Page 61 of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise

“You were?” Fanny’s eyebrows rose extremely high and she turned to Jane. “And you didn’t write to us?”

Jane shrugged. “I was not privy to it until quite recently, and then . . . other events took precedence, so I could not correspond as I would have wished.”

“But, Maria.” Georgie laid a hand on Maria’s. “Aren’t you still in mourning, or rather half mourning, for the late Lord Kersey?” She looked pointedly at Maria’s purple gown.

“I am, although we were planning to wait until my mourning had passed and his . . . circumstances had settled down.” A tear spilled down her cheek and she caught it with Kinellan’s handkerchief, still hoping to smell the scent of citrus.

“What happened to change your plans, my dear?” Elizabeth looked encouragingly at her.

“This.” Maria waved her hand at the room. “It finally came to light, eight months after he died, that Alan had made a will benefitting me and little Jane.” She glanced from face to face. “Greatly benefitted me and Jane. To the point I thought I would never want for anything ever again.” She sobbed. “I was wrong.”

“My dear.” Charlotte put her arms around her. “You cannot mean that when your betrothed found out about your fortune he refused to marry you?”

Too distraught to speak, Maria nodded.

“I know it sounds odd,” Kinellan broke in, “but there are extenuating circumstances having to do with his family and an incipient scandal. The gentleman wished to shield Maria from possible censure, and thus withdrew his suit.”

“Have you written to him since you parted?” Fanny began to pace in front of the fire.

“No. I didn’t write because I was afraid he either would not answer at all, or rebuff me once more.” Maria sniffed. “I didn’t think I could endure that again.”

“Perhaps it is time that you did so.” Fanny paused in her pacing. “You were certain of his affections?”

“Oh, yes.” Nodding vehemently, Maria cut her gaze over to Jane. “Quite certain.”

Fanny must have caught that glance because she moved closer to Maria and bent down to whisper, “Is there the possibility of a child?”

Biting her lip, Maria gave a brief nod. She’d not gotten her courses last week as she should have. It could be nothing, but the last time she’d missed them, she’d been increasing.

At that confession, Elizabeth spoke up. “Then you must write to him, my dear. If there is the possibility he is to be a father, you must let him know. No matter what scandal hangs over him, it will be nothing compared to the ruin you will endure should you have a child out of wedlock.”

The circle of friends had sobered. All were nodding in agreement, some with a look of sympathy in their eyes.

“Who is this gentleman you would marry, Maria?” Georgie cocked her head like a bird contemplating a treat.

“His name is Mr. Hugh Granger, the steward at Kersey Hall.” Maria pulled and twisted Kinellan’s already abused handkerchief. “He is one of the most kind, thoughtful, and handsome gentlemen of my acquaintance. In fact, he rescued me when I fell through the ice while we were skating.”

Gasps from all her friends brought forth that tale, with some obvious omissions.

“Well, Mr. Granger sounds terribly interesting and romantic, my dear.” Georgie had followed the tale avidly.

“Says the woman who married a pirate.” Elizabeth laughed at her sister-in-law.

“A want-to-be pirate, although he did steal my heart.” Georgie grinned fondly at her husband, standing with the little knot of men who had gone back to their brandy.

“That merely makes him a thief, dear.” Fanny perched on the chair opposite the sofa.

“But he has a ship.” Georgie patted her lap. “Isn’t that right, Lulu?”

“Yip.” The little dog sailed into Georgie’s lap and Georgie stroked her silky coat.

“Careful, my girl. You won’t be able to do that much longer.” Georgie turned back to Maria. “Maria, I think you should go immediately and write to Mr. Granger. Invite him to the party, but only hint that you have something important to say to him, something you must say to him in person.”

“If he’s got a brain in his head, he’ll know what you wish to speak to him about.” Fanny rose, her gaze going straight to Matthew, a subtle smile on her lips.

The others stood as well, bringing Maria reluctantly to her feet. Her reasons for not writing to Hugh still held. Another rejection and she would likely never recover. But her friends were correct. She needed to let him know, even if vaguely, that there was a new consideration when talk of their possible marriage was concerned.

Inviting her friends had been the perfect idea. She must remember to thank Jane for it. At least now, if she was able to stand face-to-face with Hugh once more, she would not be alone. Perhaps in more ways than one.