“Certainly not, but neither can I remain silent when faced with such maliciousness,” said Victoria.
Phyllis’s lips pinched together, and she sucked in a deep breath that had her neck straining. “That is what you think of me?”
Victoria sent her a pleading gaze to give strength to her words. “You orchestrated a punishment intended to humiliate Lily, using the knowledge you gained as her confidant and friend to torture her. That is the definition of malicious, Phyllis. But you can undo some of the damage done if you will simply acknowledge it and apologize to Lily. Prove yourself better than this.”
Phyllis stiffened and her expression hardened, her eyes narrowing on Victoria. Hettie’s gaze was wide and pained as she continued to glance between the ladies, though her hold on Phyllis never slackened.
“Lily Kingsley was never my friend,” said Phyllis, her words clipped and hard. “And now, I think you may not have been, either.”
With a raised chin, Phyllis gave Victoria a hard look down her nose before turning and dragging Hettie away.
***
“I do wish I could stand up with you, dear sister,” said Graham as the pair watched their spouses gliding across the dance floor together.
Taking her brother by the arm, Mina smiled. “Though I love to dance, I find it doesn’t agree with me as much as it once did. I fear we are growing old, Graham.”
He grimaced. “I cannot seem to rise from a chair without a groan, and my bones creak like the timbers of a ship.”
The pair stood together for several long moments, and Mina enjoyed the whirl of colors as the dancers sped around the dance floor. Their vibrancy and liveliness never failed to fill her with an equal measure of the sentiments, stripping away the decades until she felt as young as her daughter.
“I’ve been meaning to ask how married life is treating Gabrielle,” said Mina.
“My eldest is a dear girl but a terrible correspondent,” said Graham. “Only made worse by the fact that she is wrapped up in the bliss of being Mrs. Ezra Brisbane. We do get the occasional missive, and the latest said his family’s medical practice is thriving. Horatio has expressed an interest in medicine, and I can only hope that the Brisbanes might provide some assistance in helping him get established when the time comes.”
Mina’s brows rose. “That is fortunate, but what of Will?”
“He has not the slightest idea of what to pursue,” he replied with a shake of his head. “He is still young, so there is time, but I don’t know if I will be at ease until all three of my children are well-established.”
With a chuckle, she replied, “I doubt a parent is ever at ease, for even if all is well with one’s children, the next generation will surely begin the cycle anew.”
“Yes, but it is far easier to be a grandfather,” said Graham.
“And in the meantime, you are lucky if your children do not send you to an early grave,” she muttered.
Graham slanted her a look. “Oliver is a sensible lad. I won’t deny that it is worrisome for him to take up with a Banfield, but that does not mean he is wrong in his estimation of her.”
Mina sighed, the breath taking with it her certainty and leaving a void of confusion in place. “Every time I feel as though I have a grasp on the situation, it shifts, and I’m left at odds with myself. I cannot stand the tension between my children and me.”
“You will find a way through, Mina, I’ve no doubt.”
“Speaking of which, I wonder where my children are,” she murmured, turning her gaze to the crowds. In such company, Mina did not fret about the pair of them, for they had good hearts and the intellect to keep them from trouble, but it had been quite a while since she’d spied Lily.
“I believe they went out the side door with Miss Banfield a few moments ago,” said Graham, nodding towards the entrance that led to the gardens.
Mina’s brow furrowed, and she took her leave of Graham, following after them. Weaving through the crowd, she made her way to the garden courtyard. The strains of the orchestra grew distant and the glow of candlelight dimmed, though the full moon hung high in the sky above her. The evening air felt wonderful against her flushed skin, and she drew in a deep breath steeped in hints of distant rain, freshly turned soil, changing leaves, and all the other scents of autumn.
Murmuring voices drew her deeper into the garden, and the sounds of a muffled sob had her footsteps coming quicker.
“The look in his eyes…” Lily’s words were broken and jagged, tearing at her mother’s heart, but the reply brought Mina to a halt.
