Page 22 of Mirrors of the Past

‘Living as what?’ Viola was confused. Did he mean the fact that Elsie and Louis lived in London, away from Pencradoc itself? It didn’t seem that unusual . . .

‘Living together outside of wedlock, of course!’ Richard leaned in, all faux shock, and laughed loudly, right in her face; Viola could smell even more alcohol on his breath. ‘And truth be told, I’m damn surprised they’ve upheld their station in Society for so long, but I suppose she may have used certain charms to stay where she is. She’s here tonight, of course, brazen as anything.’

‘Pardon?’ Viola was thoroughly confused now, only half-listening and thoroughly hung up on his earlier comment about wedlock. Elsie and Louis not being married? The thought hadn’t even entered her mind.

‘Shocking, isn’t it? I mean, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in that family. Rumour also has it that half her siblings are—’

But whatever he was going to say about Elsie’s siblings was never to be uttered at that point.

Because Laurie suddenly appeared out of the shadows, looking for all the world like an avenging vampire, and planted himself in front of Viola’s companion.

‘Is this gentleman bothering you?’ Laurie asked. His voice was chilling. ‘Because he’s bothering me.’

‘Excuse me?’ Richard took a moment to focus on Laurie. ‘I’m having a conversation. You . . .’

Laurie took one more step and the flickering candlelight from the table, from the wall sconces and from the chandeliers seemed to pool around him, illuminating him.

His mouth was compressed in a tight, angry line, his brows were drawn together, a scowl darkened his face. And he looked glorious!

Viola blinked — she could do nothing but stare at him. Jeepers, her knees were practically jelly and that had nothing to do with her dancing . . .

‘No. I shall not “excuse you”,’ Laurie said coldly. ‘You have insulted my sister, you have insulted me, you have insulted my family. You are an arrogant bigot and this young lady is so far above you in both manners and decorum that she should no longer be subjected to your drivel.’ He paused and looked Richard up and down in disgust. ‘You are actually an embarrassment to Society yourself. Do you know that?’

‘I—’

‘Do you?’ Laurie’s voice thundered, not letting Richard follow through. ‘No. I bet you do not.’ He shook his head. Then, in one smooth movement, he took Viola’s hand and drew her close to him.

Her legs really were going to collapse beneath her; she had to hang on to Laurie’s hand awfully tightly and found herself taking a couple of steps closer to him, so it felt like she and him were definitely on the side of the angels together. Well, the fallen angels, she amended, chancing a quick glance at the tall, dark, angry man next to her.

My word.Her arm was tingling all the way from her fingertips to her shoulder, and it was all because he was holding her hand . . . like that. Like he really cared about her and cared about removing her from such an obnoxious presence as Richard Bedford.

Her rational side told her it was probably because Laurie was so angry at what he’d overheard about Elsie and his family, but for that brief moment, she’d felt a total connection to the man beside her and it made her feel faint.

My word.

‘I’m now going to walk away from you,’ Laurie told Richard. ‘And I’m taking this young lady with me. I feel it’s safest to put a considerable distance between you and me. Good evening, Sir.’ The last word dripped with sarcasm and Viola was rather impressed, despite the situation.

‘Now wait just one moment!’ Richard began to bluster, suddenly finding his voice. ‘Violet may not want to go with you. She would much rather stay with me, I’m sure. Violet?’ He held his hand out and wiggled his fingers, beckoning her to him. Viola found that gesture rather sickening to be honest. And actually . . .

‘Who’s Violet?’ she asked. ‘My name is Viola. Viola Arthur. One of the New York Arthurs. And don’t worry, I’ll be sure to send your regards to my sister.’

She dropped a brief curtsey and turned to Laurie, not waiting to see Richard’s reaction. She curtsied to Laurie as well. He bowed to her and the pair of them walked out of the ballroom, her heart thumping so very loudly. They continued until they came to the balcony. Then Laurie threw the door open and strode out onto the balcony . . .

Where he very quickly let go of her hand, took three steps backwards and folded his hands behind his back.