A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson Page A

told Father many times over that Noah loves working to heal people. Of course, Father and Mother think his position lowly and worry that I will never have my needs met properly. I do wish they would stop tormenting us both.”
    “I’m sure they simply care what happens to you, Pru. They don’t want you suffering. My mother and father insisted I quit writing for Godey’s for that very reason. They care about my reputation, and I guess there have been many comments about my working.”
    “You didn’t quit, did you?”
    “What else was I going to do? My father insisted.”
    “Oh, Mia, I am sorry.” Prudence took hold of her hand. “We are a fine pair today, are we not?”
    “Well, we must keep up appearances and be cheerful. After all, your Noah loves you very much. That’s really all that matters.”
    “I just fear that he’ll refuse Father and Father will withdraw his blessing.”
    Mia patted Prudence’s arm. “Now stop fretting. It would be an embarrassment for your father to do such a thing.”
    “That’s true—and Father would never risk social condemnation.”
    “Stop now with your worrying or your face will flush and turn blotchy.”
    Prudence put her hands to her face. “Oh, I forgot. Is it as bad as last time?”
    Mia shook her head and remembered when Prudence had first announced to her family that she’d fallen in love with a doctor. It was at a private dinner to which Mia had been invited. Prudence was just back from visiting her grandmother in the country, where she’d met the acquaintance of Dr. Noah Hayes. Throughout the evening Prudence’s face had seemed mottled in a swirl of peach, pink, and red, all due to her unsettled nerves.
    “It’s not yet that bad. You are merely flushed at this point. Now put aside your concerns and enjoy your party.”
    “Congratulations, Miss Brighton,” Garrett exclaimed, coming up from behind Mia.
    “Thank you, Mr. Wilson. I’m so glad you could come. If you’ll excuse me, I need to attend to something.”
    “That is quite all right, Pru. I need to speak with Mr. Wilson anyway,” Mia said, waving her on. Once Prudence had gone, Mia turned to Garrett. “Did you get my note?”
    “I did. I’m glad you liked the flowers.”
    Mia smiled, remembering Ruth’s comments. “Well, you caused a stir with my maid. She thought perhaps I was receiving a proposal.”
    Garrett’s eyes widened a bit. “She thought I was proposing— to you?”
    “Yes, isn’t it silly? I set her straight and encouraged her to put her attention on her own affairs of the heart. She is completely besotted with our groomsman. Oh look. There’s Josephine. Come along, and I’ll introduce you.”
    She took hold of Garrett’s arm and urged him along. He seemed reluctant, but Mia was sure once he met Josephine, he was bound to relax and enjoy the party.
    “Miss Monroe,” Mia said rather ceremonially, “I’d like you to meet Mr. Wilson. He is a dear friend and our closest neighbor.” Josephine curtsied as Garrett bowed. Mia hadn’t bothered to tell Josephine about her plan, so there was no preconceived notion on the part of the dark-haired young woman.
    “I have met Mr. Wilson prior to this,”Josephine announced. “But it was some time ago and I wouldn’t expect him to remember.”
    As they regarded each other, Mia relaxed. Garrett seemed genuinely taken in by Jo’s grace and style, and it didn’t hurt that Jo looked lovelier than Mia could ever remember.
    “Father thinks quite highly of your family,” Josephine continued.
    “I share the same regard for your family, Miss Monroe.”
    “And your stepmother has just had another little girl, correct?”
    “That’s right. They are planning to be here today, although I’m certain they will not bring the baby,” Garrett replied.
    Josephine gave an unladylike snort as she laughed. “No, I do not suppose they will. Children would hardly be welcome at an engagement party.”
    “If you two will excuse me,”Mia said,