“You are a treasure, Lily,” said Miss Banfield.
Creeping closer, Mina peered around a topiary to find Miss Banfield holding Lily as the poor girl’s heart broke. Whispering all the soothing, loving things one needs to hear in such a moment, Miss Banfield comforted her as Lily’s tears wetted the young lady’s shoulder. Oliver stood nearby, an angry energy thrumming through him as he watched the pair, offering a silent show of support.
A rustle of her skirts drew Miss Banfield’s gaze to Mina, and the young lady beckoned for her to join them, carefully shifting Lily from her shoulder to Mina’s with little disruption before taking hold of Lily’s free hand.
“What has happened?” asked Mina, holding her daughter close, but the question elicited more tears, and Lily burrowed deeper into her mother’s hold. Mina looked to her son, but it was Miss Banfield who replied.
“Phyllis Thompson and Hettie Nelson played a cruel trick on her.”
“It was all a lie,” sobbed Lily. “And I was so foolish! It was not as though I cared one jot for Mr. Peter Dosett, but I was so desperate for a suitor…”
“Hush,” said Miss Banfield, squeezing Lily’s hand.
“I just wished to feel attractive for once,” she said between broken breaths. “To believe a man might think me beautiful.”
Turning her gaze to Oliver, Mina beckoned him to fetch Simon and their carriage. In her state, Lily would not welcome returning to the ball, and all thoughts of merriment vanished as her daughter’s heart broke. Though the tale was too disjointed to understand the whole of it, Mina grasped the majority, and she wished she might have some words to offer her poor child. But Mina knew too well that words—no matter how kind—would not undo tonight’s effects so easily.
And so, Mina’s tears joined Lily’s and Miss Banfield’s as the three mourned together.
Chapter 37
Seated on the bench, Sophie shivered against the growing cold. She ought to return to the ballroom, but with all that had happened, she didn’t know if she could face the crowd of merrymakers. With the Kingsleys gone, she would have to do so alone, and Sophie didn’t have the strength for it. Perhaps she could slip away to her bedchamber.
With silent words, Sophie sent out a divine petition on Lily’s behalf, begging for her heart to be healed from this cruelty and that Sophie might know how to aid in it. But what was there to be done? What could one say? For good or ill, Lily had believed Miss Thompson and Miss Nelson to be her friends, and such a betrayal was not easily overcome.
Footsteps had Sophie straightening and rising to her feet. The phantom warnings of a headache told her she may not need to feign illness or fatigue to retire early.
But when the intruder came into view, Sophie saw her Mr. Kingsley striding towards her with purposeful steps. Moonlight glinted off his face, and his gaze connected with her in an unflinching hold. Sophie’s chest tightened at the thought of what might have happened to harden his expression in such a manner, but before she could question him, Mr. Kingsley drew her into his arms and kissed her.
Sophie’s eyes widened, but the fervor of his embrace cast aside any surprise as she lost herself in his touch. More than the passion emanating from him, Sophie reveled in the fervent need driving it. His heart shined, conveying far better than words the depth of his feelings. The power of her love swept through her, filling her with a strength and joy she’d never felt before.
This was where
she belonged.
*
A lovesick haze flooded his brain, eradicating all thought but that of his Sophie. Oliver hadn’t expected to kiss her at this moment, but the sight of her swathed in moonlight was more than he could withstand. More than that, his heart could not go another moment without showing her just how precious she was to him.
The feel of her in his arms was far more enticing than he’d anticipated. His Sophie fit there so readily. So tenderly. Stepping into his embrace and life with such perfection that he could not imagine another lady who could match her.
The kiss slowed, but Oliver could not release his hold on her. Sophie gazed at him, her bright eyes shining in the moonlight, and Oliver held back a smile at the dazed expression on her face. With a feather-light touch, he pressed another kiss to her lips.
“I could not wait another moment to do that,” he whispered.
