“I appreciate the invitation, but Id merely planned to see that they were welcomed and then be on my way. I shall send my carriage around for them later.
“I cant believe youre actually here! Lauren said enthusiastically as she wrapped her arm around Lydias and led her through the garden.
Lydia could hardly believe it herself. She and Lauren had written to each other over the years expressing how much they wanted to share the balls and London. And now here she was. Yet all she seemed capable of doing was wondering when Rhys would return.
Her mother and Aunt Elizabeth sat at a table beneath a tree, sipping their tea and talking. Lauren hadnt bothered to ask if Lydia wanted tea. Shed simply ushered her into the garden.
“I wanted to get you away from them, so we can talk privately without ears listening, Lauren whispered, when they were a good distance away.
She leaned close and touched her shoulder to Lydias. “What is going on between you and the Duke?
Lydias heart jumped around in her chest. “Whatever do you mean?
“My goodness, Lydia, the man barely took his eyes off you the entire time he was here. And the way he looked at youshe fanned her face with her hand as though she were suddenly burning with a fever“if a gentleman ever looked at me like that, I swear Id marry him tomorrow.
Lydia would marry Rhys as well if he wasnt saying one thing and doing another. He loved her, but not enough to risk marrying her, for fear in marrying her, hed hurt her. Yet she was certain their love was strong enough to withstand any storm. But a man who had never known love could not begin to fathom its power.
Lydia shook her head, but she couldnt prevent the tears from forming. “He has no interest in marrying me.
“Oh, my! Lauren grabbed her arm and pulled her behind a trellis covered in vines and roses. “You love him?
More tears surfaced as Lydia pressed her hands to her mouth and nodded.
“So much, she rasped. “Im trying to be a lady about it. Ive read all these books on how a lady comports herself, and nothing explains how to act when your heart is breaking.
Lauren put her arms around Lydia and drew her close. “What do your parents say?
“They dont know. She wiped her eyes, sniffed, and pulled back. “And you mustnt tell them. Rhys simply told them that since we were here, I should have a chance to visit London, attend a ball, and that hes willing to help me find a suitable husband.
“How damned English of him.
Lydia released a small laugh. “Isnt it, though?
“So hes willing to find you a husband, but not step into the shoes himself. Well, well just have to see about that.
“What do you mean?
“As fate would have it, my friend Gina is hosting a ball the night after tomorrow. You remember her, dont you? She lived in Fortune for a time.
“I remember her. She worked in the cotton fields with us.
“Thats right. She and I have remained friends over the years. When she came to London last summer for a visit, I took her to a ball, and she had a marriage proposal that very night.
“Youre kidding?
“Absolutely not. She married the Earl of Huntingdon, and theyre quite happily married now, as youll see. Ill expect nothing less for you.
Chapter 17
L ydia trembled with anticipation, shook with trepidation.
She felt as though shed waited her entire life for this moment of walking into a London ballroom. Four crystal chandeliers with gas flares provided light for the room that was a colorful sea of men and women dressed in such finery that Lydia wished shed had time to have a more fashionable dress sewn.
Although Lauren and Aunt Elizabeth had assured her that she looked lovely, she suddenly felt dowdy and ill-prepared. Where was Rhys when she needed him? Who would whisper in her ear with gentle encouragement and anticipate her mistakes before she made them?
She understood that he was in mourning, but for tonight, she dearly wanted him here. How was it she could so desire his presence when he refused to embrace the emotions that existed between them?
“Gina and Lord Huntingdon had a rough go of it when they discovered Ginas father had left them with nothing except debt, Lauren whispered behind her fan. “But now they are so madly in love that I think Huntingdon considers himself to be far richer than he would have been with the money Ginas father had originally promised him.
“Are you telling me that he married her for her fathers money? Lydia asked.
Rhys had told her love wasnt often a consideration for marriage, but shed hoped his assessment of marriage among the aristocracy had been tainted by his cynicism and his own parents situation.
Lauren nodded. “Not at all unheard of. As a matter of fact, be grateful the Duke is willing to interview any gentleman who shows an interest in you. Its often difficult to tell by looking when a man has fallen on hard times.
“Id just be grateful if one looked my way with something more than morbid curiosity, Lydia mused.
“They will. It just takes a while for them to warm up to foreigners. Come on. Let me introduce you to Lord and Lady Huntingdon.
Lydia took a deep breath. Within her tightly fitting kid gloves, her palms began to sweat, although she knew she had no reason to be nervous. Shed memorized the various forms of address. More importantly, she knew Gina.
Their host and hostess turned to them. Lydia wouldnt have recognized the woman if Lauren hadnt already told her whom shed be meeting. Gina looked far prettier than Lydia remembered her as being. She wondered if love was responsible. Was it such a transforming emotion?
“Gina, you remember my cousin Lydia Westland, dont you? Lauren asked.
Gina gave Lydia the warmest, most welcome smile shed ever received. “Of course I remember her. Although its been years since weve seen each other. How do you like London?
“Ive only been here a few days, but I think its wonderful, Lydia admitted.
“I despise it, Gina said, still smiling. “Devons almost finished up his business here. Then, thank goodness, we can return to the country next week.
