It was just like Lady Bellamny to test the young ladies as they walked in the door. By the end of the evening, she’d have every girl’s measure.
Grace and Charlotte were announced and descended into the already crowded ballroom where Phoebe awaited them with a look of enquiry on her face.
Proud of her sister, Grace grinned. Even though Charlotte had been skittish at first, Grace had known her sister was ready for her come out. “She did well.”
Phoebe smiled warmly at Charlotte. “Excellent.”
“Thank you.”
They accompanied Phoebe to meet new ladies and renew old acquaintances, including Phoebe’s mother-in-law, Lady Dunwood, and her aunt, Lady St. Eth.
The dark-haired young matron Grace had seen outside of Madame’s shop glided toward them.
Phoebe took Grace’s hand and turned to the lady. “Anna, come meet my friend, Lady Grace Carpenter, and her sister, Lady Charlotte. Ladies, this, my good friend, Lady Rutherford.”
Anna lightly bussed Phoebe’s cheek and extended her hand to Grace. “My pleasure. May I present Lady Louisa Vivers? She is also making her come out.”
Worthington’s sister? Oh my. Did that mean Worthington would be here later? Grace kept her countenance calm as Lady Louisa curtseyed to her. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“And you.” Turning to Charlotte, Grace said, “You girls may take yourselves off to meet more of the young ladies coming out this Season.”
Phoebe nodded. “Yes, do.”
“Look for us later,” Anna added, then turned to Grace and Phoebe. “She and her mother dined with me this evening, but a message was brought round that one of Lady Worthington’s other daughters was complaining of an upset stomach. As a result I volunteered to escort her.”
Grace let go of the breath she’d held. Thank the Lord she’d have more time to decide what to do about Worthington.
During her musings, she remembered that she had met the second Lady Worthington during her first Season. Although Grace didn’t expect the lady to remember her, she did not want to take the chance and was glad the lady wasn’t here. They arrived at a small sofa with two comfortable chairs flanking it. She encouraged Phoebe and Anna, who was also increasing, to sit. “There seems to be a remarkable number of good-looking girls.”
Phoebe settled back against the cushions. “Yes, but I’ve seen none more beautiful than the two we just had with us. Not only their faces, but their manners as well.”
Grace blushed. “I’m so pleased you think so.”
Soon the ladies settled into a comfortable coze. Old friends and some she’d kept up a correspondence with stopped by and visited. She’d forgotten how isolated she had been at Stanwood Hall, and wished she would be able to attend more of the parties this Season. Yet with Worthington searching for her, it was simply too dangerous. How incredibly reckless she’d been with him. Although she couldn’t bring herself to regret the night, only the consequences.
Before Grace knew it, it was time for supper. Glancing around, she saw Charlotte and Lady Louisa with a group of other girls.
“Shall we go down to the supper room?” Phoebe asked.
“Yes, let’s.” Anna rose from the chair. “I am famished. It’s amazing how my appetite has grown along with my waist.”
Several moments later, Grace was enjoying a lobster patty and taking a sip of champagne when Phoebe exclaimed, “Oh, here is Marcus, and Rutherford.”
Yet when Grace looked up, Lord Worthington was staring down at her. Her hand trembled so much, her champagne sloshed in the glass. He plucked it from her numb fingers and set it on the table. Concern shadowed his eyes.
He bowed. “My lady. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you again.”
The room spun. This was too soon. Much too soon. Suddenly she couldn’t breathe. “I—I think I need some air.”
Grace rose and quickly strode toward the terrace doors.
Phoebe started to rise. “Grace, shall I . . .”
Worthington stopped Phoebe by putting his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll go with Lady Grace.”
Oh, no. He can’t follow me. She pushed open the door and darted down the terrace searching for a way back into the house and the front door. She had to escape. Her mind whirled, while her body tightened and tingled.
Traitorous senses. This was not the time. A low light flickered through a French door. Now if only she could make it before he found her.
