Chapter 8
Faith picked a chrysanthemum and sank onto the nearby bench. The afternoon was growing late, and soon she’d have to go inside for tea with the ladies. But for now, she was content to be alone in the garden, alone with her misery and confusion.
As Papa had requested, Stephen left that morning. He’d stayed just long enough to speak to his parents at breakfast, then quietly stepped into his carriage and left for London. Faith had no idea what he’d said to them or what excuses he made for leaving the party early, but now Lady Emily beamed a bright and happy smile at her whenever Faith walked into the room. So to avoid all awkward conversations, Faith had escaped the house for the gardens.
With a heavy sigh, she plucked at the tiny petals. If only it were that easy to escape love.
