“Mother…” he growled.
She stopped in the doorway. “You won’t have to worry about a thing, my dear. Just leave all the details to us.”
“I would prefer it if you called it off.”
His mother gasped. “But the invitations have already gone out. What would people think of us?” she asked, bringing her hand to her chest.
“Frankly, I don’t care.”
“But I do,” his mother stated. “Besides, Jane isn’t married yet, and we have her reputation to think of.”
Baldwin frowned, knowing he was fighting a losing battle. He didn’t have the heart to disappoint his mother in this, not after everything he had put her through these past few years.
“I understand, Mother.”
She smiled broadly. “You are a good son,” she said before departing from the room.
Oliver eyed the empty doorway. “Why is it that I feel we just got duped?”
“Because we did, Brother,” Baldwin said. “We did.”
“So this man just escorted you to your coach, without so much as a by-your-leave?” her lady’s maid asked in disbelief as she brushed Madalene’s long brown tresses.
Madalene nodded. “The man grabbed my arm, led me outside, and then proceeded to insult me.”
Teresa shook her head. “That was poorly done by him, but he did save you from an unsavory situation.”
“I should think not,” Madalene replied. “I had the situation in hand.”
“You did?”
Madalene reached for a bottle of lotion on the dressing table. “Those three men in the coffeehouse were nothing I couldn’t handle.”
“And why do you say that?”
“Because they were just trying to impress me,” Madalene said. “I don’t believe they intended to do me harm.”
“I think you are too trusting, Miss.”
Madalene started rubbing the lotion on her arms. “Either way, that man at the coffeehouse was just awful, and I hope never to see him again.”
“I should say so,” Teresa responded as she began to pull Madalene’s hair into a coiffure. “Although, I must wonder if he was handsome.”
“Why should that matter?”
Teresa shrugged. “I’m just trying to understand the entire situation.”
Madalene pressed her lips together before admitting, “If you must know, he wasn’t terrible to look at.”
“Meaning?”
“Some might even consider him handsome with his chiseled jaw, sharp features, and broad shoulders.”
“But you don’t?”
Madalene gave her lady’s maid an exasperated look. “I’m afraid I don’t find men who insult me to be overly attractive.”
“Fair enough,” Teresa replied. “Will Mrs. Foster be accompanying you to visit Lady Jane this afternoon?”
“No, Mrs. Foster will be visiting with some of her own friends.”
“Do you think that is wise?”
Madalene lifted her brow. “Lady Jane lives two blocks over,” she explained. “I have no doubt that I can arrive at Hawthorne House unscathed.”
“If you say so,” Teresa said with a smile. “I can’t help but think that trouble often has a way of finding you.”
“I can assure you that it is through no fault of my own.”
“Of course not, Miss.” Teresa took a step back. “Are you pleased with your hair?”
Madalene turned to admire her hair in the mirror. It was piled high on top of her head and small ringlets framed her face. “It is lovely,” she acknowledged. “You truly outdid yourself.”
“Thank you,” Teresa responded. “Would you care to dress now?”
“I would.” Her lady’s maid walked over to the bed and picked up a white gown with a lovely pink sash. “I thought you might like to wear this gown to visit Lady Jane.”
“What a fine choice,” Madalene agreed as she walked closer to the bed.
A short time later, she exited her bedchamber and headed towards the entry hall. She had just stepped down onto the last step when Mrs. Foster swiftly crossed the tile.
“I just wanted to confirm that you don’t need me to accompany you to visit Lady Jane,” Mrs. Foster said, her breathing labored from her quick pace.
“That won’t be necessary,” Madalene assured her as she walked over to a table and picked up her white gloves. “Go enjoy some tea with your friends.”
Mrs. Foster smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I do worry about you.”
“There is no reason to worry about me. The coach will drop me off in front of Hawthorne House and will wait to deliver me back home.”
“Don’t forget to keep your distance from Lord Oliver,” Mrs. Foster warned. “You wouldn’t want to become associated with that man. He has the most horrid reputation as a gambler and rakehell.”
“Which I believe is grossly exaggerated amongst the ton.”
“Why is that, my dear?”
“Because the few times I have associated with Lord Oliver, he was extremely polite and courteous to me.”
Mrs. Foster huffed. “Do not be fooled by the affectations of men.”
“What a terrible thing to say.”
“It is the truth, and as your companion, it is my duty to keep you protected from those types of men.”
Madalene offered her a reassuring smile. “I will be fine,” she said. “No harm will come to me at Hawthorne House, I am sure of it.”
Graham stepped into the entry hall. “Your coach is waiting out front, Miss,” he announced, opening the door.
Madalene turned to Mrs. Foster. “Please do not fret about me.”
“Just promise me that you won’t go to any more coffeehouses.”
“I can promise that.”
Mrs. Foster grinned. “Off with you, then.”
Madalene exited her townhouse and stepped into the waiting coach. It wasn’t long before they arrived at the gate in front of Hawthorne House. After her driver spoke to a guard, they were admitted entrance into the courtyard.
As Madalene exited the coach, she took a moment to admire the enormous townhouse before approaching the main door, which was promptly opened.
The butler greeted her with a kind smile. “Good morning, Miss Dowding,” he said, stepping aside to allow her entry. “It is good to see you again.”
“Likewise, Pratt.”
Pratt closed the door. “Lady Jane has been expecting you,” he revealed. “I shall inform her that you have arrived.”
“Wonderful,” Madalene replied. “I shall wait for her here.”
Pratt tipped his head in acknowledgement before heading towards the stairs. Madalene turned and started admiring the paintings and tapestries that hung on the wall.
