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“Edmond never brought home eight pineapples before.Maybe it is I who don’t deserve you.”
He suddenly realized what actual hell looked like: life without Rose.
At the rumbling of the first carriages, several footmen hurried through the foyer and down the steps, Raleigh chasing after them as if they were schoolchildren.
“It’s Lord and Lady Chester’s carriage!”Rose said.“I knew she would be the first to arrive.
“And two more carriages behind them.Gossip can do more than money, it seems.”Matthew said.“Should we escort the first guest through the panorama?”
“That’s a marvelous idea.I should warn you now, it is very doubtful I will see you for the rest of the evening, let alone talk to you.”
“Don’t forget to whisper the news in Lady Chester’s ear.Late spring.Early summer.Be vague.”
“The vaguest,” she said.
“And wherever I am, even in the middle of a dance, find me promptly when there is a hint of the king’s arrival.”
“The promptest.”
“Also, please tell Lady Chester that if she sees me approaching, I humbly request that she rescue me from whatever situation I am running from.”
Rose laughed.“Your arm, Mr.Hardy.We have guests.”
As they stepped forward, Rose heard the outdoor orchestra begin to play.The footmen had hurried to the carriages.Abigail smiled broadly as she stepped from the creaking carriage.“My darling, Rose.It is magnificent.”She reached for Rose, her hands extended, and Rose kissed her cheek.
“Thank you so much for coming,” Rose said.
“Really?I wouldn’t miss my best friend’s gala for the world.”
“Lord Chester,” Matthew said, shaking his hand.“Welcome.”
“Walk with me through the panorama.I have some news,” she whispered to Abigail.
“Don’t worry about me,” Abigail said.“You have so other guests to attend.Lord Chester will escort me around.”She turned to Matthew.“And I will expect a dance at some point tonight, Mr.Hardy.”
“Of course.”Matthew bowed over her hand.
Abigail’s parents were also in the carriage and after they climbed down, there wasn’t another free moment for either Rose or Matthew.
The incoming carriages maintained a steady flow for over an hour and bodies were everywhere, couples promenading through the panorama, walking the promenade, enjoying the ices, discovering the maze, dancing on the outdoor platform and drinking.
Rose was paying close attention to a few guests: The Duke and Duchess of Welliver arrived without incident, greeting her and Matthew.Esther smiled warmly at Rose but threw a cold look at Matthew before he bowed to her.Lady Jersey and her husband, of course, and several others.The Duke and Duchess of Pelham.
Anne VanLandingham whispered in Rose’s ear, “I see it is working out quite well.Before long, I will have a sterling reputation as the ton’s preeminent matchmaker.”
“You and Madame DuPuis.”
“Tosh,” Anne said before her husband whisked her away.
She and Matthew were split by their host and hostess duties, but she caught sight of his tall frame now and again—on the dance floor with Lady Chester; at the gaming tables with Lord Wargrove, Lord Carlow and Viscount Andover, and tasting whisky with the Duke of Pelham before he found himself on the dance floor again.
She danced with Lord Chester, and asauteusewith the Earl of Dahlingford, a known rake, then made a circuitous loop about the house and grounds to see that everything was running smoothly.She spoke with Raleigh and Mrs.Callis, touchstones amidst the organized chaos.She passed Matthew once and reached for his hand, just grazing his fingers.
Abigail’s gaze caught hers and they walked toward each other, bumping shoulders with the ballroom crowd.The orchestra was playing a very fine rendition of “Le Boulanger,” which was probably why Matthew had hurried from the ballroom, so he could avoid dancing with the other couples.
“All the gossip is very positive, Rose.I can only imagine tomorrow’s talk about theton!”
“Well, then, I need you to add some sweet to all the salty gossip.”
