A few moments later the sounds of male voices floated in from the hall.
She drank half of the glass in one long draw. “They are back.”
“See.” Freddy smiled, and Vivian knew how lucky she was to be gaining such a wonderful mother-in-law. “Finish your wine and we’ll go. The last thing we want is for them to settle in.”
Rupert strolled into the drawing room, and his gaze went directly to her. Vivian still could not believe her luck; in the morning she would be his wife.
He didn’t bother with the regular greetings, but simply placed her hand on his arm. “It is time to show the world we are betrothed.”
“I agree.”
Edward glanced at her. “How long do you wish to remain?”
“Clara suggested we remain about an hour.”
“Perfect.” Freddy took her husband’s arm. “We have a busy day to-morrow.”
“And an early one,” Serena agreed.
Shortly after they arrived at Lady Jersey’s ball, Rupert bent his head, his breath caressing her ear. “Dance with me in the garden.”
That sounded wonderful, and romantic, and scandalous. “Won’t we shock the other guests?”
“We’re betrothed. We’ll set a new fashion.”
Vivian wasn’t prepared to go that far yet. Perhaps when they were husband and wife she would have the courage. “I’ll meet you out there.”
“As you wish, but the next time we dance in the garden, we’ll go out together.” He glanced at a corridor leading off the ballroom. “Go that way, you’ll find the second room has access to the terrace.” He raised her hand and kissed it. “Don’t be long.”
Vivian gazed after him as he strolled away. A few moments later, she excused herself, found the corridor and the room. Just as Rupert had said, a French window led to the terrace. He was already there when she arrived. The strains of a violin began as he escorted her down the stairs and put his palm on her waist.
Nightingales sang and the scent of night-blooming jasmine filled the air. “I think I am falling even more in love with you.”
“I know I’m more in love with you.” His lips grazed her forehead. “Morning can’t come soon enough.”
“Nor for me.”
“It is so wonderful to have Hector home!” Emily gushed.
Cressida had been happy to see her brother as well, but Emily had been gushing so much, Cressida was practically sick with it. “He said he was bringing me a present, but I haven’t seen it yet.”
Emily gave a sly smile. “He will be here shortly, and you shall see it. I promise you’ll be vastly pleased.”
The only thing thatvastlypleased her was that Lord Stanstead was finally here, and this might be her only chance to make him marry her. “I’m sure I will. Hector always knows what I like.”
Emily glanced around. “What can be keeping them?”
“Papa is most likely talking about politics to him.”
Lord Stanstead had been talking with that Lady Beresford again, but now he was making his way toward the French doors that made up one wall of the massive ballroom. Cressida prayed with all her might that he would go into the garden. “I must go to the ladies’ retiring room.”
Emily bit her bottom lip, glancing around again. “I should accompany you.”
“I’ll not be long.” Cressida tried for a carefree manner. “You wait for Hector. In any event, Mama is with that group of ladies not far from the corridor.”
“Very well, but do not be long.”
“I won’t.” And perhaps Cressida would have her own surprise when she returned.
