Looking aHead Girl

Could either of you go for supper tonight? I've only an hour, I'm afraid, because I'm working. Or we could go for drinks when I finish. I think I could meet you at The Hedgepig by half-ten.

Only I really need to talk to you both. Something happened at supper last night--my parents' big gathering before the Opera. You were right, Sarah, when you saw me at the interval: I was terribly upset. And trying not to show that.

Oh, I don't know! Honestly. You have to tell me what I should do.

I mean, they'd drawn up the dowry parchments and signed between them before they ever told me.

Vani, you know I told you Ned was so out of sorts last weekend and I thought it was because I'd asked you to meet us for supper when he'd wanted to see me alone? And, fair enough, we're almost never completely alone. And then Whitacre's party should have been a time, but there were so many people and we were just thronged. Even the sleighing wasn't private--we went in great sledges with four couples in each. And it was wonderful, but Ned seemed so put out, and I thought maybe he was angry with me. Or worse.
 
 
 
I nearly fainted when Papa stood up last night with everyone there and told them all I'm to marry. And they all welcomed Ned to the family.

And I was supposed to be so pleased.

Well, no. I was supposed to be overcome with happiness.

And I don't know what I was instead. Only. It's not what I expected at all.