“Yes,” Isobel said, clearing her throat. “Thank you for the well wishes.” The words were acid on her tongue. Had Lord Richard planned to tell her? Or had he planned for her to wake up the day ofand be stuffed into a bridal gown and paraded in front of thetonfor a wedding she knew nothing about?
Jane Barney’s harsh blue eyes traveled the length of Isobel’s golden gown. The woman had a viper’s tongue. She was one of the few ladies who dared to say outright what she thought of people. She and the Duchess of Gisham would probably get along quite well. Isobel should suggest they go about the important business of disparaging others over a nice cup of tea.
“I thought you would never marry with the way you have managed to come this far,” Jane finally said. “And I must confess, I’m quite surprised Lord Richard proposed to you in the first place. The youngest son of Duke Gisham could have had any lady he desired. He must beverygood friends with your brother to take on someone so decidedly dowdy. Though, Ihaveheard quite the rumor about Lord Richard…”
She trailed off, and Sarah cut her a look of warning. The gossip must be salacious indeed if even her sister didn’t approve of her saying it here.
Jane continued, “Though, speaking of your brother, Lord Nott, does he have any plan to remarry?”
Isobel couldn’t help but wrinkle her nose at the thought of Henry marrying the wretched woman in front of her. The expression on her face caused Sarah to gasp, Jane’s features to darken, and Mr. Walsh to turn a chuckle into a choked-out cough.
“If you would excuse me...” Isobel said as she stumbled off, but someone grabbed her elbow before she could make it three steps.
“Another dance before I withdraw to the smoking room,” Lord Richard ordered.
He turned her and escorted her to the dance floor. Bringing her into his arms, he led her through the movements, but although she existed there physically, her mind waselsewhere.
When she was eleven, she’d tried to run away from home after a particular disagreement with her father. The need to escape had been so overwhelming that she’d gone as far as packing her important belongings and walking all the way to the end of the lavender fields before her father caught up with her. That same overwhelming need to run away, to hide, flooded her now.
Her life would be over … next week.
Ved would be gone, and she would be shackled to a man who didn’t evenlikeher.
Lord Richard didn’t speak. He didn’t even look at her face, didn’t care to see the emotion so obvious on her features. In fact, whatever intimacy one could steal whilst dancing, there was none with him. Isobel waited for him to tell her about the special license, but he didn’t even do that. He took her mechanically through the song and, when it ended, tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and escorted her back to the perimeter of the dance floor.
She thought he may have said a proper goodbye, but she had already fully withdrawn into herself. The dance hall disappeared in a blur of twirling bodies, the music suddenly discordant as she made her way to the exit.
Chapter 21
Isobel
The tears surprised her. Isobel was grateful she found her way to the gardens before anyone saw the travesty that was her face currently. Though there were some people milling about outside, they stayed close enough to the estate so as not to seem like they were doing anything improper.
Isobel went straight for the hedge maze. Hopefully, it was late enough that no one would be in it. The hedges were tall, much taller than her, and she welcomed their enveloping darkness. For several minutes, she followed the torches dispersed throughout the maze, leading her to its center. There were a few benches and a softly burbling stone fountain, and it was blessedly empty of people. Plopping down on one of the marble benches, she buried her face in her hands.
She didn’t want to marry Lord Richard, and she certainly didn’t want to marry him next week. He had no right to obtain a special license without considering her. Then again, she shouldn’t be surprised—he’dneverconsidered her. His proposal had resulted from a conversation he was having with Henry before she entered the room.He told her they were to be married in the most matter-of-fact tone. There was no asking, and it hadn’t been romantic in the least.
As simple and efficient as a business deal.
A sob escaped her. Then, shifting pebbles alerted her to someone approaching.
Had she been followed, or was it only another guest wanting to escape the stuffiness of the dance hall?
She inhaled noisily and wiped at her eyes as she looked around. Her vision was blurred, but she was certain no one was there. Even still, she said, “Excuse me, I was—”
The air rippled as her vision cleared. She gasped, covering her mouth to stifle a scream.
Ved appeared as if an illusion made tangible.
He looked resplendent with the torchlight dancing off his dark armor—a knight who’d found the princess in a secret labyrinth.
Ved offered her his gloved palm. His other arm was behind his back as he leaned forward like he was nothing more than a gentleman from the ball. “Isobel Nott, would you grant me this dance?”
Her gaze slid between his hand and their surroundings. Another sob mixed with a bewildered gasp left her. “How are you here? How did you find me?” They were well into Cinder, far away from his ship.
“I could find you anywhere,” he answered easily, his proffered hand still resolute in its offer. “Your presence calls to me.”
She stood up and placed her palm in his hesitantly. Only last night they had been in a similar situation, but that had been before the events of this evening. Though, if someone were to see him, to seethem, they’d—
