“-blossom, you must not put quite so much food into your mouth at one time. Ladies nibble, then dab at their lips with a napkin should they need to.”

Milly was taking tea with the Wimplestow ladies, one week after her arrival at Wimplestow House. While she had not expected to enjoy her time here, the truth was, she had. These people may have the manners of barnyard animals, yet they had big, generous hearts, and a love for each other that was humbling. They were also trying hard to take direction from her in manners… most especially table manners.

“But I’m hungry, Milly, and if I do not eat quickly, then someone else may take everything.”

Apple-blossom was not a quick study, it was fair to say. Milly had simplified things and focused on a few basic principles of being a lady to begin with, and while she was making progress, the going was slow.

“There is plenty of food, and young ladies do not carry on that way. It is all about perception, Apple-blossom. People must see you behaving in a way that befits your status as a lady, or they will not accept you, and I know you do not wish that.”

Lady Wimplestow nodded, but remained silent. They had battled wills a time or two, but Milly had managed to win most rounds. Today, for example, they were going into Stonleigh, as the dressmaker there was superior to the one in Spindle, to have Apple-blossom fitted for more dresses. The ones she had were quite unsuitable, even though some of them were new.

“Try not to slouch, Apple-blossom. Straight back, chin raised.”

The girl tried, Milly could not fault her for that, but the problem was she would rather be outside romping over the fields with her brother and father, mucking out pigs and grooming horses, than learning dance steps and polite conversation.

“And now, ladies, we shall ready ourselves for our outing to Stonleigh,” Milly said when all the food was eaten. A Wimplestow, she had come to realize, did not leave a table unless the plates were cleaned.

Another cool day greeted them as they left the house. Lady Wimplestow was accompanying Milly and Apple-blossom, as she too wished for a new dress for the ball.

Watching the scenery pass by, Milly thought that she could be comfortable here until she was no longer needed. Yes, the family tended to be loud and rambunctious, but they were good people, unlike many of the noble families she had met and known. Living with the Wimplestows would likely mean she would not run into anyone from her old life either, except of course the earl, but even then it was unlikely she would see him but in passing, or from a distance.

They had taught her a great deal in the week she had lived with them, chief among which was that appearances may be everything in society, yet they were not in the family environment. They were kind and caring to each other, and as she’d lived with a father who was neither, the Wimplestow family was a revelation.

“Do you ride, Milly?”

“I can ride a horse, Lady Wimplestow, but governesses do not often do so.”

“However, we would be happy if you rode with Apple-blossom to ensure she carries herself as a lady should.”

“Mama,” Apple-blossom groaned loudly. “How will I best Angus if I must ride like a lady?”

“Sidesaddle,” Milly added, as Apple-blossom usually wore breeches and rode astride around her father’s lands, and nothing Milly had yet said would deter her from this.

The girl groaned again.

“Do you have a riding habit, Milly?”

Once she’d had many, but Milly shook her head.

“We shall have one of ours altered for you.”

“That is very kind of you, Lady Wimplestow, but it would not be right—”

“We are not a family that does everything right, Milly, so you will humor me in this, and ensure my daughter does not appear out of place among her peers should she choose to ride in London.”

The determined look in Lady Wimplestow’s eyes told Milly she knew just how hard the change was going to be on her daughter, and that she would need all the help she could get.

“Of course, I shall be delighted to help.”

Milly had kept up her disguise of placing the small rolls in her cheeks and wearing her glasses and padding. At least if she did chance upon anyone from her past, it was unlikely they would recognize her. It was often the case that nobility barely acknowledged those beneath them anyway.

“There is Greyton!” Apple-blossom clapped her hands in excitement. “Oh, to be lady of such a house.”

Milly ignored the jolt of jealousy at the girl’s words. Neither of them had any chance of being lady of that particular manor. Once, but no longer. She had thought about Joseph even though she had tried to push him back into that place in her head that held the painful memories. The ones that had the power to hurt her.

“It is well and good to aim high, my girl, but that will not happen if you do not follow Milly’s advice, and even then it is highly unlikely.”

Thankfully, it was not she who had to be the voice of reason all the time. Lady Wimplestow was more than happy to do so.

“Now we are to go shopping, so let’s hear no more about earls, if you please.”

The pretty village of Stonleigh had tall trees guiding them into the main street, and a river bordering its left side. Milly thought it would be a lovely place to explore on a warm summer’s day. However, today was not that day.

