Washisopinion ofherdifferent now?
She did not know. He had followed their carriage. Was that a singular consideration, or only what he thought his duty as a gentleman?
Her aunt had finally pulled her attention away from her roiling thoughts by way of an extensive and winding dissertation on how much of one’s life was inevitably spent sitting in a carriage.
Now, they had alighted and made their way in. Lily was conscious of him behind her as she made her curtsy to Lady Bergram. She dared not turn around but followed her aunt inside.
She handed over her cloak and took her card, noticing her aunt looking wistfully in the direction of what could only be the card room.
“Do go on, Aunt,” Lily said. “You must hurry to secure yourself a good partner and there is no danger to us here. I see Penny Darlington making her way over, I shall not be left alone.”
Mrs. Hemming appeared delighted, patted her hand, and made a determined foray into the crowd.
Just as her aunt had departed, Miss Darlington reached her.
“Dear Lily,” she said merrily, “you seem quite recovered from your adventure.”
Lily stood stock still. Did Penny know what had occurred at Lady Carradine’s? How could she know? If she knew, others must know.
“My adventure?” Lily said softly.
“In my phaeton, you goose.”
Lily felt a wave of relief wash over her. She scolded herself for being such a nervous ninny. She smiled and said, “You are to know that I consider it one of the more interesting things I’ve done and think you fearless to have mastered such a skill.”
“Nonsense,” Penny said. “Oh, here comes Lord Burke. Do you know him? He is a jolly fellow; I highly recommend him.”
“I do not know the gentleman,” Lily said. And indeed, she had not yet met with Lord Burke, though Cassandra had mentioned him as a genial and stalwart gentleman.
The lord in question approached and made a bow.
“Lord Burke, may I present Miss Farnsworth,” Penny said.
Lord Burke smiled. “Miss Farnsworth, she of the masterful piquet game?”
“The very one,” Penny said, laughing.
“Miss Darlington speaks highly of you, Miss Farnsworth. May I?” Lord Burke said, holding his hand out for her card.
As Lily put her hand out to give it to him, another hand swiftly reached in front of Lord Burke’s and took the card from her fingertips.
“Burke,” Lord Ashworth said, “I’m sure you do not mind.”
“I am sure that I do,” Lord Burke said cheerfully, “but if you are in earnest.”
As Lord Ashworth filled in his name, Lily felt a thrill. Certainly, this was not to do with protecting her. There was no danger inside the house and no need to dance with her. It must be his wish and not just a sense of duty.
Lord Ashworth did not stay, and Lily had the idea that he was almost embarrassed by what he’d done. After he moved off, she handed Lord Burke the card. Lord Burke said, “Ah, he takes you into supper. I was certain the rumors going round that Ashworth was in a sulk over losing to you at cards could not hold any merit. He is a better man than that.”
Lily did not reply, as she was equally certain Lord Ashworthhadbeen in a bit of a sulk. But who cared for that now? He had taken supper.
“Do not look so downcast, Lord Burke,” Miss Darlington said. “You are engaged to takemeinto supper, in case you have forgotten. I shall be put out if you regret your choice.”
“I had not forgotten and would never regret,” Lord Burke said, filling in the first on Lily’s card. “I am delighted, though I fear Lord Cabot will not be.”
Lily looked enquiringly at Penny. Miss Darlington only laughed and said, “Poor Lord Cabot. He will be forced to make civil conversation to some unlucky lady. He only prefers me as I allow him to wax on about his horses.”
Lord Grayson, all tightly fitting coat and mile high neckcloth, joined their party. “Miss Farnsworth, charmed to see you again. Miss Darlington, ever your servant. Burke, how do you do?”
