Something Scandalous

“Am I disturbing you two?” Elizabeth stood.

“He will be relieved. I was reviewing what colors and fabrics we shall use in the nursery.”

“Oh,” Elizabeth said, and then returned to her seat.

She sat in the room as the clock ticked away the time. Woods brought in the tea on a silver tray, and still no Jennette. What in the world was keeping her? After close to ten minutes, a flushed Jennette raced back into the room.

“I’m so sorry it took me so long. Matthew had a few issues with some of the items I had chosen. He refused to let me leave until I heard all his complaints.”

There was knocking at the front door, and then the sound of feminine voices in the hallway. “It sounds like you must have callers,” Elizabeth said with more than a little disappointment.

“Of course we have,” Jennette said with a smile. “Didn’t you notice all the teacups?”

Elizabeth glanced over and saw the five teacups on the platter. Sh

e instantly knew who was joining them. Her lower lip trembled.

“Thank you,” she whispered to Jennette as Avis, Sophie, and Victoria entered the room.

“You looked like you needed your friends,” Jennette replied. “All of them.”

Elizabeth could only nod as tears filled her eyes. “I’m so confused,” she admitted.

“Tell us what’s wrong,” Sophie said with a gentle pat on Elizabeth’s shoulder.

“My entire life turned completely upside down today.” Elizabeth wiped away a tear.

“What happened?” Avis asked with a frown. “Did you find the diary?”

“No, I checked the boys’ room today and there was nothing. No secret panels, no secret floorboards or cabinets. Nothing. I still have to recheck the study and the duke’s bedroom.”

“Then how did your life get turned around?” Victoria asked.

Elizabeth breathed in deeply to calm her frayed nerves. “He kissed me.”

“Oh, my,” Avis said.

“It’s not just that he kissed me but why he kissed me,” Elizabeth explained. “He didn’t kiss me because he’s attracted to me.”

“Then why would he kiss you?” Sophie asked quietly.

“He was upset because the woman he wanted to marry had sent him a letter telling him she was marrying someone else.” Elizabeth reached for her tea and gulped down the hot liquid.

Avis and Jennette looked at each other and shrugged. Sophie shook her head and Victoria said nothing.

“It makes no sense that he kissed you if he feels nothing toward you,” Avis explained.

“And why is this bothering you so much?” Sophie pried.

Elizabeth should have known they wouldn’t understand. “Because I felt something.”

“Oh,” was the collective response from the group.

“And?” Jennette asked.

“And?” Elizabeth fought to keep her voice from rising. “He kissed me and I felt something.”

“Now, just to clarify,” Avis started with a slight grin. “This thing you felt was good?”