She cast him the sweetest, most sympathetic smile, and it lightened his heart. He no longer minded that he had been given the worst dinner partners ever devised in the history of such parties. Well, he wasn’t thrilled about it, but he could endure anything knowing Fiona was close by and committed to their marrying.
In truth, they knew each other so well, they often seemed able to communicate with a mere glance. But his feelings were in too much turmoil for him to be certain about any silent signals they exchanged tonight.
Had he made a mistake in encouraging Milbury to confide in Fiona? The marquess truly seemed a decent and honorable fellow. Nevertheless, Rob felt a pang of uncertainty when he saw that Milbury had been seated beside Fiona. Well, Florence Newton, the fake bird watcher—if Aubrey was to be believed—was seated on the opposite side of Milbury. He would figure out a way to get Florence chatting with Milbury if it looked like he were getting too cozy with Fiona.
If that didn’t work, Rob would somehow catch Reggie’s eye and get him to distract Fiona, for she was seated beside Milbury to her right and Reggie to her left.
He wanted to give Milbury the chance to ask Fiona about her circle of London friends, ladies who were in their thirties, either widowed or spinsters who might be suitable for this lord who was feeling quite lovelorn at the moment.
But was it not prudent to also make certain Milbury was not going to change his mind and go after Fiona?
The sad truth was, Rob did not trust that she was all in on her decision to marry him. Her feelings remained too fragile. She had resisted for so long.
Perhaps he ought to stand up now and blurt out the simple words.Lady Shoreham and I are betrothed.
That would end all speculation.Andclose that stupid betting book at White’s. Not to mention put an end to Lady Anne and Lady Cordelia’s ability to demolish Fiona’s confidence.
He shook out of his thoughts as he heard Lady Cordelia mutter, “That harlot is all over my brother.”
Fiona and Milbury had their heads bent slightly toward each other as they spoke. They were hardly “all over each other,” as Cordelia was accusing.
But Lady Anne had heard the comment and bared her teeth in a malicious smile. “I’ve heard rumors about her wanton behavior. I hear she has had several lovers,” she said, looking directly at Rob. “Seems she has now set her cap for Lord Milbury…and you may find yourself in need of consolation.”
Was Anne offering her services?
To remove any doubt, she discreetly ran her hand along his thigh. “I am available.”
Rob squelched the knot of disgust forming in his stomach. He did not know whether to ignore Lady Anne or toss her a look that warned he was not amused.
Upon brief consideration, he decided to ignore her, for would it not give her more fodder if she saw that he reacted?
Lady Cordelia leaned forward to stare across him as she addressed Anne. “I willneverallow that woman to sink her claws into my brother.”
Lady Anne laughed. “Surely he cannot care about her. She’s too old and dried up to be seriously considered, even for a man of his age.”
“My brother can be foolish about such things,” Cordelia replied. “But I intend to put a stop to her.”
The hair on the back of Rob’s neck began to prickle. What did that evil witch have in mind?
He immediately drew back his chair, stood up, and raised his glass of wine. “A toast to our host and hostess.”
“Hear, hear!” several guests said, also raising their glasses.
Rob cast Fiona a pained stare.
Did she understand what he needed to do?
She smiled and rose, also raising a glass to the Bromleighs. “A toast to my cousin and his lovely wife…and to the Duke of Durham, a trusted friend since childhood, and now more than a friend. May we tell them, Durham?”
He nodded. “Please do.”
“I’ll let you make the announcement,” she said, no doubt noting his distress and wanting him to say whatever he felt needed to be said.
At her urging, he proceeded. “Lady Shoreham has agreed to become my wife. I am elated to announce we are now betrothed.”
Those around the table erupted in cheers.
All but the two miserable ladies seated beside him.
