Abigail exchanged a smiling look with Alexander. “Neither did I. Let me tell you, having the right person by your side makes all the difference.”
Miss Brookford’s smile faltered, just a little. She did not look at anyone in particular.
Before the awkward moment could expand, Lady Brennon appeared, elbowing her way through the crowd.
“There you are, Lavinia! Where in the world have you been?” she hissed, her grim expression softening to a smile when she saw William. “Oh, your Grace! I had no idea Lavinia was speaking to you. I thought she had become lost in reverie or some similarly fanciful notion. You know how capricious young ladies can be.”
“That is not my experience, Lady Brennon,” William managed, but the woman did not seem to be listening, entirely preoccupied with picking at the lace at Miss Brookford’s neckline, and tweaking curls into place. “Please, don’t let me keep you.”
“His Grace has invited me to tour the Roman Baths afterwards,” Miss Brookford said, determination in her voice. “The King’s Baths, I believe.”
Lady Brennon blinked. “TheKing’sBaths? Don’t you mean the Queen’s Baths? Oh, never mind, it hardly matters. Of course you can go, dear. Now, come, Gillian is asking for you, and we are sitting with Mr. Thompson and his very genteel brother. Come along.”
She towed her daughter into the crowd, whispering something into her ear that bore a notable resemblance to the adage, “do not place all your eggs in a single basket.”
That left the three of them alone. Abigail and Alexander both turned to level slow, thoughtful looks at William.
He bit the inside of his cheek. “What are you two looking at? And while we’re at it, Alexander, whatwereyou thinking? Ladies tour the Queen’s Bath, and gentlemen tour the King’s. Why would you invite Miss Brookford to come with us?”
Alexander shrugged. “Abigail wanted me to.”
“How in the world did you know that she… oh, never mind. You shouldn’t have done that. Miss Brookford doesn’t know how things are done.”
“It’s not as if she’ll be ruined, touring the King’s Baths,” Abigail sighed. “It’s just a silly tradition. I suspect that Miss Brookford would be interested in seeing both Baths, to be truthful.”
Alexander narrowed his eyes, taking a step closer to William. “And I suspect that my brother is more interested in Miss Brookford than he cares to let on.”
“Yes, I suspect so too,” Abigail said, eyeing him absently. “It is harder than you might imagine, following your heart, William.”
William cleared his throat, straightening his waistcoat. The conversation had suddenly become too uncomfortable, and the crowds were pressing in on him in a way he had not noticed before.
“I have made up my mind, almost. Miss Bainbridge is the obvious choice for my bride. She is educated, well-bred, and can manage the role perfectly. I would be a simpleton to look elsewhere.”
“I have to agree,” Alexander shrugged. “I don’t particularly like Miss Bainbridge, but I think she would suityou, William.”
That sounded like an insult, somehow, but William kept his lips closed and said nothing.
You don’t know me;he found himself thinking.And neither does Miss Bainbridge.
Chapter Ten
The King’s Bath was truly beautiful. Lavinia took in every detail, awestruck, and wished she’d thought to bring a notebook. Or, better yet, a sketchbook. She was not skilled at watercolours, but she could produce a serviceable sketch, if the situation called for it. It would be pleasant to sketch some of the architecture and look over them once she was back home.
The thought of home made her feel uneasy, for some reason. If the Season went well, Gillian would make a remarkable match and would never probably come home again.
I’ll be alone. Just Mama, Papa and me. There’ll be no need to come to London anymore, or attend the Season, as there’s no likelihood that I’ll marry.
I’m going to be so alone.
Misery tightened her chest, almost making her breathless for a moment or two. She swallowed hard, bringing herself back down to the present.
There were mostly men touring the King’s Baths. Lavinia had realized that there was a tradition about the tours – men toured the King’s Baths, and women toured the Queen’s Baths. There were a few women here, of course, notably Lady Abigail Willenshire, Katherine, and, to Lavinia’s dismay, Miss Bainbridge.
Often, Lavinia felt eyes bore into her back, her neck itching, and she would turn to find Miss Bainbridge averting her eyes. It was the first time she had ever seen the woman even a little discomfited.
She was not sure she liked it. Miss Bainbridge was well-known in the higher circles of Society, being both rich, intelligent, and confident. Some men pretended to turn up their nose at her, finding fault in her character, face, or form, but everybody knew that if she flashed them a smile, they would come running to her. Miss Bainbridge struck Lavinia as the sort of woman who could have anything she wanted and knew it very well.
Am I jealous of her?Lavinia thought, allowing herself a small smile.Yes, I believe so. I suppose it is a compliment to Miss Bainbridge, in a way. I have no idea what I could have done to make her dislike me, though. Have I offended her in some way?
