The Edgehills had a grand home in the very fashionable part of London, it was across from a park where I could see many young couples out for a stroll even at this time of day. I gave Faith a small nudge and she turned to look with me, "Oh we will see it tomorrow, I'm sure," she whispered, "It is important to be seen, after all." Patience turned to notice us but still said nothing.
Once the carriage stopped and the Edgehill's man opened the door, her outlook cheered once again, "What a stately home!" she gushed loud enough that people had turned. "Come girls, we are expected." Faith and I exchanged looks and then followed Patience to the door where another steward was waiting to announce us.
The entrance hall was impressive and I could hardly wait to see the other rooms, the Edgehills were well off indeed. I could see why Patience would like to form an allegiance with them and what better way than a marriage. I was trying to peer down the hall when I heard our announcements: Mrs. Woodbridge, Miss Stanhope and Miss Woodbridge. I quickly followed along with Faith behind Patience into the grand parlor. My eyes darted around the warm and inviting room as I curtsied to our hosts.
Lord Edgehill was a very distinguished looking man, tall with broad shoulders and slightly graying temples. He gave us a slight smile with his bow. Lady Edgehill was a stately and beautiful woman with rosy curls that fought the pins that held them back. Surely she had suitors by the dozens in her prime. Her face seemed pleased to see us but it dare not show too much. Even her graceful curtsey seemed to be elegant beyond words. I found myself staring at the pair of them, two such alluring people must have had handsome children indeed. Suddenly I wished to meet Thomas a great deal.
"Ladies, please have a seat," Lady Edgehill said with a sweep of her arm inviting us further into the room. Patience moved to the chair beside hers while Faith and I sat together on the sofa.
"You are too kind to open your home to us," Patience gushed with an overly sweet smile.
"Not at all," Lady Edgehill returned, "we are most delighted to make the better acquaintance of such lovely young ladies." She turned to us and let her eyes take their time in looking us over. I was well aware that I was not as sophisticated or charming as Faith, but I tried to make it seem that I was adequate company by mirroring her posture. "Why Gideon, are they not stunning?" she asked turning to her husband.
"Very much so," he grinned making the corners of his eyes crinkle, "I am surprised there are any young men left standing after you two leave the room." Faith and I tried to smile but I could feel my ears turning pink.
"Oh Gideon, you made them blush," Lady Edgehill chided, "don't worry girls, Thomas does not have his father's way with words."
"Come now, Victoria, my words charmed you once upon a time," he leaned down and kissed her cheek.
"And they still do, my love, but now is the time for our son to do the charming," she smiled warmly at him, "speaking of our son, where is Thomas?" As I watched their exchange I could tell that they were still very much in love and happy together. It gave my heart hope that such matches existed and I was in their presence.
"I will seek him out and send him down immediately. We can't leave these ladies waiting, can we?" He winked at us as he turned to leave. I felt Faith's hand brush against mine, when I turned to her she raised an eyebrow and nodded slightly in his direction. I knew that we would be discussing Lord Edgehill at a later date.
"Now that it is just us, will you girls mind standing?" Lady Edgehill asked as she got to her feet, Patience following immediately.
"My ladyship, may I present my sister, Miss Faith Stanhope," Patience said moving to her sister's side.
"Very lovely," Lady Edgehill remarked moving around Faith, "a most elegant young lady."
"Thank you, Lady Edgehill," Faith replied lowering her eyes.
"Compliments such as mine should be met with resolute eye contact, Miss Stanhope. I do not compliment easily so when I do, you have rightfully earned it." With that Lady Edgehill turned to me, "And this . . . "
"This is my husband's sister, Miss Margaret Woodbridge," Patience said, her voice took on a less accepting tone.
"Such fine prospects you have brought to us, Mrs. Woodbridge," Lady Edgehill said moving around me as she did Faith a moment ago. "Why have we not met you before?"
"This is her first time in Society," Patience inserted.
Lady Edgehill stopped and turned to Patience, "You mean she did not have a debut?"
"She has not . . . "
"Only because I lost my parents before coming of age," I interrupted. If Patience wanted me in Society so much she was not going to paint me in such an inferior light.
"Margaret," Patience's voice cracked with disdain.
"No, no," Lady Edgehill soothed as she moved to stand in front of me, "well child, if you lost your parents before your debut, who raised you? They are the ones that should have introduced you to Society."
"My brother and his wife," I glanced at Patience with a bit of satisfaction as Lady Edgehill turned to her.
"Oh Mrs. Woodbridge, to deny Society of this lovely creature would be a great crime!" She took my hand and led me to the middle of the room where she circled me again, "We will debut you here, my dear."
"What?" I asked unsure of what I just got myself into.
"Oh dear Lady Edgehill, we do not want to impose . . . " Patience stammered.
"It is no imposition at all," Lady Edgehill smiled in satisfaction, "I will organize the debut myself and I will even sponsor her at Court."
"No, please . . . " I started, my worried eyes searched out Faith who remained standing stoically.
"Shush," Lady Edgehill said placing her delicate hand on my arm, "it is my pleasure . . . as it will be my son's." With that the doors opened and a handsome young man sauntered into the room, "Ah, Thomas!"
"Yes, Mother?" he said walking up to her and giving her a kiss on her cheek just as his father had done earlier.
"Thomas, I want to introduce you to these young ladies who will be staying with us," she turned to Patience who was still dumbfounded about the current news, "this is Mrs. Woodbridge, an acquaintance of ours, and her sister, Miss Stanhope," Faith immediately curtsied.
"I believe we have met," Thomas bowed, "last year?"
"We did, Mr. Edgehill," Faith grinned slightly.
"It is good to see you again."
"Thomas," his mother called his attention back to her, "and this is Miss Woodbridge. We will be hosting her debut."
"Debut? Is that so?" he turned to me and Faith had not been dishonest at all regarding how handsome he was. He was tall, much like his father, with a pleasing countenance, but he had his mother's gentle curls. "That means my mother has great hopes for you. I am pleased to meet you," he bowed with a smile that gave way to a crease in one cheek.
"Pleased to meet you," I curtsied. I was surprised I was able to form the words at all and I was sure that I was staring a bit.
"I am sorry that I have to greet and leave, but I am expected elsewhere," he smiled at everyone and nodded before starting for the door.
"Elsewhere?" his mother's voice raised an octave as she asked the question.
"Yes, Mother, I am expected."
"But we have such lovely guests . . . "
"We do," he looked at Faith and then me, "and I will be a better host tomorrow."
"Tonight, Thomas," a decisive tone in her voice, "You will be home for supper."
He stopped in the doorway and heaved a sigh, "All right then, I will be home for supper."
"Thank you," Lady Edgehill gave him a smile.
"Oh and Mother?"
"Yes dear?"
"I approve," he gave a cheeky nod and left.
I turned to Faith who could only shrug at me, but when I saw Patience, she was positively smug with herself and when she saw me looking in her direction, there was a self-gratifying gleam in her eye. I felt as if I had fallen into a trap and I did not even know it.