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“Then you must join us,” Alessandro offered.
Miss Doulton and Pelham accepted the invitation. The discussion was much livelier, now. But Alessandro soon marked that, like Charlotte, Miss Doulton kept close watch on the green. Her vigilance was explained when Lady Angelica Mallowby appeared.
At Miss Doulton’s subtle gesture, Alessandro stood, leaving his seat—next to Stanton—open. Introductions were made, Lady Angelica sat beside Stanton, and the pair immediately began reacquainting themselves.
Cupid’s messenger, it seemed, had performed her appointed task. Looking at Miss Doulton, he raised his glass slightly in salute.
“Lord Pelham was telling me about his horses,” the girl told him, starting off the conversation. “Some of the best runners in the country, or so I’ve been informed.” She turned to Pelham with a smile. “I believe you said Pegasus himself couldn’t outfly them? Though I’ve heard Melly speak of them in somwhat less flattering terms.”
“She would,” he said, laughing. “We’ve been at odds with each other over who has the fastest horse since we were old enough to ride.”
“Perhaps we should have a race this summer and settle the matter once and for all?” said Mélisande.
“Why not?” Pelham answered. “And you can act as judge,” he told Miss Doulton.
Charlotte abruptly stood. “I should like to play a game of bowls. Miss Doulton, won’t you join me?”
Startled, Miss Doulton arose. “I would be delighted.”
Mélisande quickly got up, motioning for him to come as well. “Lord Gravina and I should also like to play.”
Turning to Angelica, Miss Doulton apologized, “I do hope you’ll excuse my abandoning you?”
“Of course,” said Angelica, her gaze lingering on Stanton. “I shall be happy to keep Mr. Stanton company.”
“David?” Charlotte prompted.
“You already have four players,” he replied without looking at her.
“Oh, but I really think we ought to be evenly matched with two ladies and two gentlemen, don’t you? Melly, why don’t you sit this round out?” she said, turning away before either of them could answer.
“I can see you’ll give no one any peace until you have your way,” Pelham said, rising.
“Excellent,” she clipped. “You can be on my team.”
“I shall come along and keep score,” said Mélisande, earning herself a glare from Charlotte.
On their way to the bowling green, a fellow guest stopped them on the path. Alessandro immediately noticed the way Mélisande stiffened.
“Countess, how delightful to see you,” the man said, bowing.
“Likewise, Lord Herrington,” she replied, her manner formal.
“Congratulations on your engagement, Lord Gravina,” Herrington said, turning to address him. His smile did not reach his eyes. “I do hope you’ll be very happy together.”
“Thank you, I’m sure we will,” Alessandro answered, not liking the fellow’s cold, amber gaze. A memory from his boyhood flashed: his nurse making the corna, the sign against malocchio, the evil eye.
“Lord Herrington,” interrupted Charlotte, “we were just about to play at bowls, if you would like to join us. Then we can all play. You can be on my team,” she added, ignoring the look she received from Pelham.
Alessandro could see that this suggestion was most disagreeable to Mélisande. For some reason, she did not like this man. In fact, the only person who appeared fond of him at all was Charlotte, who, having been rather sullen and recalcitrant until now, was suddenly charming and animated.
“I would very much enjoy that, Miss Charlotte.” Herrington offered her his arm. “Shall we?” The pair led the way, leaving the rest of the company no choice but to follow.
The entire time they played, Charlotte was cheerful and talkative—with Herrington. Everyone else might not have even been present, especially Pelham, whom she proceeded to ignore with a vengeance.
The moment an opportunity presented itself, Pelham made his excuses. “Miss Doulton, I beg your pardon, but I just saw my uncle pass by and must speak with him regarding a matter of some urgency.” He bowed and then made as if to turn, but then hesitated. “If you would like to join me and are willing to forgive me in advance for boring you with matters of business for a few moments, I should be glad of your company.”
Miss Doulton accepted his offer at once, her relief evident.
