The next morning Frankie sent word that she was not feeling equal to morning calls. Since it was the day of the renowned Devine Christmas gala, her aunt did not press her, focusing on the preparations. After her experience yesterday, something had changed for Frankie, and she needed to understand her reaction.

Frankie sat in the window seat of her room and read the letter from her uncle again. Her aunt and uncle in Bavaria needed somebody to help. They had written every month for the past year, begging Frankie to come help them raise their nine children. At least with her Bavarian relations she would be valued, which was a vast improvement from how she felt most of the time in London society.

She felt more at home in the modest working-class school than she had ever been in the decadent society ballrooms or the prestigious halls of Almack’s. Helping Mr. Everett had made her realize she needed to do something more with her life. She wanted to be useful, to use whatever skills she had to help others. She couldn't be happy simply being dressed up and paraded about to try to find a husband. No, she wanted more. And if that meant she would never get married, was she willing to pay the price?

Frankie looked out the frosted glass at the perpetual London haze of fog and coal smoke. If she could choose between being important in the lives of others or making a matrimonial match, which would she choose? She considered her options, but it did not take her long to know what was more important in her life. The past few days with Mr. Everett had made her feel happier, more content than she had in a long time. She was not meant for society. No, she was meant for much more.

Frankie took a deep breath. She had made her choice. She would not be doing a second season. No, after the holidays she would tell her aunt that she would be leaving for Bavaria. The letter did mention that their great uncle Ludwig was leaving London for Germany tomorrow, but that was too soon. She did not wish to ruin her aunt’s enjoyment of her Christmas gala tonight by telling her she would be leaving. Her aunt would be crushed. Besides, Uncle Ludwig always smelled something like sauerkraut. She wanted to go to Bavaria, but she could wait for her relatives to send a more appealing chaperone.

Frankie leaned her head against the cool glass of the window. The decision was made. She would leave London and all the amusements of society to go somewhere she was wanted, where no one would consider her a disappointment for not being able to secure a husband. Everyone would be happy. Maybe she would even find a husband in Bavaria.

I wish I could marry a man like Mr. Everett.

Marry Mr. Everett? What a notion! Frankie stood and began to walk in circles around her bedchamber in a distracted manner.

Frankie had only met Everett twice, so she should not even be thinking such a thing. Besides, he would not be what her aunt would consider an eligible match. The only thing worse than not being married would be to wed beneath her station. Yet if she was leaving the country to become a governess, why couldn't she marry where she liked? Maybe they could run away together…

Frankie stood and shook out her skirts, hoping to just as easily shake out such treacherous thoughts. She had only met Everett a few times, so she could not possibly begin to think of him and matrimony. Of course, her aunt thought of her and matrimony with men she'd never even met. Mr. Everett may not be rich or have a title, but he was kind and she genuinely enjoyed the time she had spent with him.

Though she would hate to admit noticing such things, there was no denying Everett was an attractive man. The cut of his hair may not be the latest style, but she liked how it fell over his blue eyes. And he certainly filled out his suit well, with strong shoulders and a trim waist. He looked much better than those dandies with their ridiculously high starched collars and intricately knotted cravats.

Frankie took a deep breath and blew it out again. She needed to stop indulging in such a flight of fancy. She was indebted to Mr. Everett for showing her what was truly important. She knew now that she wished to leave society and do something useful. But maybe… maybe she could request to volunteer at the school a bit more before she left and see him again.

A knock on the door heralded the entrance of a maid who announced Sir John had arrived for a visit and was awaiting her downstairs with Lady Devine.

“Please extend my regrets, but I am not feeling quite up for visitors today,” replied Frankie. She had no interest having her aunt play matchmaker to attach her to yet another society gentlemen. No, she’d rather think about the fascinating Mr. Everett.

 

***

 

Everett was shown into the elegantly appointed sitting room of Lady Devine. He hoped to see Frankie. He needed to see her. It was time for him to be honest with her. Past time.

“Sir John!” Lady Devine greeted him with a cheery smile. “What a pleasure to see you.”