Sophie huffed with laughter, the sound somewhere between shock and silliness. “That was quite a greeting.”
Oliver shook his head. “It was a promise.” With raised brows, she sent him a silent question in response, so he added, “To love you all the days of my life.”
Sophie stilled. “You love me?”
Oliver raised a hand from her waist to caress her cheek. “How could I not?”
The corners of her lips curled upwards, her brows drawing together as she stared at him in amazement.
“I wished to rush in and exact vengeance on Lily’s behalf, but you stayed my hand and helped me to see what she truly needed,” he said, his fingers tracing the edge of her lips. “And beyond your obvious intelligence and knowledge—which never fails to astound me—you are endlessly kind, not from an incessant need to please or cower, but because your heart is that good.”
Sophie watched him, her breath caught in her lungs, but she relaxed once more. “And what of yourself? You, who was bent on sacrificing your happiness for your family and that of the Caswells? Marrying for obligation? Is that not kindness?”
Oliver rolled his eyes. “Idiocy, more like.”
“It is not idiocy to care for others,” she whispered. “And that is one of the many reasons I love you.”
His brows shot upwards, and Oliver couldn’t stop a silly grin from stretching across his face. “You love me?”
Sophie leaned forward, her lips brushing his as she turned his words around on him. “How could I not?”
***
Forcing herself not to rush, Mina strode through the hall. Where had Oliver gotten himself to? Amidst their efforts to get Lily into the carriage before anyone noticed her distress, her son had disappeared. Stopping at the edge of the ballroom, she cast a glance around, but instinct told her she would find him in the garden with Miss Banfield.
Not wanting to draw undue attention, she moved purposefully but without haste as she wound her way to the place she’d seen him last. Having the time to gather her thoughts and knowing she would likely find the couple away from curious listeners, Mina pondered what she ought to say. For there was much to address.
Stepping out into the night air, Mina cloaked herself in darkness, embracing the evening chill. The Nelsons had placed a few lanterns here and there throughout, but they did little to combat the shadows. And when she drew close enough to hear her son’s whispered words, Mina paused. Though no eavesdropper, neither could she bear to interrupt her son as he poured out his heart.
Their earnest declarations brought with them memories of her younger years when Simon had spoken such sweet things to her in the heated joy of a tender moment. Though she adored the memory, Mina did not long for those days, for her marriage had grown from those heady times into something far stronger and deeper. Younger Mina had thought herself so full of love, having discovered the ultimate felicity without knowing so much more awaited her.
And now her dear Oliver was finding love. The seedlings were planted in his heart, and with time they would grow to be as deeply rooted as his parents’—with a young lady whose own desires shone through as clearly as his own.
Miss Banfield’s tendernesses stripped away the shock of this evening, forcing Mina to see past the exterior that brought forth unpleasant reminders of the young lady’s mother. Mina was a grown lady long past the years of rash behavior. Or so she’d thought. Yet here was proof that some pains still lingered. The past few weeks, Mina had behaved more like a cowering debutante than the rational lady she thought herself to be.
Mina turned to slip away, but she paused, realizing that they both deserved more. She reached out to bat at one of the shrubs, sending a warning to the couple that they may not be alone. Oliver released Miss Banfield, and the pair stepped apart as Mina moved into view.
“I do apologize, but I needed to speak with Miss Banfield for a moment before we left,” said Oliver, straightening his cravat.
Mina was grateful that the moonlight would not show how fiercely her cheeks burned. Like so many things of late, she had thought herself beyond the age of blushing at every little thing, but the warmth of her face said otherwise.
“You ought to stay,” said Mina.
Oliver glanced between his mother and Miss Banfield (whose hands were twisting before her as though she suspected their interlude had not been as private as the couple had believed).
“But Lily—” he said.
“Is in good hands at present. Your father and I will escort her home, but there is no need for you to curtail your enjoyment.”
Oliver’s brows rose. “You think I could stay after what has happened?”
