Henrietta Rosewood said as she tied the ribbons of her bonnet. “Lord Haverford is an honorable man. Why does he not satisfy his family obligation and speak to your father?” Already dressed for their outing, Anna gathered up the books she needed to return to the lending library. “I don’t know, Mama.” “You’ve been all that is amiable, Anna. Anyone can see you are the perfect wife for him.” Henrietta emphasized her words with grand gestures, and one waving hand nearly hit the footman in the nose as he went to open the front door for the two of them. She didn’t even notice the near miss as she paraded down the stairs to their carriage. “Perhaps he feels the need for a certain amount of courtship,” Anna offered, hurrying after her parent. “Nonsense!” Mrs. Rosewood clambered into the carriage with a loud creaking of springs. “There is no uncertainty here. He knows what must be done.” Anna handed her books to a footman to be stowed, then climbed into the carriage herself.