She squeezed the arm of the gentleman standing beside her. “Lydia, this is Devon, my husband.
But in her voice, Lydia heard he was also her love.
He gave his wife an indulgent grin before bowing slightly to Lydia. “My wife is not one to stand on ceremony. Its a pleasure to meet you, Miss Westland.
“Its the ceremony I love, Lydia admitted.
“I can barely tolerate it, Gina said. “So many rules. I have better things to do with my time than memorize rules.
Lauren laughed. “Ah, Gina, bless your heart, you never change.
“Thank goodness for that, Lord Huntingdon said.
Gina fluttered her hand. “Go on and enjoy yourselves. See if you can break as many hearts as Lauren has.
Lydia followed Lauren as she made her way around the ballroom, occasionally stopping to make introductions.
“I cant believe youve had this gaiety every summer while Ive been picking cotton, Lydia said quietly, more grateful than ever that she wore gloves to hide the tiny scars where plucking bolls had pricked her fingers.
“Its an entirely different life, thats for sure, Lauren said. “Its a shame Harrington couldnt be here.
“I know, Lydia said, looking around wistfully. She wanted to share this moment with him. “I feel like somethings missing.
“What could possibly be missing?
“Im not sure. Ive anticipated this moment for so long that I suppose it has no choice except to be disappointing.
“You wont be disappointed once the gentlemen start asking you to dance. Lauren wiggled her finger toward a corner. “Do you see that tall gentleman over there?
“How could I miss him? Lydia asked. He was at least a head taller than the tallest man standing near him. And so incredibly thin as to be gaunt.
“He always stands out in a crowd. Hes the Earl of Whithaven. And over there, do you see the very petite woman with the blond hair?
>
Lydia nodded.
“Thats his wife.
“What an odd pair, Lydia mused.
“I would think so as well except that she is so obviously in love with him. You should see the way she looks at him when they dance. For all they say that the aristocracy does not marry for love, I sense there is a change afoot. Marrying for property or political alliance is giving way to matters of the heart. Its been ever so romantic to watch.
“My goodness, Lauren, you almost sound British.
Lauren laughed lightly. “I should hope so. Nine years in this wretched country, trying to fit in.
Lydia was taken aback by her statement. “I thought you loved it here.
“I adore certain aspects of it. But there is so much ceremony that sometimes it becomes a bit much. You can see that Gina doesnt care. She introduces people like she was still in Texas. Upon further consideration, hers might not have been the best ball to start you off with. I love her dearly, but she has no interest in conforming. And look at us. Weve been standing here for the longest while the music plays and others dance. Young men stand along the walls like fossils. Have you ever seen even the homeliest of women in Texas sit out a single dance?
Lydia smiled with remembrance. “I suppose you have a valid point.
“Of course, I do. Everything is so proper here. There are times when I consider it all splendid, and other times when I wish for something more. Oh, listen to me. This is supposed to be your night. We really must find you a dance partner. Laurens jubilant smile enhanced her beauty. “And here comes a possibility now.
But the Duke of Kimburton, while polite to Lydia, was obviously interested only in Lauren and promptly escorted her onto the dance floor. Lydia glanced around at all the glitz and the glamour and suddenly wished what shed never expected to wish at this moment.
She wished she was anywhere but where she was.
The Earl of Whithaven stood in a distant corner, away from the maddening throng, and studied every man. Daring each to meet and hold his gaze, making a mental note of those who looked away too quickly, too guiltily.
His height gave him a decided advantage. He planned to make the most of it this evening, and during every other evening while he was in London. His gaze darted to his wife. His lovely, treacherous wife.
“Whithaven, whats wrong, man? You look as though you found your dinner disagreeable, Viscount Reynolds said.
He shifted his attention to Viscount Reynolds and the Marquess of Kingston. Trusted friends both. He stepped farther back into the corner, and they promptly joined him, sensing that discretion was in order.
“I believehe swallowed hard and forced out the detested words“I believe my wife is having an affair.
“Daphne? Kingston asked.
“She is the only wife I have, he responded tartly.
“But she adores you, man. Its always been quite obvious, Kingston assured him.
“No longer. Im certain of it.
“How can you be so sure? Reynolds asked.
To no one else, other than these two, would he confess the truth. “A few nights ago, I joined Daphne in her bedchamber. To, of course, exercise my rights as her husband.
“Of course, Reynolds murmured.
“Quite so, Kingston mumbled.
“She suggested things He stopped, unable to continue as the memories bombarded him.
“What sort of things? Kingston asked.
“Things I would do with my mistress but never my wife.
Both mens eyes widened and their mouths dropped open.
“Where would she learn of such things? Reynolds asked.
“As I said. She has obviously taken on a lover.
The gentlemen glanced around the room.
“And you think he is here? Kingston asked.
“I would not be at all surprised. He must be a peer. I cannot expect a lesser man to attract the attention of my Daphne. Certainly he would not be worthy of it.
“Have you considered, Reynolds began, “that she has perhaps visited the infamous Gentleman Seducer?
Whithaven scoffed. “He is but a myth.
