by Darcy Burke
She smiled softly. “I love you too.” Leaning forward, she kissed him, her lips lingering on his for the barest moment before she drew back, her eyes sparkling. “See you later.”
Barbara handed Fiona her gloves. “Don’t forget these.” She smiled at her. “I apologize if I was rude at all. I was—am—quite fond of Toby. I’m glad to see he’s found someone who will make him happy.”
“I will work very hard to do so.” Fiona sent him a look of promise that sparked a heat inside Tobias that he knew would never diminish.
When she was gone, Tobias found his cravat and went to the glass, pulling the fabric around the collar of his shirt.
Barbara joined him. “Let me help you too.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Do you want to look as though you haphazardly repaired your costume, which will only contribute to your notoriety?”
He hated that she made sense. Dropping his hands to his sides, he surrendered to her ministrations. “Why were you here with Aldington?”
She arched a dark brow as her fingers worked beneath his chin. “I should think that would be obvious.”
“But how? He doesn’t consort with courtesans. He’s as staid as the bloody Archbishop of Canterbury.”
“Do you promise not to say anything?” She looked him in the eye, and he knew she wouldn’t reveal a thing if he didn’t.
“Yes. Explain.”
“Since you abandoned me”—she sniffed for some sort of dramatic effect—“I’ve attended a few Cyprian balls to find a new protector. As one in my position must do.”
Tobias felt bad about that, but Barbara had always said how much she enjoyed her work, especially when she could find a kind and generous benefactor such as him. “I believed I gave you enough of a settlement that you wouldn’t have to look for someone new right away. Or even this Season.”
“You did, but I am easily bored. And I believe you know that, unless you weren’t paying attention. Which I know can’t be true because you never bored me in the slightest.” She patted his lapels and stood back, surveying her work. “You’ll do.”
“Did you meet Aldington at a Cyprian ball?” Tobias was shocked to hear this. He couldn’t imagine Lucien’s brother would want to be recognized at such an event, and he surely would have been.
“A masquerade a few nights ago.” That made a bit of sense at least. “He very awkwardly approached me for a liaison—nothing permanent, at least not yet. He was extremely nervous. I had the impression he’d never negotiated with a courtesan before.”
“That would not surprise me.” Tobias plucked up his coat and pulled it on. Lastly, he returned to the mirror and smoothed his hair. Satisfied he no longer looked like he’d just shagged his soon-to-be-wife, even if he certainly felt like it, he went to fetch his gloves.
He paused at the door. “Barbara, do me a favor, please?”
“Anything.” She sauntered toward him, her hips swaying. “You know you may have any favor you like.”
“Not that kind. If I wasn’t clear before, I have no intention on bedding anyone other than my wife. Ever.” Wife. How he loved the sound of that. He pulled on his gloves. “If Aldington returns to you, ensure that he truly wants to engage in a liaison. I would hate for him to do anything he would regret.” He met her gaze. “And that is not a reflection on you. I just know him well enough to believe this behavior is so outside who he is that he may be filled with remorse. In fact, I would strongly advise you move on to another candidate.”
Her lush red lips curved into a soft smile. “You’re a good friend, Toby.”
“I try to be—and I will be to you. Always. Good night, Barbara.”
Tobias wondered how Fiona had found her way downstairs and hoped she hadn’t encountered anyone here on the men’s side. Even though there was an assembly going on next door, many gentlemen were simply at their club, spending their evening in the gaming room or the members’ den. He ought to have discussed that with her before she left.
Hurrying down to the first floor, he didn’t pause to see who might be in the members’ den. He did, however, nearly run into Lucien, who came toward the staircase from that very room.
Lucien glanced up the stairs. “You’re coming down? What were you about on the second floor?”
It was a valid question since the only rooms up there were Lucien’s office, the bedchambers Tobias had mentioned to Fiona, and a storage room. “I was, ah, dallying with my bride-to-be.”
