Page 74 of Scandal’s Daughter

Chapter 30

“Wherein ... the plot thickens.”

Lord Nibley and his sister, much to Georgiana’s delight and surprise, were dressed as a pair of Spanish dancers. She exclaimed in delight, having unjustly supposed Percy would look down on such rowdy amusements. He coloured a little at her exclamation and then grinned.

“I admit I had grave misgivings about this evening,” he said, looking a trifle sheepish. “Hen-hearted I know, but you get such odd and varied sorts as these affairs. I always feel it’s not quite the thing for young ladies, but Florrie was determined to come and well ... do you know it’s rather liberating to be someone else for an evening and everyone none the wiser.”

Georgiana laughed, though her own thoughts were too tangled to enter into his amusement as fully as she might have done.

Privately she also thought anyone acquainted with Lord Nibley would never be deceived no matter the number of garish colours with which he clad his long limbs.

His sister, Florence, was also tall and lean, though thankfully not to the extent of her brother. She had his kind brown eyes though and was a cheerful companion, much inclined to enjoy herself and see everything there was to be seen.

“But I have not yet told you how very lovely you look,” Nibley added boldly, colouring a little but saved by his sister who nodded vigorously.

“Oh, yes,” she breathed, looking flatteringly awestruck as she took in Georgiana’s attire. “The very image of a goddess. You really are very beautiful, and Artemis with her silver bow and arrow is just the thing for your lovely figure.”

“The very image of a goddess indeed,” Nibley said softly, this time causing Georgiana to blush.

Looking suitably awkward Florence settled back against the squabs and they enjoyed a pleasant conversation as the carriage took them via the less fashionable but drier route over Westminster Bridge rather than chartering a boat to Kennington.

They reached Vauxhall Gardens in Lambeth within the half hour, and it looked like an enchanted fairyland glittering in the darkness.

Thousands of glass Chinese lanterns were hung all about the wide, sweeping avenues, glowing gold, and the ornamental lake was lit with floating candles.

The grand rococo rotunda too was all aglow, and everywhere the eyes were assaulted by colourful costumes and the swirl of domino cloaks as masked figures laughed louder and more boldly than usual.

For the first hour Georgiana despaired of ever finding Sebastian in the crush, but she had been right about Lord Nibley’s singularly lanky frame. Beyond relieved, a familiar voice slid over her skin, sending shivers of anticipation down her spine.

“Good evening, lovely Artemis,” he whispered against her ear and she turned, confronted with a black silk domino, lined with scarlet and a black mask.

She knew the dark eyes that glittered behind the mask, however, and felt her tension ease a little. Sebastian would surely know what to do.

“I would be afraid such a powerful goddess would steal my heart away,” he said, his voice still low and serious. “But alas you must find another for mine is already claimed.”

“Oh?” she replied, smiling up at him, despite the fear in her heart that trouble awaited them. “You do not find me to your liking, your grace?”

“Oh, how could I not?” he exclaimed, shaking his head. “But I have lost my heart to a mortal woman and have promised to have no other.”

“I should think not!” she said, with an arch look, making him laugh.

“You look so very beautiful, love,” he whispered and then stepped back a little as Lord Nibley and his sister joined them.

“Your grace,” Nibley said, nodding, though Georgiana thought she detected a cool look in Percy’s face that surprised her.

They walked on along the gravelled avenue as the strains of music tangled on the evening air.

In every grove, temple and lodge they passed, music was heard and the scent of food and chink of glasses as every variety of refreshment and entertainment was offered and the crowds grew ever livelier.

They passed small, brightly coloured tents where gypsies offered to read cards and tell fortunes and the structures of the large Turkish tents glowed with golden light.

The music grew louder as they approached the umbrella of the music room, as dancing was the entertainment within, and Georgiana thought her chance of speaking to Sebastian privately was only to be found here.

She gave a little urgent tug on his arm and gestured towards the rotunda. His mouth quirked into a smile and he paused to bow to her with a very formal air.

“Would you do me the honour, Miss Bomford of dancing with me.”

“Why, your grace, what a charming idea.”