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“My apologies for her no doubt rigorous inquiry.” His expression turned grim. “She meant well.”
Eden softened. “Yes, she did. You are blessed in your friends.”
“That I am. I suppose there is no point in keeping you ignorant concerning my current pursuits, either.”
She stared askance at him.
“I cannot discuss it here, but suffice it to say if we marry, you will need to be aware of them so that should
anything surface it will not cause an unnecessary rift between us. I’ll keep no secrets from you, Eden, though you may one day wish I had.”
“Yes. She adjured me to cultivate fortitude should I choose to continue our association.”
“She was right to warn you. But now is not the time to speak of such matters.” He glanced about. “We’ll talk more when there is adequate time and privacy.”
Curiosity sat in the pit of her stomach, burning like a red hot coal. Later. “Indeed, I think it would be wise, for the moment, to refrain from discussing any matters of import. Perhaps we should join in a game of Hazard or backgammon?” She gestured to the tables set up along one side of the room where people were beginning to settle now that the musical entertainments had ended.
“Of course.”
Though they took on various partners and played many different games, Eden knew it would not go unnoticed that the two of them played each other more often than anyone else. By the time dinner was served, their hosts had made a place for their uninvited guest—right next to Eden. It could not have been made plainer that they were thought a couple.
While it was a pleasure to be so near him, she knew they must present a respectable front. Each made a point to include their other dinner partners in conversation. When at last, after two hours, everyone was sated and the gentlemen ready for their port, she and Percy parted ways. The looks from the women around her told her she was in for an inquest.
Fortunately, Genevieve stepped in and linked arms with her at once, preventing its commencement. “Don’t be bothered by them,” she whispered in Eden’s ear. “No doubt they are each of them choking on their own liver for want of being in your place.”
“You are kind to come to my rescue,” Eden told her, giving her arm a light squeeze as they walked.
“I will confess an ulterior motive,” said Genevieve with a naughty little smile. “I’m hoping Tavistoke will introduce me to one of his acquaintances who will then fall madly in love with me and propose.”
“I saw the pair of you playing chess. How did you fare?”
Genevieve sniffed and tossed her head. “I won, naturally. Oh, but I am very pleased for you, Eden. He seems a very nice gentleman, despite his reputation.”
Alarm raced through her. “He is indeed, but why are you pleased for me?”
“Though he played at table with me, it was plain his mind was elsewhere,” said her friend. “I very much suspect it followed the path his eyes took. They were always on you. He’s besotted with you or I am blind.”
If Genevieve had noticed such a thing, it surely followed everyone else had, too. Her stepmother would hear of it sooner or later. Despite Catherine being cloistered by a cold, Eden worried it would be the sooner. Servants’ tongues ran faster than a virgin through the midst of a bacchanal. “I cannot say whether that is an accurate observance or not,” she said evasively. “I was surprised to see him here tonight. He is to call Monday, also.”
Genevieve grinned in delight and whispered, “How very promising! I imagine we shall be planning your wedding before May Day arrives.”
With good humor, Eden shushed her and the pair entered the ladies drawing room.
She saw Percy again only once and very briefly at the close while she was with Genevieve and her mother awaiting their carriage. Heart in her throat, she watched as he made his way to her through the crush.
“I remain your most humble and devoted servant, Miss Lowther.” He bowed, his dark eyes never leaving hers. “And I look to Monday with all anticipation.”
“As do I.” She dipped a curtsy and tried to remain calm.
Genevieve and her mother both stared at her as he walked away. So did everyone else around them.
“If anyone is in doubt of his intentions now, he or she is a fool,” said Genevieve quietly. “Best be ready for Lady Catherine to take your ears off, for Mama will surely send her a note about this encounter.”
Eden could only nod and try to keep her face from showing her delight.
It would be worth it.
…