Lucien grinned. “Congratulations. All of your worrying was for naught then.”
Tobias rolled his eyes. “I encountered a most peculiar person up there.”
“Not your betrothed?”
“Your brother. In the company of my former mistress. He had a key to the room we were in. He can have only obtained it in one way.”
“By stealing it from me?”
Tobias narrowed one eye at him. “Is that really what happened?”
“No. I gave it to him.” Lucien exhaled. “It’s my bloody club, Deane. If I want to give my brother access to a bedchamber so he can shag someone, I will.”
“You’re helping him commit adultery?”
“He’s viciously unhappy.”
“Hasn’t he always been? According to you anyway.” Tobias remembered a time or two when Aldington had laughed.
“I will help him do anything if it will remove the stick from his arse, even a small amount. But I am sorry they troubled you.”
“I just think allowing non-members access to the club is problematic.”
Lucien’s eyes grew cold, which didn’t happen often, but when it did, you knew he was angry. “I didn’t invite all of bloody London. He’s my brother.”
“I do wonder if your brother’s disposition might improve if he could find some happiness with his wife. Perhaps you should help him with that. Since you are so fond of—and skilled at—providing assistance.”
“I’ve actually suggested that. It’s not as if Sabrina is awful or a bad wife. I truly don’t understand why they are estranged. But then it’s none of my business according to Con, and he’s right.”
MacNair came up the stairs then and greeted them both with a smile. “Have you had more than enough ball for one night as I have?”
“Not at all,” Tobias said with a smile. “In fact, I am on my way downstairs.”
“Lucien, you should come up to the members’ den with me,” MacNair said, pivoting.
“I should check on the assembly, converse with Mrs. Renshaw, and make sure all is well.”
“You can do that later.” He reached for Lucien’s arm. “Come and have a glass of port with me.”
Lucien’s eyes narrowed. “Is there some reason you don’t want me to go downstairs?”
Tobias was itching to get to the ballroom and see how Fiona was faring. He hoped her absence hadn’t caused a stir. “I’m going then.”
“I’m coming with you.” Lucien started to descend with him.
MacNair let out a groan. “Lucien, your sister is dancing with Wexford.”
Lucien swore and increased his pace down the stairs. Tobias looked up at MacNair. “Why would you tell him that? You know how he is about Lady Cassandra and…any of us.”
“Better he knows what he’s about to see than be surprised.” MacNair inclined his head toward the lower floor. “You’d better ensure he doesn’t do something stupid, such as call Wexford out.”
“He wouldn’t do that,” Tobias said with a snort. Still, he followed after Lucien with alacrity. “Wait, Lucien. It’s just a dance.” Tobias caught up to him in the staircase hall, but Lucien didn’t slow.
“That’s all it better be.”
Tobias caught his friend by the arm, pulling him to a stop. “Why are you upset? Wexford is our friend, and he’s only dancing with her.”
“Dancing with someone means something, as you bloody well know, and I wasn’t jesting when I told you all to leave her alone. Don’t forget how well I know you all, and while I might ha
ve been able to tolerate her forming an attachment with you or MacNair, Wexford is completely unacceptable.”
“But he’s our friend.”
Lucien’s features darkened. “That doesn’t mean he should be dancing with my sister.” He tugged his arm from Tobias’s grasp and stalked into the ballroom.
Fiona retraced the path she and Tobias had taken from the ballroom. However, instead of going back into the ballroom from the garden, she went to the other door she’d used with Mrs. Renshaw the week before. The beautiful gold and ivory sitting room was being used as a ladies’ retiring room. Once inside, she ducked behind a screen and was grateful to find the space empty. After a short while, she emerged and conversed briefly with a pair of ladies who were resting.
Apprehension threaded through her as she left the room. What would she encounter when she reentered the ballroom? Were people already gossiping about her and how she’d disappeared from the ball for an hour? She honestly had no idea how long she’d been gone.
