Page 32 of Just a Little Daring

8th April 1841, The Old Ship Hotel, Brighton.

“Miss Anson.”

“Lady Aisling.”

The two men spoke in unison, both sounding somewhat winded.

“Mr Lane-Fox,” Vivien managed, though her heart was thudding so hard she could hardly breathe, let alone speak. She dared a glance at the others to find Aisling glowering at August’s companion with undisguised hostility. This was such an extraordinary and unexpected expression to see on Aisling’s sweet face that Vivien was momentarily diverted.

Thank heavens for Evie, who plunged into the awkward breach. “Mr Lane-Fox, how nice to see you again. I see the splendid weather has tempted you away from town, too. Good heavens, there must not be a soul left in London.”

“Miss Knight, it is a pleasure to see you as always, and yes, the world appears to be here enjoying the sunshine, though my friend here invited me to accompany him. We’ve not seen each other this age, so had some catching up to do. If you would allow me to introduce him—”

“We’ve met,” Lady Aisling said, giving the man a cool nod. “Mr Cootes.”

The simmering tension was hard to miss, and Evie glanced first at Ash and then to Vivien, though they were both at a loss.

“We were about to sit down for some lunch,” Evie said, and Vivien was certain the next words out of her mouth would have been, if you will excuse us, which would politely but neatly give them their marching orders, but then her blessed brother had to open his mouth.

“I do hope you’ll join us,” Ash said cheerfully.

Vivien didn’t know whether to kiss him or hit him with the breadbasket. Judging from Aisling’s expression, she was for the breadbasket.

“It would be a pleasure,” Mr Cootes said, pulling out a chair for Evie, before August could reply. August sent Vivien an apologetic smile and did likewise for her as everyone took their places.

Vivien’s composure was hardly helped when August took the only remaining seat beside her. There was a flurry of activity as waiters arrived and attended to napkins and brought wine and water whilst they passed the menus around. Silence fell as everyone surveyed their choices.

“How have you been?” he asked, and with such tenderness that Vivien wanted to weep.

Wretched. Miserable. Utterly blue devilled.

“Quite well, thank you, Mr Lane-Fox.”

That had sounded rather cold and indifferent, which she had not intended at all, but it was all she could do to keep her composure. If she let it slip at all, she might do something outrageous and throw herself at him. Oh, but it was good to see him. Even though it hurt more than she had suspected it might, she drank in the sight of him. Had he lost weight? His handsome features seemed a little sharper than usual, the cheekbones more prominent.

“And you?” she dared ask, hating herself for hoping he’d been as unhappy as she had.

He stared at the menu for a long moment, though she thought he did not see it.

“August?” she pressed, knowing she ought not to use his name. She no longer had the right.

He closed his eyes for a moment. “Wretched,” he whispered, before turning back to her with a rueful smile. “Would you forgive me for wishing I had never met you?”

Though a lump rose in her throat, Vivien smiled, though she suspected it was a wistful expression. “Not in the least. I am afraid I am guilty of the same emotion.”

“Well, we had best make the best of things,” he said, a note of forced cheer to the words.

“Yes.” Vivien nodded. They were adults. Just because they could not be together, did not mean they could not be friends, not treat each other kindly. “Perhaps you know why the sweetest girl on God’s green earth is staring daggers at your Mr Cootes. Do I know him, incidentally? He looks familiar.”

“You perhaps have seen his brother in town. Lord de Ligne?”

“Ah, yes,” Vivien nodded, realising the resemblance was marked.

“As for the animosity between him and Lady Aisling, I believe they met at Christmas, at Roxborough’s House party. Sylvester must have made an impression.”

“Sylvester Cootes? Oh, he’s the most vexing man who ever lived!” Vivien said, and then slapped a hand over her mouth.

August grinned at her and raised an eyebrow.