“We don’t know each other that well, Prudence. Doesn’t it all seem too quick?” asked Lady Tremaine.

“What is there to know? He’s a rich man and lives in an enchanted kingdom. He’s handsome, dashing, and highly ranked. He’s a dream!” said Lady Hackle, taking her friend’s hand.

“I’m not sure what I will say, Prudence. We didn’t speak of love. Though I suppose the implication was there.” Lady Tremaine looked up at her friend. She was surprised how much she wanted this man to love her. She feared she was treading into dangerous territory.

“Tell me everything. From beginning to end. Leave nothing out. Not a single word. And then we’ll know what you should do,” said Lady Hackle.

Lady Tremaine took a deep breath. “Very well, Prudence, if you insist. You know what a lovely day it was. You picked the perfect place for our picnic. It was such a gorgeous spot, everything was green, the flowers in bloom, and you know how fond I am of the gazebo across the lake. After the gentlemen returned from their hunt, Sir Richard made his way to me almost immediately and suggested we take a walk. We crossed the little wooden bridge over the lake, and there we talked until you sent Pratt over to let us know everyone was going back to the house. I spoke of my daughters, and he spoke of his, and we talked of what life had been like for both of us after our spouses died. He’s such a practical man, very much like the men here in London. Everything was so sensible. We didn’t speak of love, though he did speak of how he longed for a woman to run his household, to raise his daughter. He spoke of his loneliness, and how much he missed his wife, and how he’d like to have companionship again. And I understood him, because I want those things, too. But I couldn’t help but wonder if he wanted love.”

“Of course he does. He spoke of his loneliness and wanting a wife. What else could he have meant?” asked her friend.

“I feel that is what he meant. At least that is how it felt in the moment. But I might have been swept away by the beauty of it all,” said Lady Tremaine.

“Oh, I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He has eyes for no one else when you’re in the room. I think he is in love with you.” Lady Hackle squeezed Lady Tremaine’s hand.

Lady Tremaine thought Lady Hackle may be right. She felt the same way, and then she realized she knew what she would do.