Free What About Cecelia? by Amelia Grace Treader Page B

were
pleased with his proposal and he didn't need to elope. After her
death, neither your father nor I could coax him back into society.
The only way left that I can ever repay him for his kindness is to
help his daughter to find her station in life, and that I will do.
You will help me. Do you comprehend me?”
    “Yes.” She paused to roll her eyes,
“Mother.”
    “Besides you like Miss Wood, don't you?”
    “I do.”
    “And you don't want her to be dependent on that
dreadful Arnold woman, do you?”
    “Lord, no. I don't know how Cecelia can stand
her.”
    “It shows no little goodness of character in
your friend. Miss Wood will need some fashionable gowns. Obviously
she can't wear yours, she's too tall if nothing else. If we can
take one of your old ones and get Miss Wood's measurements on it,
then Miss Antoinette can make her a few gowns that are suitable for
a young woman on her first trip to Bath.”
    “All right, if you put it that way, I suppose
she could try one.”
    “I want to find the one that comes closest to
fitting her. That way there will be the fewest adjustments. If Miss
Wood gets to be known in Bath with her current clothes, then there
will be no helping her.”
    “Yes, mother. If you insist.”
    “I do. I wouldn't ask you if it weren't
needed.”
    “Anything else you want me to do, while you're
asking favors?”
    “One more thing, Mary. Tonight at dinner I will
place Miss Wood between you and me. We will gently guide her to use
the proper utensils.”
    “Won't that be too near the head of the table
for her precedence? It's above her rank for her to sit there.”
    “There are times when it is best to ignore
precedence, and a quiet family dinner is one of them.”
    Relaxed because she was more familiar with her
companions, Cecelia paid more attention to the order of courses.
With only a few hints from either Mary or Lady Elizabeth she
managed to avoid any committing any serious faux pas. Being dressed
in a complete, albeit old-fashioned and out of style, dress that
didn't stink of horses helped her fit into her company and boosted
her confidence. In addition, Mary's progress with equitation was
something that Mary and she could converse about with the rest of
the family.
    Cecelia pointed out at one stage in the
conversation, “We talked about riding to Holy Mountain this
afternoon, but other things interfered with it. How about tomorrow
morning?”
    “Holy Mountain?”
    “That's the English name for it. The locals call
it Ysgyryd Fawr or the shattered mountain. It's supposed to be a
special place.”
    The idea of riding to it was enthusiastically
received. It was resolved that a party including grooms and at
least one little brother and sister would ride the five miles to
the top of the mountain, and then return.
    That evening, as they prepared for bed, Sir
Charles commented to Lady Elizabeth. “My love, I think your protégé
is progressing nicely. Don't you?”
    “Her manners certainly have improved. She's not
quite ready for Bath society, but at least she's not an
embarrassment.”
    “And I've been impressed with how much Mary's
seat has improved. What do you think of the expedition they've
planned?”
    “You know me, I never interfere with my
children's pleasures.” Sir Charles thought this was something of an
understatement, but accepted her approval.
    “Then I won't find a distraction to divert them.
I do have a concern about Miss Wood.”
    “She and that Captain Wood?”
    “Precisely. They seem attracted to each other. I
mean, they do what they can to avoid it, but there is something
between them. Did you notice?”
    “I did. Why do you think I stopped the dancing
practice this afternoon?”
    “Do you think that Arnold woman notices?”
    “She'd be blind not to. I'm rather pleased that
Miss Wood is visiting us. It will keep her out of trouble.”
    “I hope it works, and that Captain Wood soon
forgets Miss Wood.”
    “And she him. I do so hope she meets some other
eligible