A Hasty Betrothal

A twinge pinged Elizabeth, but not enough to take her attention from the face staring back at her. “Just get rid of the dress. Is there no other way to disguise this...?”

“I purchased a new powder but hesitate to try it on a day you’re going out with Mr. Hawthorne, on the chance you have a negative reaction. You have such sensitive skin, my lady.”

Elizabeth frowned, tracing the outline of her birthmark. The edges scraped her fingertips, the texture quite different than the rest of her skin. Indeed, if it were not for this infernal marking, she might have quite beautiful skin. Naturally creamy and pale, with cheeks that blushed easily and required no rouge. Her lips also were often full colored, requiring none of the dreadful lip antics she’d seen other ladies resort to.

Jenna put a hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder as if to comfort her. “We will try the powder tomorrow. Will that do?”

“After so many years, one would think we could find a way to hide my blemish.” Elizabeth pushed up from her seat and faced Jenna. “You have been a most excellent lady’s maid. Give that dress to Betsy, finish whatever duties await you and then take the afternoon off.”

“Really, my lady?”

“Of course. You are leaving for Windermar in the morning?”

“I had planned to.”

“Grandmother can spare a maid to help me when I arrive.” Elizabeth forced a smile to hide the dread curling inside as the time to visit Miles’s factory drew near. His arrival was imminent. Their trip would be an all-week affair, as the factory was located in Cheshire County, near her grandmother’s estate.

After Miles informed her of their upcoming factory visit, she’d written to Grandmother, procuring permission to stay for several days. Elizabeth was looking forward to returning home. She had procured a telescope several months ago but had not been able to use it nearly as much as she’d hoped.

“Thank you, my lady.” Jenna curtsied and left the room. Reluctantly, Elizabeth followed. As she trudged downstairs, she heard Miles’s voice coming from her father’s study. The sound of his husky, deep tones sent an odd shiver through her.

Nerves, of course. For being forced into a factory tour, surrounded by strange staring people... She shuddered but then squared her shoulders. A small price to pay for what Miles had given up to keep her from ruin.