“Perhaps grounded in truth. There has been much whispering going about.
He shook his head. “She has no need to pay for a mans services. Good Lord, look at her. She is lovely beyond description.
“I daresay there is not a gentleman in attendance who does not wonder if the rumors about this mysterious roueacute; are true. I, for one, have been more attentive to my wife in hopes of keeping her from visiting this fellow, should he be flesh and not myth. Ive even heard it rumored he has a penchant for chocolate, Kingston told them.
“You dont say? Reynolds murmured.
“Where did you hear this? Whithaven asked.
“My wife, Kingston admitted.
“How would she know?
Kingston looked uncomfortable but revealed, “She said she overheard a lady mentioning shed paid him a visit.
“Not my Daphne.
“No, of course not, Kingston hastened to assure him. “Ive no doubt it was a woman of little consequence.
Whithaven once again began a slow perusal of the guests. “By God, when I do discover who her lover is, I shall kill him.
Sitting beside the window in the front parlor, Rhys thought the constant ticking of the clock on the mantel might drive him stark raving mad. Through the open doorway, he had a clear view of the entrance hall. For the past hour hed expected Lydia to return home at any moment.
His gaze continually jumped between the doorway and the book resting on his lap, continually jumped from the doorway to the single word on the page he seemed unable to move beyond, jumped in rhythm to the damned ticking of the clock.
It did not help matters that Grayson and Abbie were also in the room. Apparently they were reading, because he occasionally heard the soft rasp of pages being turned.
He should have attended the ball. Hed even contemplated going to Huntingdons residence and creeping around to peer in windows until he spotted the room in which the dance was being held, until he caught sight of Lydia and could rest assured she was enjoying herself.
Hed often listened distractedly while Camilla had gone on and on about how important it was to be considered part of the Marlborough House Set. Lydia was attending a ball hosted by an American, being introduced by an American. She would no doubt be seen as a tourist. He did not think she would be shunned, but the possibility existed that she would not be welcomed with open arms.
He could only hope he was making much ado about nothing. She was lovely, graceful, and so full of life she was bound to draw a gentlemans fancy, and in so doing, her evening would be victorious.
Blast it! Knowing the peerage as he did, he should have taken greater measures to ensure she had the type of evening shed always dreamed of. But hed feared revealing himself in a public forum, of causing unwarranted harm.
His little dreamer would do well. Her poise and charm would win over the finest of gentlemen. He was certain of it. She would be the toast of London. He would be interviewing possible suitors in the days to come.
Perhaps that was where his worry initiated, from deep within his secret yearnings. He truly didnt want her with someone else. Walking on another mans arm, kissing another mans mouth, sleeping in another mans bed, opening herself up to another mans passions.
He heard a loud pop. He looked down at his lap to discover hed somehow managed to crack the spine on his book. As a rule he valued books and treated them with utmost respect. He would have to find a binder to fix this one.
“How long do these parties go on for? Abbie asked.
Her twang was more pronounced than Lydias. Strange how hed never noticed before. He could well imagine Lydia practicing until she sounded more like Grayson than her mother.
He glanced up at the clock. A little after two. “I should think she will be arriving home at any moment.
Home . It had been years since hed thought of this house as his home. Although it was well and t
ruly his now, the ghosts from his past continued to haunt him. And he had no desire for them to inflict themselves on Lydia.
Outside, the clatter of hooves and wheels neared and came to a stop. He discreetly slipped his fingers between the curtains, separating them enough so he could peer through the window. He saw Lydia alight from Ravenleighs carriage.
He could hardly describe the joy that the sight of her brought to him. How lonely it would be when she was another mans wife and no longer visiting him.
“Shes arrived, he said quietly.
He heard the front door open, and the butler murmur a greeting. While Grayson and Abbie immediately rose, Rhys schooled his features not to reveal how desperately he wanted to know exactly how her evening had gone. She was not his to care about as he did. To express any sort of outward interest was not to be done.
He caught a glimpse of her strolling past. He attributed the lack of a spring in her step to weariness from dancing all evening.
“Lydia! her mother called out.
Lydia came back into view, peeking into the room. “Mama, I didnt know you were going to wait up.
“Of course, we would! Weve all been anxious to hear about your evening. Come tell us about it.
She hesitated before entering the room. Her dance card and ivory fan dangled from her wrist. She looked like a wilted rose, one plucked and left without waternot one that had blossomed and then faded as it should.
“How was it? her mother prodded.
Standing in the center of the room, looking uncertain, Lydia smiled softly. “Just as I thought it would be. I wish youd been there. So many ladies wearing beautiful gowns. Gentlemen dressed in their finery. There was an orchestra. She finally met Rhyss gaze. “Back home, we usually only have a fiddle player or two.
“Did you dance? Abbie asked.
She nodded slightly, slipping the hand where her dance card dangled behind her back. “Oh, yes.
Her mother smiled brightly and hugged her. “Im so glad. I was worried you wouldnt have a good time.
“How could I not when Ive wanted this night my whole life?
Her mother patted her cheek. “Its late and I know were all tired. You can give us all the details tomorrow. She slid her arm around Lydia. “Lets get you tucked into bed.
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