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Mister Hogarth’s eyes widened. “I’m happy to oblige.” He addressed Eden again. “And a lovelier subject for this one I cannot imagine. It will be my great pleasure to paint you, Miss Lowther.”
Lips twitching with amusement, she bowed her head in acquiescence, marking Percy’s vexed sigh. Surely he was not jealous? Of a painter?
“Please excuse us, my friend,” said Percy abruptly. “I believe the lady’s guardian is looking for her.”
“Ah, yes.” The man bowed and cleared his throat awkwardly. “Of course.”
Seeing Percy’s nervous glance to the right, Eden suddenly understood. His having introduced her to an artisan might not be looked upon with parental approval. “A pleasure meeting you, Mister Hogarth,” she said, dipping a quick curtsy before turning to allow the man a dignified retreat.
Indeed, coming toward them was Catherine, a sour look on her face. “Eden, come with me. I want to introduce you to Miss Deering. She is eager to meet you.”
Not a word of greeting to their host, who took the slight with stoic equanimity.
“Yes, of course,” Eden replied, her tone
meek. As she turned, she caught a smile flickering at the corners of Percy’s mouth. She returned it briefly before being all but dragged away.
“I realize we are in his home, but that does not mean you must remain at his side the entire time,” groused her stepmother. “Leave him to attend his other guests.”
Eden repressed a snort at the weak excuse and allowed herself to be shepherded through the crowd. Her chaperone’s destination was at least, thankfully, not Ravenwood but a group of young women including her friend Genevieve.
After being introduced to Miss Deering, who seemed somewhat less eager than Catherine would have her believe, she and Genevieve managed to escape and find a quiet corner in which to converse.
“Your stepmother is all but reaching for her smelling salts every time she sees you with him,” observed her friend.
“I’m afraid she’ll be needing them a lot more, then.”
“Oh?”
Eden couldn’t help smiling. “If you think for one moment I’m going to marry Ravenwood…”
“Have you come up with a plan to prevent it?”
“Indeed we have, and I believe it is just about to be put into action.” She nodded to their left where Percy stood before Ravenwood in conversation. Her heart began to pound as the men turned and departed the room together. A noise beside her reminded her she was not alone. “I just hope it works.”
“What works?” asked Genevieve. “What is he doing?”
“I believe he is staking his claim,” Eden announced proudly.
“Then he has proposed to you?”
Damn! Turning, she faced Genevieve. “He has not made any formal offer,” she lied. “But we have an understanding. My stepmother’s objections and this business with Ravenwood have only delayed the inevitable.”
“You are in love with him, then.”
Panic. “I—”
“Miss Lowther?”
She looked up in surprise to see Ravenwood standing there. “Yes?” Her face must be as red as a beet. How much could he have heard with them whispering in this crowded room? He looked distinctly uncomfortable, but whether it was a result of his conversation with Percy or something he’d just overheard, she could not tell.
“I wished to take my leave of you before departing and…” He broke off and swallowed, his skin growing as pale as milk. “And to tell you that I would like an opportunity to speak with you in private when I call this Friday.”
Oh God. Her heart sank. “I’m sure my stepmother will be pleased to allow us a stroll in the gardens,” she said, feigning ignorance of his intent. Whatever Percy had done, it had gone very badly.
“That will suffice,” he replied with a brisk nod. “Ladies, I am your servant.” Bowing stiffly, Ravenwood turned on his heel and departed.
“It looks as if your plan has gone awry,” murmured Genevieve.
