“Wait.” Marianne took her arm. “Please excuse us, Miss Ferguson. I need to have a private word with my sister.”
“Of course,” Daphne said.
Marianne led Edith out of earshot, close to a tree. “I think you should go.”
“But we just agreed that Daphne was trouble.”
“Yes, but Lady Upchurch is very well known and loved in society. Her parties are always the event of the year with extraordinary performances of acrobats, famous opera singers, and the most famous Drury Lane actors. The renovation ofher mansion took five years. This is the first big event she’s given in a long time. Showing yourself at her party will greatly increase your popularity. Besides, what could Daphne ever do at that party? It’s not one of the seedy gatherings she lured you into. It’s a more than valid social event usually with high-ranking peers and foreign dignitaries.” She whispered, “Even the princesses attend Lady Upchurch’s parties, most of the time incognito, but still, it’s an opportunity you can’t miss. I’m sure Lord Ravenscroft will be invited as well.”
“If you think it’s a good idea, then I’ll go.”
As they walked back to Daphne, the usual nagging voice warned her not to go, but she didn’t listen.
A weekafter the carriage incident, Perry could finally breathe in relief.
Edith’s health had improved, and he’d found a promising private detective who was following with discretion the case of the saboteur. He had only one complaint.
“Not another bloody party!”
The invitation to Lady Upchurch’s event had arrived at his desk a few minutes before Edith. The invitation was printed on a fancy blue card with golden letters that changed colours whenever he tilted the piece of paper—one of the many unnecessary extravagances of Lady Upchurch.
“Back in the days before the incident, I attended a few of Lady Upchurch’s parties,” he said. “They’re as grandiose as ridiculous.”
“Like what?” Edith sat on the chair next to him.
“Once, she gave an ancient Egyptian-themed party. Sarcophaguses everywhere with real corpses inside, bandagedlike mummies. I didn’t ask where they came from and didn’t care. You would’ve loved it.” He huffed. “Another time, an argument started between a French aristocrat and a lord, threatening to start another Hundred Years’ War. She usually invites no less than two hundred guests. Ridiculous. But I agree with your sister. An appearance at Lady Upchurch’s party will benefit your reputation.”
“Which will benefit yours.” She snuggled closer to him and rested her head on his chest.
Since the carriage accident, she’d done that a lot.
Holding her, he moved her to his lap. They’d spent the past afternoons like that, holding each other and whispering words of comfort.
“You’re very quiet,” he said. “I thought the invitation would cheer you up.”
“I’m just worried about the fact someone tried to kill us.”
“Only me.” He kissed her forehead. The bruise had faded from her cheek, but her pallor remained. “Not us.”
“Neville… do you think it was him?”
“Who else?” He caressed her breasts through the fabric of her shirt, smiling as she breathed faster. “He sent me a message to tell me how sorry he was about the incident. Liar. Meanwhile, the police didn’t catch the stable hand, but they said they’re optimistic, whatever it means.”
“Aren’t you worried?” She kissed a bruise on his neck.
“For me, no. For you, yes. Tell me the truth. You must be very disappointed about missing your chance to enrol in school, especially after doing so well on the test. I didn’t want to upset you by asking.”
“I am disappointed and frustrated.” She coiled an arm around his waist. “I was so close. But then again, I passed the test. I can do it again.”
“I’m sure you can.” He scattered kisses on her face until she giggled.
She slipped a hand under his shirt. He sucked in a breath as her soft fingers stroked his chest.
“I missed being with you, Perry. I missed your touch, your lips, and all the wicked things you do to me.”
“You destroy me when you say that.” He captured her mouth in a savage kiss, or as savage as their still tender skin would allow. “Besides, you lost a bet.”
“Happily so.” She unfastened his waistcoat and shirt with deft movements until her soft hand touched his naked skin.