Taking a deep breath to fortify her anxiety, she walked into the ballroom and immediately looked for Lord Gregory. Before she could find him, Prudence bore down on her wearing an expression of what could only be described as extreme distress.
“Where have you been?” she whispered urgently, drawing Fiona away from anyone who might want to listen in on their conversation.
Fiona smiled. “Could you try to look less concerned and upset? I was, er, ill. I just came from the retiring room.” That much, at least, was true.
“You were gone a very long time after you disappeared from the ballroom following your dance with Lord Overton. Were you with him?”
“Yes.” There was no reason to lie, not to Prudence. “We are betrothed.”
Prudence grabbed her hand. “Truly?” At Fiona’s nod, she smiled broadly. Indeed, it was the happiest Fiona had ever seen her. “Then I am sorry for my behavior. Still, it was ill-advised to disappear. Your absence has been noted. You missed a dance with Mr. Arbuckle.”
“Blast. I will find him and apologize. But you must say you knew I was ill.”
“That won’t be difficult since that’s what I told him.” She arched a shoulder. “I had to say something.”
Fiona squeezed Prudence’s hand before letting it go. “Thank you. I don’t know how I would have survived these past weeks without your support. Now, I must find Lord Gregory and tell him I am in love with someone else.”
Prudence winced. “I don’t envy you. I think he’s on the other side.”
“Brilliant, thank you.”
“I’ll come with you.” Prudence linked her arm through Fiona’s. “Not when you actually speak with him, of course.”
They threaded their way to the other side of the ballroom, passing through one of the wide doorways into the men’s side. This was where the food was located along with some seating. Fiona saw him standing near the doors to the garden with another gentleman. She took her arm from Prudence’s. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck.”
Fiona considered what she might say. None of it sounded right. But was there any right way to tell someone you didn’t return their feelings? Actually, she didn’t even know his feelings. Perhaps he would be relieved. Yes, she’d hope for that to be the case.
Lord Gregory saw her when she was still several feet away. He excused himself from the other gentleman and met her. “Miss Wingate, I trust you’re having a pleasant evening.”
“I am, actually. Might we take a stroll in the garden?” It wasn’t particularly warm out, but she wanted at least a modicum of privacy and the ballroom was quite stuffy, which only added to her discomfort.
“That would be delightful.” He offered her his arm and escorted her outside.
The garden on this side was similar to the other half, except the reflecting pool was rectangular and had a large statue of Aphrodite in the center. She rose from the water as in the myth, a shell behind her feet.
“Our waltz should be soon,” Lord Gregory said as they began a circuit of the reflecting pool. The lantern light danced across the water.
Fiona saw no reason to prolong the inevitable. “You may not want to dance with me after I tell you something.”
“Well, that sounds ominous.” He stopped, turning toward her. They stood on the other side of the pool from the club.
She looked up into his warm brown eyes and felt a pang of guilt. But why should she feel guilty? She genuinely liked him, and if Tobias hadn’t fallen in love with her or she with him, Lord Gregory would be a wonderfully acceptable husband.
Acceptable did not inspire emotion. So yes, she would feel guilty.
“You are a lovely gentleman, and I’ve enjoyed our time together very much. However, I find that my heart is engaged elsewhere.”
He blinked. “I rather thought we suited.” It wasn’t a declaration of love, and she now realized she wouldn’t have been able to settle for anything less than that.
“We would have, most likely. However, I am in love with someone who makes me feel as though the world is at my feet. I want for you to make someone feel that way too.”
“But it isn’t you.” A sad smile flitted across his lips. “I admit I’m disappointed, but I must also confess that I am not in love with you either. Though I expect it was only a matter of time until that happened,” he added softly.
Fiona felt terrible. “You’re incredibly kind.”
“This other gentleman loves you in return?”
“Yes. You deserve the same.”
They continued walking around the pool. As they neared the house, a footman rushed to greet them. “My lord, a message was delivered for you requesting that you return to your father’s house at once.”
