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Perhaps she really did want an opinion. Eden tried to think of girls’ names more in keeping with current fashion. “What about Adora?”
“I know several people considering that name. Henry suggested a flower, but I can think of none I find appealing as a name.”
Eden almost suggested “Violet” but checked herself at the last moment. It would be all too easy for the malicious to make assumptions about the child if she was named after Percy’s favorite color palette. That meant Iris, Ianthe, Hyacinth, and Lavender were also out of the question. “What about Delphine? Or perhaps Amaryllis?”
“Too sedate.”
“Dahlia?”
Again Lady Montgomery shook her head. “It is elegant sounding, but I know he’ll reject it. He said he wants something definitively cheerful.”
Eden thought for a moment. “What about Marigold? You could call her Mari as an endearment.”
Stopping, Lady Montgomery smiled. “Henry would likely insist upon calling her Goldie instead. Marigold.” She nodded. “I like it. It reminds me of sunshine, and nothing could be more cheerful. I shall suggest it to him.” Still she held to Eden’s arm. “Now that’s out of the way, tell me, how are things moving along regarding our mutual friend?”
So, her instincts had been correct. “My stepmother is determined I should consider another.” There was no harm in telling her.
“I see.” The woman’s tone was nigh on frigid.
“I like it not,” Eden told her quickly. “I have made my wishes plain concerning…our friend, but she insists. I will, of course, be polite when introduced, but I have no plans to give encouragement to anyone but our friend.”
“You have not yet met the gentleman she has selected for you?”
“I have not. But I…” She couldn’t confess to having eavesdropped. Concerned someone might be doing the same now, she lowered her voice. “I have reason to believe she has singled out Lord Ravenwood.” She let it sink in for a moment. “I intend to tell our friend about it this evening. I believe my stepmother intends to introduce us soon.”
Lady Montgomery arched a fiery brow. “If that is so, then our friend must be told at once. Ravenwood is here tonight.”
Eden’s heart skipped. Now she knew why Catherine had fussed over her attire so this afternoon. “I must find him at once and—”
“Wait,” hissed Lady Montgomery, clutching her arm to prevent her leaving. “I agree he must be told, but you ought to have a plan in mind to combat the interloper first.” Her intelligent green eyes met Eden’s in a canny stare. “Though his elegant speech may deceive you, our friend is first and foremost a man of action. If he is not presented with some sort of plan when you bring him this unpleasant news, he’ll come up with his own, and it may not be to your liking.”
Though she wanted to marry Percy, Eden didn’t wish it to be amid a scandal.
“Above all, you must reassure him of your growing affection,” continued Lady Montgomery. “Am I right in assuming there is such affection?”
A blush stung Eden’s cheeks.
Her companion smiled. “I thought so. If I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion, my advice would be to treat the new supplicant with all due respect while making clear the direction of your affections. I can see this was your thought, also. Believe me when I say our friend will be glad to return the favor in kind. He will leave no room for doubt.”
“And if that does not dissuade the other gentleman?”
“Then you may expect our friend to address him directly. Once he is assured of your affection, nothing will stand in his way.” One corner of her mouth twitched. “I hope you are prepared to endure such devotion, as he has little care for propriety. Our friend will not long tolerate a rival.”
Eden nodded. “I understand.” Catherine would be livid, but if it meant she’d be rid of Ravenwood, so be it.
“There is Ravenwood
now,” murmured her companion, nodding toward a dark-haired man dressed in heavily embroidered saffron yellow silk.
It wasn’t that his outfit was in poor taste. To the contrary, it was quite splendid. But it was also very…bright. It was clear the fellow wanted to draw as much attention as possible.
Inwardly, Eden groaned. Any woman seen with him would not be missed. When she looked to Lady Montgomery again, she saw sympathy in the woman’s eyes. “What sort of plan would you recommend?”
Lady Montgomery narrowed her eyes for a moment, then glanced about. “Come, let us go someplace where there will be no ears to overhear us.”
Twenty minutes later she was back at Percy’s side. Though Lady Montgomery had agreed to delay it, they hadn’t much time before the first dance was called. “Come with me up to the gallery,” she murmured, her heart pounding. “There is something we must discuss.” The moment she was sure they were visible yet unable to be overheard, she spoke without preamble. “My stepmother has determined to put forward another contender for my hand.”
“And the name of this ill-fated contender?” he asked with a chuckle.
