August 15th 1800
Fortum and Mason’s
@lucyofedinburgh
Margaret wondered what she did to deserve getting stuck with Lady Heyward and Lady Selwyn at luncheon. She hadn’t invited or imposed upon either of them and yet they seemed to make their way over taking up the free chairs at her table. Was she already being sized up as a possible Patroness, or had they come to scold her for some unknown reason?
She did wish they would get on with it, instead of flittering conversation over their children and the most fashionable fabric for the closing weeks of the Season. “Your wedding is close approaching Lady Mulgrave, tell us all about your dress.” Celestia Selwyn leaned in with interest and Margaret had to feign mystery.
“It’s a secret, of course. Until the day.” All she wanted was a candied tart in peace, Margaret frowned slightly, picking a piece of sugared orange slice from the pastry, and leaving it at the side of her plate. The worst offense the other two ladies had done her that afternoon was the act of sitting right in her vision of the foreigners newly arrived from Sweden. Royalty, the attendant behind the counter had whispered. It had been easy to eavesdrop without present company.
She would be stuck here with nothing but droll conversation forever. Margaret’s gaze wandered around the establishment, and she nearly leaped out of her chair at the sight of familiar red hair. Lucy. Surely she would provide emergency rescue. “Princess, I’ve been waiting for you.” Margaret picked up her plate and stepped out from the current table, muttering a quick dismissal for herself to the other ladies before quickly crossing the tile to Lucy’s side.
“Did you know,” She whispered, “It seems no lady can have a peaceful tea or luncheon here at all? I’d be grateful for five minutes of your time at least – just to escape Lady Heyward and Selwyn.” Margaret motioned to the Swedes in the kitty-corner then, “Do you think anyone will want to go back with them? To Sweden? It seems to be all they’re talking about.”
