“I saw them, and I’ve already alerted Hutchinson to be on his guard.”
“Good. He needs to stay as far away from her as possible for a little longer,” Helena said.
“It’s so stuffy in here already. Did every member of thetonattend this evening?” Evans asked.
“It does seem more crowded than most events this Season,” Helena said.
“Would you ladies care for a lemonade?” George asked.
Both women nodded, and Richard and George headed for the refreshment table.
“Don’t look to your right, Helena,” Lydia whispered. “Miss Darvey and her mother are making their way around the room. I have no doubt Miss Darvey will try to corner Hutchinson,” Lydia said.
No sooner had she expressed her worry than the young woman made a beeline for the refreshment table.
Helena nodded. “Oh, I see what you mean, but you mustn’t worry; Evans won’t leave Hutchinson’s side.”
“How are you faringthis evening? Ready for the gossip that will spread through thetonbefore the night is over?” Evans asked.
George nodded. “All will be well as soon as Surry makes his announcement. I will not be leaving Lydia’s side all night.”
“Will your mother be attending this evening?”
George shook his head. “No. She’s departed London for the country.”
“What? When did that happen?”
“Two days ago. I had enough of her biting tongue. When she refused to give her word to be cordial to Lydia and threatened to disparage her to her friends, I sent her to live at the dower house.”
“The dower house? Not in the manor? I bet she wasn’t happy about that.”
“No, she was not. If she amends her ways, I’ll think about letting her return to London at some point. In the meantime, I plan on enjoying the quiet.”
“Lord Hutchinson, what a pleasure to see you this evening,” a female voice said, interrupting their conversation.
George inwardly cringed. Lydia had warned him to expect Miss Darvey to approach him, but he’d been focused on his friend and didn’t see her come near the table. “Miss Darvey,” he said with a nod.
“I hope you’ll be so kind as to sign my dance card this evening,” she said, holding out her card.
But before George had a chance to reject her request, their hosts walked into the ballroom and Lord Surry signaled the orchestra to stop playing.
“Excuse me, Miss Darvey,” he said, turning on his heel to rejoin Lydia.
“But you didn’t sign—”
Ignoring the young woman, George continued walking back to Lydia and Helena. After a moment, Evans caught up with him.
“Oh boy, if looks could kill, you, my friend, would be dead on the spot. Miss Darvey was not happy you rebuffed her again,” Richard said.
“I find I don’t much care what anyone thinks anymore,” he said, as he came to stand beside Lydia. “All I care about is this lovely woman here.”
Lydia looked at him with adoring eyes. “Thank you, my darling.”
Lord Surry and Lady Surry stepped up on the front of the orchestra’s platform. “May I have your attention, please?” Lord Surry said. “I have a very special announcement to make before the ball begins.”
A hush fell over the room as everyone waited to see what was so important that the host would interrupt the beginning of the ball.
“As many of you know, we lost our only daughter many years ago. It was a devastating blow, and we’ve missed her every day since she’s been gone. Recently, however, we were delighted to learn that we have a granddaughter. We’re overjoyed and have spent the most wonderful week imaginable getting to know her.”
