Epilogue

EPILOGUE

"Usually Mother's parties are so dull." Lady Hampshire perched on the edge of the divan in the parlor of Bradford Hall, nibbling a piece of pineapple. "But you made this year's the best yet."

"I can hardly wait to see what you do next year." Obviously, Lady Suffield enjoyed my discomfort.

"I thought for sure you would despise me for lying to you." I looked from one sister to the other.

"Oh, Lady Amherst," Lady Hampshire laughed. "Your accent was so bad. We all knew you were lying, but it was so entertaining, we simply did not have the heart to call your bluff."

"But what of what your mother said about not wanting to be polite to a Yank?"

The sisters laughed. "No one loves a good prank as much as Mother. When I told her about your deplorable accent, she begged me to bring her along on my call."

"Perhaps I should be angry with the two of you." I scowled. "Do you know how much I worried before the party?"

"Not to mention the spanking you must have gotten." Lady Suffield giggled.

"I saw the switch in your hand when you got back into your carriage," Lady Hampshire said. "I hope your punishment was not too severe."

I smiled at my two new friends. "Well, let's just say I will not attempt to be anyone other than myself from now on."