Fiona felt Lord Gregory tense and withdrew her hand from his arm. “Is everything all right?” The question was for the footman, but she looked at Lord Gregory.
“Did the missive say anything else?” Lord Gregory’s brow creased. He was clearly surprised and concerned by the summons.
“I’m afraid not.” The footman bowed, then retreated to the house.
Lord Gregory turned to her. “Forgive me, I must go. Not that we were still going to waltz.” His mouth curled into a half smile.
She touched his sleeve. “I would have been honored to waltz with you. I will pray that everything is well at your father’s house.”
“Thank you. Good night, Miss Wingate.” He turned and went into the ballroom.
Fiona started forward as Mrs. Renshaw came out to intercept her. “Good evening, Miss Wingate. I see the footman found Lord Gregory. I received the message for him. I do hope there is nothing too troublesome.”
“He seemed unaware of whatever prompted the request. I shall be thinking of him and his family.” She dearly hoped it wasn’t bad news, particularly after she’d just disappointed him.
“You look rather concerned,” Mrs. Renshaw observed. “Dare I assume the two of you share an attachment?”
Fiona blinked and shook her head. “Ah, no. As it happens, I had just told him that my affections are toward another gentleman.”
“Oh!” Mrs. Renshaw put her hand to her mouth briefly. “You mustn’t feel guilty. You had no idea he would receive that note.”
“While that is true, I still regret the sequence of events.” If she’d just taken a few minutes longer to find him… But then she may not have had the chance to tell him face to face that she was no longer interested in pursuing a courtship, and he’d deserved that consideration. “It had to be done, however, for I am in love with someone else and we’re to be married.” She bit her lip. “Perhaps I should not have said that. We have not discussed when we will make this announcement.”
“Is it who I hope it is?”
Fiona blushed. “If you’re referring to the man I kissed in the garden last week, then yes.”
Mrs. Renshaw’s eyes sparkled with glee. “Splendid!”
“Perhaps you can offer some advice. I’m worried Society won’t be kind since he i
s my guardian.”
“Society is seldom kind.” Mrs. Renshaw sent a sharp glance toward the ballroom. “You are right to be concerned. However, happiness trumps everything else. You’re fortunate to be marrying an earl. People will overlook a great many transgressions for such a lofty rank.”
“That hardly seems fair.”
Mrs. Renshaw gave her a wry look. “When is anything fair?”
Fiona started back toward the ballroom. “I do hope you’ll keep my news a secret for now. We have not discussed anything. I only just accepted his proposal this evening.”
Mrs. Renshaw fell into step beside her. “Of course. I am not like most of Society. I know how to keep confidences, and I value friendship.”
“Thank you.” Fiona smiled at her askance, glad to have another friend.
They stepped into the ballroom, and Prudence immediately came toward them. Fiona introduced the two women, and Mrs. Renshaw took her leave.
“I saw Lord Gregory come back to the ballroom and then he left immediately. He appeared quite distressed. Was he devastated by your news?” Prudence’s eyes were lined with worry.
“He was disappointed, but that’s not why he left. He received a summons to return home at once without any explanation.”
“I do hope it’s nothing serious.”
“As do I.” Fiona saw Cassandra striding toward them from the ladies’ side of the ballroom.
“There you are at last!” Cassandra said as she arrived at Fiona’s side. “Where did you go after dancing with Overton?”
“We strolled in the garden, and I accepted his proposal of marriage.”
Cassandra’s eyes rounded, and her jaw dropped. She let out a sound of joy that provoked a few people near them to turn their heads in curiosity.
Fiona turned toward the corner and motioned for Cassandra and Prudence to follow. She looked to Cassandra. “We haven’t announced anything yet.”
“Certainly. I didn’t mean to react so…exuberantly. I’m just so shocked! What happened?”
“I realized, rather belatedly, that I have fallen in love with him, and thankfully he has with me as well.”