at Anne, unsure of what to say.

“Here, try this tea. It should help aid the discomfort in your limbs if nothing else,” Anne offered as she made Natalie’s tea for her.

As the tea party commenced with an air of unease, Anne’s normally effervescent demeanor seemed slightly restrained. Sally could not help but notice the tension in her friend’s expression and the hesitant glances she cast her way.

Sensing something amiss, Sally leaned closer to Anne, her voice laced with curiosity. “Anne, is something troubling you? You seem a little... different today.”

Anne hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between Sally and the tea set before her.

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