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Chapter Twelve
Vicky felt Ashford’s gaze following her but aside from one quick glance back, she refused to gaze longingly at him. Her mind was filled with such conflicting thoughts. And then there was Lord Bertram trying to talk to her again. With a sigh, Vicky managed to evade his efforts and made it up to her room for some quiet and relative privacy.
Dolly, ever faithful, was there ready to help her relax and prepare for the evening. Georgia had planned an elaborate supper followed by dancing. All the younger ladies were excited about wearing the best gowns they had brought with them. Vicky had tried to enter into the enthusiasm of the occasion but had been too preoccupied with her conflicting thoughts. Thankfully, the other girls like Lady Delilah and Miss Kitty had more than made up for her lack to the point that it was doubtful anyone could have even noticed that she wasn’t quite as excited as the rest.
It was a shame, really, as she should be delighting in the house party. Georgia had gone to great lengths to ensure it was perfect for her. Vicky felt positively churlish for not being in alt over everything. But the conflict stirred up within her by both Lord Bertram and Ashford Northcott was enough to drive her quite mad.
She had much to contemplate as Dolly brushed out her hair and began to plait it into the evening’s more intricate style.
“You’ve gone quiet again, m’lady. Are you well? Did you fatigue yourself with your exploring?”
“No, I’m well, Dolly, thanks for your concern. I’m just lost in my thoughts.”
“Still wondering about the Northcott gentleman, are you?”
“Not in the sense that I think you mean, Dolly,” Vicky began despite her misgivings.
The maid didn’t say anything, merely regarding her reflection as she continued to style her hair.
“It’s all a great mess. I had thought to keep it completely to myself, not even telling you, as it’s truly ridiculous but carries the potential for scandal.”
“My lady, surely not,” Dolly gasped. “You’d best tell me everything. You know I shan’t tell a soul, and you obviously need to talk it through. If you haven’t even told the countess, you surely need to tell someone.”
“You’re correct, of course. I don’t know what I was thinking to believe I could keep it to myself. I’ve never kept anything a complete secret.”
“Now my lady, it’s not that you’re incapable of doing so, I’m certain of it. It’s just that there’s something obviously weighing upon you. If it’s not your concerns about embarrassing yourself in front of Mr. Northcott, then what is it?”
“It’s Lord Bertram.”
Stunned silence followed Vicky’s declaration as the maid’s eyes narrowed in concentration as she regarded her mistress.
“Never tell me you’ve developed feelings for that one.”
Vicky was surprised by a chuckle coming from her throat. It was a relief of her pent up emotions. “No, that isn’t the case. Or at least not pleasant feelings. I certainly have all sorts ofnegativefeelings toward the man.”
Dolly nodded but didn’t add anything, waiting for her mistress to continue.
After a deep breath, Vicky did continue.
“I’m sure you remember my telling you before that Viscount Bertram makes me uncomfortable. I can’t even say why exactly. But it feels like he’s greasy or something. I know that’s a strange description, but he just gives me the shivers in a very unpleasant manner, like I want to be anywhere but near him. But on the first night that he was here, I had to sit with him for supper. And he told me he had something really important that he had to tell me.”
Vicky could see her maid’s eyes growing larger and rounder in the mirror. Somehow, it made her feel better.
“Anyhow, he said that Mr. Northcott was involved in treasonous activity and the fact that my brothers-in-law are friends of his, we’d all be tainted by the scandal.”
“He never!” the servant exclaimed.
“That was my reaction, too. I am quite convinced there’s no truth to the matter, but I hadn’t any idea how to counter his words.”
“But what did he want you to do?”
“Lord Bertram wants me to investigate Mr. Northcott, but I haven’t a clue how to do it.”
“So, what did you do?”
Vicky sighed. “I tried to talk to him as Lord Bertram commanded, but I’m truly not cut out for questioning anyone. I wish he had been more specific in his demands. Telling me to find out about Mr. Northcott’s business interests was a trifle too vague to be of any use.”
“Did you not speak to him at all then?”
