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Being much younger than her siblings and not terribly close with them and then feeling so different than everyone else wherever she went, Constance had never been in the habit of unburdening herself upon anyone, let alone a handsome gentleman she had only become reacquainted with. Certainly, she would never do so in a crowded receiving room where anyone could overhear. But she had never been so tempted to do so as she was in that moment.
Shaking her head a little, she smiled at him to soften her rejection of his offer.
“I am perfectly fine, thank you so much for your concern.”
He leaned in closer so that there was no possibility anyone could overhear.
“You are lying,” he stated boldly but not unkindly. “But you can change your mind and talk to me if you ever wish to.”
Constance blinked, hoping her feelings were not writing themselves upon her face. She didn’t even know what she was feeling, so she most definitely didn’t want anyone else to see her turmoil. From the warmth in his eyes, though, she was reasonably sure Florent could sense some of it.
Her smile felt tight as she turned away from him with a mumbled goodbye and barely a curtsy. She went in search of someone else, anyone else, to talk to. A frantic glance around the room indicated there was an empty spot on the settee next to Lady Bathurst. Constance hoped she wasn’t taking anyone else’s place but decided her own need in that moment was stronger.
“Hello, my lady,” Constance greeted simply as she sat down. “I do hope it’s all right for me to join you for a moment.” She smiled gently and received very little reaction from the other woman. “The room has suddenly grown fuller, and I find I need a slight reprieve.”
Lady Bathurst patted Connie’s hand. “That’s perfectly fine, dear. It happens to all of us eventually.”
Connie bit the side of her tongue to prevent it from expressing her thoughts. Was the woman equating them? As though to imply that Constance was of an age with the matron? Her stomach curdled slightly at the thought, but there was no counter argument she could possibly make. Her smile was weak, but she offered it anyway.
Despite Lady Bathurst’s questionable welcome and acceptance of her, Constance was glad she had taken the chance to sit down. She could feel Mr. Wagner’s gaze fixed upon her once more, but she knew her presence next to the older woman would keep the bounder at bay for the time being. She would have to speak with him again eventually if they were to be fellow guests, but for now she would take the reprieve no matter how craven she might consider it to be.
Conversation swirled around her, but her years of practice participating in the social niceties kept her in good stead. Connie didn’t have to pay the least bit of attention to what was being said. She knew exactly how to respond in all the appropriate places. It allowed her mind to race with the possibilities.
Was Henry Wagner present to continue his pursuit of her? In a certain way she ought to be flattered.
Perhaps it had nothing to do with her and she was being unforgivably vain.
Or he was up to no good as she always suspected, and she would have to do something about it because she was the only one who would possibly suspect him of anything. She valiantly ignored the fact that both Daisy and her brother had noticed at least something was amiss.
Connie ensured that her racing thoughts did not reflect themselves upon her features by keeping a small but pleasant smile pinned to her lips. She only hoped no one started talking about anything truly serious or saddening because then she would be completely inappropriate. But thus far, the position had allowed her to let her mind wander without fear of repercussions.
Why was Henry Wagner at Everleigh?
Really, until she asked him directly or Lady Adelaide, or both, there was no way for her to know. She couldn’t possibly guess at the workings of the man’s mind. Perhaps, unbeknownst to her, he was some long distant relative of Lady Adelaide or the Northcotts. They were certainly a large enough family. And everyone had unfortunate members on their family trees. Ones you were obliged to invite to your home upon occasion. She really shouldn’t allow her overly active imagination to paint monsters in every closet. It was entirely possible that it was a purely innocent coincidence.
But Connie didn’t believe in coincidences. And from what she had come to know about Mr. Wagner, there was never anything innocent about the man. She sighed.
Unfortunately, despite her advancing years, Lady Bathurst had nothing wrong with her hearing. Her sharp gaze settled upon Connie instantly.
“Are you finding the social interplay too tiring? There’s nothing shameful in needing a nap,” she reminded Connie kindly.
Connie hid her amusement as best she could and nodded to the woman. She was only trying to be kind after all.
“You could be right, my lady, I thank you for your concern.”
Without bothering to try to explain herself, Connie left her place on the settee and took her leave of the room. While she didn’t feel in the least bit tired, a little time alone would not go unappreciated.