“Spindle, of course, has superior shops, but for dresses, there is none better than Mrs. Pike,” Lady Wimplestow said as the carriage stopped.

The ladies stepped down to a cold wind that had Milly hurrying behind Lady Wimplestow and Apple-blossom into the dressmaker’s.

Milly explained that she wanted something with fewer frills and in light colors for the ball. Mrs. Pike, the dressmaker, had a sharp eye, and assured Milly she had read every copy of La Belle Assemblée, and knew what was what in fashion. Her words soon proved to be accurate, as she fitted Apple-blossom and then Lady Wimplestow for their new dresses.

“But surely just a few frills, Milly?”

“One on the hem, but no ruffles around the neck, Apple-blossom.” Milly stood firm against the pleading look in the girl’s eyes. Ruffles made her already substantial bust look bigger.

She managed to get her way with the dress for the ball, but yielded on two day dresses to allow a small ruffle on the neck and some bows sewn into the bodice.

“Good morning, Lady English, Miss English.”

Milly turned to see who Apple-blossom was talking to, and found a pretty young lady, accompanied by an elder woman, whom she recognized. Her heart gave a painful kick in her chest as Lady English glanced her way. Retreating, Milly moved to the rear and looked into a cabinet filled with accessories, as she listened to the conversation. She had met Lady English several times during her time in society. The woman was nasty and a vicious gossip. Many a young girl had been abused by her caustic tongue. She had not insulted Milly, as she was a Marquess’s daughter, and therefore “worthy,” especially after her engagement was announced.

“I declare, Miss Wimplestow, that dress is... ah, well it’s most unusual.”

Milly could hear the disdain in Lady English’s voice, and hated that she could do nothing about it. Looking at Apple-blossom, she watched her shoulders hunch as she inched closer to her mother.

Her dress was ill-suited to her coloring, but that did not call for insult from anyone.

“There is nothing wrong with my daughter’s dress, Lady English, and I will thank you to keep a civil tongue in your head.”

The sharp intake of breath made Milly smile. She cheered silently for Lady Wimplestow.

“Well, I am sure if you do not want to take guidance form someone who walks in society, then I shall not be obliged to offer it again. But be it on your own head if your season is a failure, Miss Wimplestow.”

Lady English then sailed from the shop with her head high, her daughter falling in behind.

Milly moved back to her charge.

“Now, Apple-blossom, you’ll not worry about that woman. People like her have no friends, and are unhappy, so they feel they must attack others.”

“But why, Mama? I am no threat to her daughter. Indeed, Miss English is so pretty, whereas I know I am not.”

“Oh, but you are,” Milly rushed to add. “In so many more ways than just your face, Apple-blossom.”

“Really?”

“Really.” Milly took the girl’s hand. “You are intelligent, funny, and wonderful to converse with. You ride better than any woman I have seen, and you are pretty.”

Apple-blossom sniffed, so her mother handed her a handkerchief. It was gray and the lace torn.

“Those are lovely words, Milly, thank you.”

“And the truth,” she added, patting the girl’s hand. “Pay no heed to silly fools like Lady English and her daughter, they are just jealous and petty-minded.”

“Thank you, my dear.” Milly felt the arm of Lady Wimplestow around her shoulders. She was then squeezed firmly. “I’m glad we found you, Milly.”

“As am I,” Milly added truthfully.

They left the shop a short while later, with Apple-blossom’s spirits restored.

“Now, Milly, you have an hour or two to yourself, while Apple-blossom and I visit with my dear friend Mrs. Yield. We shall meet you at the carriage later.”

“Oh, but I—”

Before she could add anything, the Wimplestow ladies had struck out along the street, leaving Milly standing on her own in the cold. What was she supposed to do with her hour or two? The Cock and Bull inn caught her eye. Perhaps she could find a quiet corner out of the cold and have a nice, quiet cup of tea. The idea appealed greatly. She enjoyed the Wimplestow family, but they could in no way be termed quiet.

Stepping back as a carriage came thundering through, Milly looked at the driver. His eyes were trained on the road, so he did not see her, but she turned quickly and gave him her back.

Dear Lord, had he found her?

Running to the end of the street, she watched the carriage leave Stonleigh on the road to London. Was it possible he was just passing through? Had he been inside? Was she still being hunted?