Shay.

Thomas Lytton took the letter from Oliver, his London butler. He broke the seal and read the note. It had been a long time since he and Rebecca had attended the Season. Over the years, since marrying, they had rarely spent a full Season in London. Just the occasional ball or derby.

This year, however, Hannah and Shay were coming out. Thomas was almost as excited as Rebecca. She had travelled to Paris to meet them, when they had ended their final year at Saint Germaine's Finishing School. Rebecca had taken them to buy beautiful gowns to be worn to picnics, parties, balls and breakfasts. Hannah had come home with ten new dresses and Shay, according to Rebecca, had insisted in only half that amount.

Thomas sighed and wondered what would become of Shay. The last letter he had received from the school was a letter from Madame Le Fleure telling him of Shay's comment to the Marquis of Cordo. The Madame had suggested Thomas think about having Shay taken to a monastery to become a nun, or to perhaps let her stay on at the school to teach. There was no way Thomas would allow either of these things. The girl was too beautiful, both physically and personally to be wasted. He wanted her to marry. However, he didn't know how he was going to have this happen without a fight. Thomas brushed these thoughts aside and looked down at the letter. They were invited to attend afternoon tea with Viscount Neilson and his family before the ball. Thomas bit on his lip to stop from smiling at the memory of knowing Shay, had smeared the viscount's daughter's face with mud. He hoped the girls had sorted their differences by now.

*

Shay couldn't believe how many people were in attendance at the, afternoon tea. In her eyes it was more of a party. At least twenty young men, and almost double the number of women were gathered on the lawn. Shay looked down into her cup. Being more women than men was a good thing. She happily stayed in the pavilion with the older married ladies.

Rebecca touched her on the forearm. "Shay. I want you to go outside and get some sun. Hannah is out there with Mr. Witherspoon and Mr. Patterson."

"Mama..." Shay glanced at the women standing with them, and then focused on Rebecca. This was the first time Shay had called her Mama. She had no idea why she had said it now, but it had been in her mind for a long time.

Rebecca's mouth dropped open, and then came together in a smile. "Yes, Shay."

"Mama." Shay stepped closer and whispered, "I do not wish to go outside so I can be looked upon as a broody mare."

"Oh, Shay." Rebecca put her hand to her mouth, and walked a few steps from the group, taking Shay with her. "What will we ever do with you? Papa is going to have a fit. I beg you. Please try and look like you are having a wonderful time, so he won't worry."

Shay sucked in her top lip. She looked out at Hannah laughing and smiling with the group of young people she was talking to. Mr. Witherspoon stood beaming down at her. "I'm sorry, Mama. I don't mean to make him worry. I'm just different from Hannah, but I will try."

Taking Shay's face in both of her hands, Rebecca kissed her forehead. "We know you are. This is your Season. You are eighteen. Every girl must enjoy her first Season." Rebecca tittered. "I promise, if any young man asks for your hand this Season, that I will tell Papa no." She raised her eyebrows. "Do we have a deal?"

Shay beamed and nodded her head. "Yes." She turned to walk away but Rebecca stopped her.

She took hold of Shay's hands and smiled. "I love that you have called me Mama. You have made me very happy."

"I love you," Shay whispered and squeezed Rebecca's hands. "I love you very much, Mama."

The best part of the Season, in Shay's mind, were the rides in Hyde Park. This way she could be alone. Almost. She was so sick of dancing with strangers or pretending to enjoy boring conversations about politics, or the state of the country. Why didn't these people address the problems, rather than whine about them. She looked at herself in the mirror. Another ball. At the end of the Season, she was going to tell Papa that she wanted to work in the London Asylum for Poor Orphan Girls. She had discovered it on one of her rides in Hyde Park. A nun was handing out leaflets hoping to raise money for the girls. Shay pulled the paper from her bag. 'Blue Maids Orphanage'. The pamphlet stated the movement had started in Bristol, and had been established in London for fifteen years.

"Shay!"

Shay quickly stuffed the paper back in her bag and turned to face the door as it was flung opened. "Hannah. You look amazing!"

"Do I?" Hannah twirled around so her skirt flared out.

Shay couldn't help but smile. How many times had Hannah done this exact thing? She was always so happy, twirling and singing. Making plans for one event or another, even if they were imaginary. Shay wished so much to be like Hannah, but marriage just didn't seem enough to fill one's life. She wanted to do so much more.

Hannah makes me laugh, all the twirling must make her dizzy. Hahahaha

And Shay has finally called Rebecca Mama. ♥♥

Image taken from The Library Time Machine.