Clara must have noticed, as she bussed Silvia’s cheek. “My dear, you did wonderfully well this evening. It’s a shame to-morrow isn’t my at home. Nevertheless, I expect to see an assortment of posies, poems, and other nonsense all dedicated to you. Take yourself off now and feel free to break your fast in your chambers.”
“Thank you, I am tired.” Silvia hugged Clara, then Vivian. “I had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for wanting me to join you.”
“Silly miss.” Clara smiled fondly. “Your mother and grandmother would have been pleased. Off to bed now.”
Vivian felt her eyes closing as well. It had been much too long since she’d even stayed up so late. “I shall seek my couch as well.”
Her cousin linked arms with her, guiding her into Clara’s parlor. Perdita ran out from under a table, and danced around her skirts. “Yes, my sweet.” She picked up the dog and gave her a kiss before setting her back on the floor. “Sit with me for a few minutes. There are some small details I’d like to discuss.” The tea arrived, and Clara served. “Did you have a good time?”
“I did. Much more than I thought I would.”
“I wasn’t sure how you would like being out among thetonagain.”
“It hasn’t changed much.” Truth be told, Vivian would have been just as happy to have remained home with a good book . . . except for Lord Stanstead, of course. She had enjoyed meeting him.
“Stanstead is a good young man, and I know you will not fall in love with him.”
The tea was half-way down her throat and she choked. “I beg your pardon?”
“You may not have noticed the attention all the younger ladies were paying to him, but I did. He’ll be wed before the Season is finished.”
“I have no intention of . . .”
“Yes, yes, I know, and who could blame you?” Clara smiled. “Enjoy him while you are able.”
How was it that she could say the most outrageous things in a completely conversational tone? “He danced with me and is only accompanying me to the museum. I hardly think it shows interest on his part. He is only being kind to a newcomer to Town.”
“Of course, my dear. I’m sure you are correct.” Clara nibbled on a biscuit. “In any event, he will probably marry for political reasons. His star is on the ascendant.” Clara paused, staring at something on the wall. “Most likely that Banks girl. Her father is a powerful political figure.”
That ill-behaved child who had been glaring at Vivian and his lordship? Was it possible Lord Stanstead was trying to ensure the lady noticed him by dancing with her? “Indeed.” She carefully placed her cup on the table, resisting the urge to slam it down. “If you do not mind, I’m extremely fatigued. I shall see you in the morning.”
“I only ask that you not fall in love with him,” Clara called after Vivian. “He is exceedingly handsome.”
Half-way through the door she stopped. “You exaggerate, and I am not going to fall in love with anyone.”Ever again.“Good night.”
Vivian closed the door behind her. She had fallen in love with Edgar when he’d courted her. On their honeymoon he had been charming and attentive until the night he had finally decided to consummate the marriage. Bile rose in her throat as she remembered her humiliation when he had stripped off her nightgown. Even if he had not said the words then, his revulsion had been writ on his face. His attentions during the act had been so painful she had not been able to stop her tears. She had begged him to stop but he had not. When he’d left shortly afterward, she had felt more alone than ever.
Even if Stanstead was exceedingly handsome, and attentive, and kind, and had a wonderful sense of humor, she had it on good authority she was not what men wanted.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The clock struck three in the morning before the last of Robert and Serena’s guests had left. Rupert, holding a glass of brandy, slouched back on a comfortable leather chair in their study while his cousins occupied the love seat opposite him.
“I think it went well.” Serena worriedly gnawed on her bottom lip. “Don’t you?”
“It was perfect, but I knew it would be.” Robert leaned over, kissing her cheek. “Though I expected nothing less from you.”
She smiled softly at him, but there was still a slight crease marring her brow. Robert’s wife was a wonder when it came to estate management, having run a castle estate in Scotland for many years before she married. Thetonwas still new to her.
“I agree.” Rupert took a sip of brandy. “It was a complete crush, which is all you need to make it a success.”
Her forehead cleared. “Therewerea great many people. I don’t think anyone sent their regrets.”
“They would not have dared miss your first ball, my love.” Robert’s arm slid around her waist.
It was time to leave them alone. Rupert drained his glass, and rose. “I’m off. I’ll see you in a day or so.”
“I’ll walk out with you.” Robert stood. “There is a small matter I wish to discuss.”
