CHAPTER 17
“I declare, Henrietta Moberly, you are the most divine creature to walk the face of the earth,” Hazel pronounced proudly as she walked into Eden’s drawing room for their weekly Bluebells meeting.
Hetty blushed, “It was nothing, I assure you,” then almost against her will the rest slipped out, “Why, did Miles say anything about me?”
Hazel grinned, “Loads, and that my darling girl, is a miracle in itself because everyone knows that my brother is an antisocial hermit.”
“Miles?” Hetty queried.
“He’s asked you to call him by his first name?” Bea was just catching the tail end of the conversation. “Miles, actually gave you permission?”
“I don’t understand why that is unusual. I have heard you call him Miles before, Bea,” Hetty reasoned.
Amusement danced in Bea’s eyes, “Indeed I do, but only to tweak his male pride. He was such a grouchy old bear to dear Hazel and Benjamin. I took great pleasure in knocking him down a peg.”
Hazel nodded, “Tis true! He is terribly formal and stuffy to boot.”
“Miles?” Hetty repeated, “I feel like we are discussing a different man. Miles is everything that is kind, well except that one time in the rain.”
“Dear Lord, is Auggie still crying?” Eden made her way down the stairs. I do apologize for slipping away. I haven’t the slightest clue what to do for the poor child. He is always out of sorts.
Sophie went over the Eden and hugged her, “New motherhood is extremely difficult, isn’t it?”
“The worst!” Eden agreed, “I need a distraction. What are you all talking about?”
Hazel’s grinned, “Hetty was going to explain how she and my brother met in the rain. It’s funny, but he has never mentioned the encounter.”
Sophie cocked her head to the side, “Come to think of it, neither has Hetty.”
All eyes found themselves resting on Hetty’s pink cheeks, “It is a rather embarrassing story.”
“Oh good!” Bea snuggled in, “those are by far, my favorite!”
“Go on, Hetty,” Eden encouraged.
“Well, it was last year before I went away to stay with my Aunt Gen. I had been arguing about some kind of nonsense with my mother. When she thought, I had retired to my room I stormed out of the house for a walk to clear my head. The only problem was that I didn’t take a servant with me.”
“Good heavens Hetty, that’s dangerous!” Sophie warned.
Hetty nodded, “And foolhardy to boot. I found myself lost and more irritated than ever. It was thus that Miles stumbled upon me. And then it was as if God himself was laughing at my plight, because it began to rain. And it was not a drizzle.”
Bea choked back a laugh, “I don’t think the almighty sends rain storms to cool off angry ladies.”
“I don’t see why not,” Hazel added.
“Anyhow, Miles tried to escort me home, and I behaved poorly. So, he forced me to accompany him home.”
“Forced?” Eden grinned, “How does a gentleman of good breeding force a young woman to do anything?”
“Brute strength!” Hetty cried out, “He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder and then every time I yelled at him he spanked me—hard!”
The girls burst out laughing, and it wasn’t long before Hetty joined in, “I am certain that we made quite a scene. I am honestly grateful that nobody of consequence saw us. It was then that my mother realized that I wasn’t quite ready for society. I spent the next several months with Aunt Gen.”
“The time there was good for you,” Hazel smiled kindly, “You have come into your own, and that is an essential key to happiness. What I find quite hilarious, is that Hetty’s Aunt Gen just happens to be Miles’ godmother.”
“You are joking?” Sophie giggled, “What does your Aunt think about your current situation Hetty?”
Hetty frowned, “I do not know, I have been summoned there this afternoon, with Miles. I do hope that Aunt Gen understands when we explain it all to her. I know that she is very old fashioned when it comes to some things.”
“I have a feeling that she will understand everything—and enjoy every minute of it!” Hazel smiled widely. “I for one could not be happier that Rose Darlington has officially left London.”
“I heard she was taking an extended tour of the continent,” Bea grinned. “I doubt we will see the likes of her ever again.”
“Thank heavens for that!” Hetty muttered. “She has caused enough trouble for one lifetime.”
“Are you truly engaged to Lord Chambers?” Sophie asked.
“Nothing has been announced,” Hetty rushed to say, “You know that I threw those words out there before I could think straight. Rose was claiming that he had just proposed. I couldn’t let her get away with it. So, I refuted her claim with one of my own.”
“Best damn decision you have ever made,” Hazel’s eyes gleamed, “I have never seen my brother so happy in all my life. You are good for him, Hetty.”
“I don’t know about that,” Hetty hedged, “But I promised him that I wouldn’t break the engagement for a few weeks. It is more than likely he just wants things to settle down a bit first.”
“It is more likely that he wants to bed you down first,” Bea added saucily.
“Bea!” Eden shook her head, “Don’t tease the poor child.”
Bea turned to Hetty, “I was only kidding, I am certain that Miles will be the perfect gentleman.”
“He kissed me!” Hetty blurted out.
“Oh, Lord,” Sophie smiled in exasperation, “Here we go again.”
“Where?” Eden leaned in, “Somewhere good?”
Hetty looked bewildered, “It wasn’t my elbow, if that’s what you are asking. What do you mean, good?”
Hazel cleared her throat, “Ladies, let’s reign this in a tad. Hetty, did he kiss your glove, forehead, cheek or lips?”
“Lips,” Hetty flushed again, “And he used his tongue. I really liked it, and hope to do it again.”
The ladies giggled.
“Somehow, I think you will get your opportunity sooner rather than later, my dear,” Eden added wisely. Another scream pierced the air, “I do apologize, I am just going to sneak up there and check on little Auggie. Please eat your cakes, but promise me that nothing good will be discussed until I return. I am living vicariously these days.”
Sophie laughed, “Aren’t we all?”