Page 66 of Bluebell’s Fate

No. But that wasn’t the reasonable thing to say. “Of course.”

Nathaniel seemed oblivious to Bell’s current state of panic. “I think the two of you will get along quite well.”

Bell was nodding optimistically. It was evidence of how much of her mother’s training had actually taken hold on her brain. She could act the part of a society lady when it was necessary. She took courage from the thought. She could make a morning call to a neighbor. She could, and Nathaniel would be there with her, and perhaps she could convince Godmother to come along as well. “I’m certain you’re right.”

A few hours later, Bell was fighting to keep her breakfast down as she walked between Nathaniel and her godmother down the lane and past the orchard to the Stones’ residence. The house was a little larger than Cairnsby Hall, and the landscaping was exquisite. Flowers in every color lined the drive, and the shrubbery was lush and full; not a twig seemed to be out of place. The perfection of it reminded Bell of how she felt standing next to her sister, Rose: inspiring and intimidating all at once, and it did nothing for Bell’s nerves.

Nathaniel knocked on the door, and the butler showed them into an equally tidy sitting room. The furniture looked comfortable, but Bell felt she was sitting on a pile of dead sticks. Her mind raced with terrible, anxious thoughts. Would she be tied to her chair, dragged outside, and left near the river, or worse, thrown in, unable to save herself? Bell shook her head. She had to stop creating trouble when there might not even be a threat. Godmother would never allow something like that to happen to her.

Mrs. Stone walked into the room with a younger, taller, thinner replica of herself following after. Miss Stone had soft brown hair and brown doe-like eyes, and she carried herself like a woman who knew precisely who she was. Bell felt a pang of jealousy creep over her heart like a weed, trying to choke out the good.

Nathaniel stood and bowed to the women, making introductions as he did so. Bell stood and curtsied as she was expected to. When she looked back up, Miss Stone’s eyes were upon her, assessing, and…mirthful? Did she think something was humorous? Or did she believe that Bell herself was something to scoff at?

Mrs. Stone sat on a settee next to Godmother. “I’m so glad you came. I’ve been telling Eliza how lovely the picnic was that you hosted last week, Lady Bluebell. It was a delight to be invited.”

Godmother laughed. “Don’t remind Bell about that day now. We’ve been trying to forget all about it. Nothing went off quite as planned.” She paused to wink at Bell, which lessened the sting of the truth of her words a little. “If only one could learn to control the weather.”

Miss Stone smiled at Bell. “Poor weather or not, my parents were thrilled to be invited to the outing. They loved meeting you, and especially your little brother. How old is he?”

“He’s eight now, and I adore him.” Bell started to feel a bit more comfortable. “How has your season been, Miss Stone?”

“Oh, it’s been exhausting, to be quite frank.” Her gaze flitted to Nathaniel, and back to Bell. “It wasn’t what I was expecting, of course, but I believe things have all worked out for the better.” She shifted in her seat as if she were the one uncomfortable now. “I’m sorry. I don’t quite know what to say right now.” Her cheeks pinked prettily.

Nathaniel coughed, and Godmother laughed again. “It is rather an awkward situation for all of you, isn’t it?” Godmother sighed. “I believe, Miss Stone, that you can be assured that you may speak freely. Bell and Nathaniel are quite happily situated, and it will likely give Bell peace of conscience knowing she hasn’t completely ruined your life.”

“Godmother!” Bell exclaimed, embarrassed and shocked at her plainness. Bell’s mother would never have spoken of the truth of the matter so openly. She would have subtly hinted at something that would be easily misconstrued.

Nathaniel put a hand on Bell’s shoulder. “I believe Grandmother is right, Bell. Miss Stone need not censor her words for our sakes.” Bell looked up into his face and saw admiration there staring back at her.

“Oh good. I know this is all a little much to take in, Lady Bluebell, but Nathaniel and I have been friends our entire lives. I’m not used to speaking in circles around him. When he became engaged to you, he came to see me. I’ve never seen him so rumpled and excited. It was a joy to see him uncomfortable for once in his life. He needs someone like you to keep things interesting. And you see, Mr. Warner does that for me. Can you imagine, Nathaniel, how dull our married life would have been with each other? We would have had the best-balanced ledger in all of England, but we would have missed out on all the fun of falling in love.”

“Precisely,” Nathaniel agreed.

Bell’s heart soared. Who needed a crown of bluebells when one had a godmother willing to point out the harshest of truths. Bell was suddenly acutely aware that she and Miss Stone could be friends, but Miss Stone was leaving. “I’m so happy for you, that everything has worked out better than planned,” Bell said.

“Oh, me too.” Miss Stone beamed, and everyone laughed. “I believe we will need to take a long walk soon, and you can tell me all about you meeting Nathaniel. I’ve already heard his version of the story, and I’m trying to believe it.” She put her hands over her heart. “A figment of his imagination in a magical wood. I almost thought he was playing a joke on me. But you’re even prettier than he could describe.”

Bell laughed. “And you must tell me everything about Mr. Warner.”

Mrs. Stone started passing around the tea tray. “Yes, yes. You girls can go be as silly as you desire. Love does odd things. I never thought I’d see Eliza with her head in the clouds; she’s always been so sensible. But first, we need to talk about Mr. Cutler.”

Nathaniel stood and began pacing behind Bell’s chair, she could feel his anger coming off of him in waves, like an angry ocean searching for a kidnapped mermaid. “We’re trying to get him to leave. But my grandmother has been unsuccessful thus far in convincing him to be her travel companion. I’m sorry, by the way, Eliza. He’d convinced us all that you were courting him in London.”

Miss Stone grimaced, but then her face fell. “Oh, Nathaniel. I’m sorry for what that must have done to you. Will he never grow up?”

Bell was confused. What precisely would Nathaniel knowing that Miss Stone was courting Ian have done to him?

“Believe me, Eliza, I was more worried for you,” Nathaniel said with feeling. “I should have expected him to try something like this. He’s been more reckless than usual lately.”

Bell looked at her godmother, who sat unmoving in her seat. She didn’t seem surprised at all by the conversation. Bell would hazard a guess that she knew far more than what she was saying.

Mrs. Stone shook her head. “He’s always been a troublemaker. Right up there with Edwin. But then, his physical likeness to Edwin must endear him to your parents.”

Bell watched as Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. She could practically see inside his incredible mind. Was he finally making the connection that Ian was also a son of Mr. Payne, his half-brother? Or was he working out some other solution that Bell could only hope would remove Ian from the area?

“He always has been a favorite.” Nathaniel answered distractedly. “We’ll keep working on it.” He came around and held out a hand to help Bell up from her seat. “I’m afraid it’s time we left. Please come visit, anytime.” He bowed to the Stones on his way out.

Bell shared one more smile with Miss Eliza Stone, a silent agreement that they would talk soon, and she followed her godmother and Nathaniel back to the cottage.