Charming Ophelia by Rachael Miles

Author:Rachael Miles
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2017-04-10T15:11:06+00:00

Chapter 4

The next morning, or rather three hours later, Ophelia’s maid came to waken her with a message that her aunt wished to see her before breakfast. And by that, Millicent meant within the hour.

By the time Ophelia arrived at Millicent’s dressing room, her aunt was already fully dressed. She stood before her dressing table as if she were a queen. “I’ve heard that you have enlisted Sidney to investigate your remaining suitors.”

“Perhaps not investigate,” Ophelia said evasively. Did Millicent know about her midnight excursion? “I need more information to choose wisely, and Sidney offered to help discover it.”

“We can gain information from other sources. If you believe your brother’s efforts insufficient, I can hire someone to make discrete inquiries. Or, if we must, your cousin Judith could advise us whether we should enlist the Duke’s aid.” Her aunt paused for effect. “But leave poor Sidney to his own affairs.”

“I merely accepted his offer. Besides, he’s a perfect gadabout. Few people know the ton as well as Sidney. He should have the information I need in no time.”

“You are not a cruel girl, but involving Sidney in your decision is. He has adored you for years. Three years ago, he even made a very fine offer for you, but you refused to read it.”

“Sidney might claim to adore me, but it’s only a game. He declares, I refuse. It’s been this way forever.” Except that once, Ophelia thought, then pushed the memory away. Dwelling on the past was a certain way to end up floating in stagnant water, clinging to posies.

“Even then, it was a fine proposal. Between his grandfathers’ perfumery and his own industry, his income is quite comfortable. You would be well cared for, your children secure. Instead, you treat him as a playmate. If you are not interested in Sidney, then you must break with him.”

“I could never cut Sidney.” Ophelia felt her aunt’s words like a stab in her gut. “He is our family friend. You and his mother play whist every Tuesday.”

“His mother and I are in agreement. We do not mean a cut direct, or even indirect. No, you should simply begin to take a more distanced stance. Stop being at home to him every time he calls. Dance only the more vigorous reels with him, where partners matter little. Refuse his gifts—the length of ribbon, the drawing paper, the novel he claims he has already read. All these are steps you will have to take once married. Begin now.”

“Sidney brings all three of us gifts. It’s not the same as gifts to me personally. He does it because he is kind.”

Millicent began to respond, then stopped. She stared intently at Ophelia as if memorizing her features. Then, Millicent gently placed her hand on Ophelia’s cheek, the tenderness of the gesture warming the line of Ophelia’s spine. “I have always believed you a straightforward, thoughtful girl, capable of great responsibility, wise even beyond your years. My only regret has been that before your parents died, you were more carefree and lighthearted.

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