And to think,shewas supposed to be the odd one.
Alex continued on, noting the presence of three more titans of industry, a handful of influential MPs, a member of cabinet, a viscount, and even a minor German prince. England’s youngest duke was also in attendance, but it was only Will Margrave and he didn’t really count.
She found her parents happily enmeshed in their little circle of friends and leaned toward her father’s shoulder. “I spotted Lord Hughes and the home secretary, as well as Mr. DeWitt.”
“Excellent.” He took a sip of champagne. “This might be our best turnout yet.”
“I know what you two are whispering about,” her mother cut in. “I told you: noworktonight.”
Alex and her father exchanged sheepish looks. “Sorry, Mother.”
“Yes, my love.”
Her mother then placed a hand on Alex’s arm. “Do try to enjoy yourself, darling.”
“Iamenjoying myself.”
Her mother narrowed her eyes. “With something besides plotting your next deal. I want to see you dance.”
Alex balked. “Absolutely not.” She hadn’t danced since Phoebe’s coming-out ball and still hadn’t recovered from the experience.
Before her mother could harangue her any further, she was saved by Lady Westmoor and her inability to follow any conversation she hadn’t started. “And what did your lovely girls get you for your birthday?”
“Now’s your chance,” her father whispered and Alex began to slowly back away.
“Alex found me the most beautiful vase. Oh! And dear Freddie!” Her mother laughed as she clasped her hands to her chest in delight. “She gave me a box of…”
Alex walked faster until she was out of earshot. She didn’t need to hear about how charming and thoughtful Freddie’s little gift was. Unfortunately, that put her right in the path of her sisters. Their backs were to her and their heads bent together conspiratorially. Alex couldn’t ignore the childhood instinct to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Phoebe gasped. “And you just bumped into each other on the street?”
“I had no idea who he was though until we returned home and Alex greeted him. Cheeky man.” Freddie let out a dreamy sigh. “It’s like something out of a novel.”
“But where on earth has he been all this time?”
“Paris.” The sisters turned to Alex at her abrupt answer. “He went to culinary school there,” she added.
Freddie narrowed her eyes. “How do you know that?”
“Because I take an interest in other people’s lives.”
Phoebe gave her a pleading look. “Alex…”
Since childhood she had played the part of peacemaker between her and Freddie with limited success.
“No, she’s right,” Freddie said. “I’m afraid I didn’t give much thought to Lucien after he left.” Then she paused to make sure Alex was looking directly at her. “Thankfully, we’ve both grown since then.Considerably.” Without another word, she sauntered straight toward Lucien, who had just entered the ballroom.
As he caught sight of Freddie, Lucien broke into a dazzling smile and Alex felt a strange tug low in her belly. He was attractive, she could admit. And perhaps under different circumstances, Alex might even welcome a union between him and Freddie but there was too much at stake.
Alex crossed her arms. “Now she’s trying to irritate me. The Ericsons will be here any moment.”
Phoebe tilted her head. “You don’t think it’s possible she’s genuinely interested in him?”
“Who’s interested in who?” Will Margrave, more formally known as the Duke of Ellis and Phoebe’s newly minted fiancé, asked as he joined them.
“Freddie and that young man,” Phoebe replied as she gestured across the room. “You’ll never guess who that is.”
Will squinted in consideration. “I’ve no idea.” Before he had unexpectedly inherited a dukedom, he was their neighbor, and Alex’s closest friend. Last month she had even asked him to pretend to be her fiancé before it became very clear his heart belonged to Phoebe. Alex was genuinely thrilled for them, but that still left her in need of a temporary faux beau to help silence her father’s nagging about improving her position with the board.
