Malcolm tipped his head at his friend. “Well done, but I do hope Lady Emma doesn’t cause too much trouble for you.”
“I can assure you that my mother will give her little heed.” Lord Roswell turned to address Enid. “How are you faring?”
Enid offered him a sad smile. “You can’t fight off everyone that doesn’t approve of me.”
“No, but I can do so to the peskier ones,” Lord Roswell responded. “Now, would you care to accompany me to my box or was I too presumptuous in my invitation?”
“That is kind of you to offer but—”
Malcolm interrupted her. “I think that is a wonderful idea.”
“You do?” Enid asked, turning to face him. “What of our box?”
“Roswell’s box is much grander than ours and it would go a long way for everyone to see you with him,” Malcolm replied.
Enid recognized that her brother had a point, albeit reluctantly. She had been hoping to sit behind her brother and sister-in-law in the box and not draw too much attention to herself. But if she went with Lord Roswell, everyone would surely notice her.
Lord Roswell put his arm out. “If you are worried about your reputation, my sister is in the box with her companion,” he said with mirth in his voice.
Knowing if she refused his proffered arm it would draw even more unwanted attention, she decided the best course of action would be to go with Lord Roswell, without voicing any further complaints.
She placed her hand on Lord Roswell’s arm and allowed him to lead her towards a corridor, all while keeping her head held high. She refused to show the gnawing feeling of insecurity that was growing inside of her as she passed by women whispering behind their fans about her.
Once they had broken away from the crowd, Lord Roswell leaned closer and encouraged, “You are doing just fine, Enid.”
She glanced over at him. “Is my discomfort so terribly obvious?”
“It is,” Lord Roswell replied. “But you managed to take the first step, and you did so spectacularly.”
She let out a slight huff. “I see that you are prone to exaggeration.”
“Perhaps, but thetonwill adore you soon enough,” Lord Roswell said as he came to a stop by a door.
Enid followed suit and removed her hand. “Thetonhates me.”
“Thetonhates everyone.” Lord Roswell opened the door. “You should consider yourself fortunate.”
“Do be serious.”
“I am,” Lord Roswell said as he held the door open wide. “Being accepted by thetonisn’t as wonderful as people perceive it to be.”
“I know, but I must think about my daughter’s future.”
Lord Roswell lifted his brow. “But what about your own future?”
“That is the least of my concerns,” Enid replied. “I had my chance and I squandered it. I will not have my actions ruin my daughter’s, as well.”
“Your future and Marigold’s will always be intertwined no matter how much you try to fight that.”
Enid sighed. “I was afraid you might say that.”
A familiar voice came from inside the box. “Are you two going to chat during the whole performance?"
Turning, she saw the dark-haired beauty, Lady Octavia, standing there with her hand on her hip. She tried to keep her face expressionless, but her eyes gave her away. They were filled with humor, just as they always were. In the next moment, she was wrapped in Octavia’s arms.
“I have missed you,” Lady Octavia said as she stepped back. “I will never forgive you for eloping and abandoning me in the process.”
“I didn’t think you would receive me,” Enid replied honestly.