Mina turned her gaze to Miss Banfield, though the young lady did not meet it. “I think you ought to stay and keep Miss Banfield company.”
The young lady’s eyes snapped to Mina’s at that, and though she wished that were enough, Mina knew more words were required—no matter how embarrassing or uncomfortable.
“I owe you a debt of gratitude, Miss Banfield. There is no simple solution for Lily’s heartache, but your kindness to her will…” Her words faltered as they brought with them memories of this evening’s pains, which mixed with those Mina had suffered long ago in circumstances similar to Lily’s. “…your kind words and treatment will help her overcome it.”
“I am honored to count her among my friends,” said Miss Banfield as Oliver drew closer and placed a hand at her back.
Mina pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath; the young lady’s graciousness served as further proof of Mina’s mistakes. And even if she wished to ignore her conscience prodding her to continue, Miss Banfield’s words strengthened her guilt until Mina could not turn away from it.
“But more than gratitude, I owe you an apology.” Mina clasped her hands, her fingers twisting together in a tight grip. “I have behaved abominably towards you.”
Oliver’s eyes widened, the moonlight glinting off them. He turned his gaze to Miss Banfield and his smile grew, and Mina’s heart twisted anew at how she’d hurt her son during this whole debacle as well.
“Mrs. Kingsley, you have nothing—” began Miss Banfield, but Mina waved it away.
“Don’t be foolish. You may wish to assure me otherwise, but I have been cold and critical towards you. Though I have ample reason to distrust your mother, you’ve never given me reason to think ill of you. Yet still, I have held you responsible for your parents’ sins. That is unjust of me. I hadn’t thought myself so hard and unyielding.”
Mina shook her head, touching a hand to her temple. “But I am done with allowing the past to influence me. I will not allow it to color my opinions. I only hope you can forgive me for my behavior.”
Miss Banfield stepped forward, taking Mina’s free hand in hers. “Of course.”
“My husband once said I was too quick to forgive, and I think I now understand precisely what he meant,” Mina muttered. “I do not feel as though I’ve earned your forgiveness, and my guilt demands I offer up more sackcloth and ash.”
Oliver came closer, taking his place at Miss Banfield’s side once more
, weaving her arm through his. “As you have taught me time and time again, Mother, there is nothing simple about admitting fault. Otherwise, more people would do it.”
Miss Banfield nodded, but there was something in her expression that hinted at an unspoken concern, and Mina waited as the young lady gathered her courage to voice it.
“Then…” she said, her tone low as she glanced between Oliver and Mina. “You do not oppose our courtship?”
Pressing a hand to her chest as though that might ease the wrenching guilt Miss Banfield’s earnest and all too fearful question elicited, Mina replied with a vehement shake of her head. “Not in the slightest. If anything, I count myself fortunate that my son has a young lady of such character. I would be honored to have you as my daughter, should you…”
But Mina’s voice drifted off as she realized she was stepping into topics that may not be welcomed at the moment. Miss Banfield bit her lips, and though the moonlight did not distinguish color, Mina thought the young lady’s cheeks must be flaring pink while Oliver’s gaze shone with joy at that prospect.
“The carriage is waiting for me,” she said in a rush of words.
Mina turned away but paused before she managed more than a few steps. Realizing just precisely where she was leaving the pair had her rounding and sending a stern look at her son. If Mrs. Banfield refused to expend any effort to protect her daughter’s reputation, Mina would have to do it for her.
“Oliver, you know better than to keep Miss Banfield in such a compromising situation.”
Her son gave Miss Banfield a smile before leading her out of the darkened garden with Mina at their heels. Giving a farewell, Mina parted from them as they entered the ballroom and she continued down the hall towards the front door.
Chapter 38
Not having a pocket watch on hand, Mina did not know how much time she’d spent with Oliver and Miss Banfield, but she did not relish the thought of having made Lily and Simon wait so very long. Even if it was time well spent, her daughter needed to be home. Her poor child.
Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love Book 3) Page 26