He knew firsthand the damage that decay could do when it hid behind a sparkling façade.
He’d straightened, trying to decide what to do about it all, when a murmuring at the front of the room turned into a rumble that made its way back through the crowd.
“It’s the King, himself!”
“He’s here!”
“He’s come!”
Beside him, Chester straightened. “By all the—”
“Hurry, man!” Sterne urged. “Find Julia and go and meet him!”
Chester took off through the crowd.
“Well, well,” Sterne mused. “Julia’s success is guaranteed now.”
The king appeared in the doorway. There was a shifting in the throng as some of the guests pushed forward to get a closer look or better access. Two of the king’s attendants stayed at his side as several others moved into the throng.
Whiddon looked back to Miss Mayne, but she’d been joined by someone . . . was that Treyford? Back in London? The two conversed easily, as if they were acquainted.
“Why do you suppose he chose to show up tonight?” Sterne asked. He nudged Whiddon and indicated the monarch’s slow progress into the room.
“He’s a fan ofThe Lattimere Legends,” someone said from behind them.
Whiddon turned. “Stoneacre.” He bowed. “Did you arrive with the king? It’s been an age, man.”
“I did. Whiddon. Sterne. It’s good to see you both. And in answer to your question, His Majesty heard about the reason for tonight’s soiree. He was thrilled with the idea of talking to the dowager countess about her tales, and especially the scandalous truths behind them.” His mouth quirked. “And of course, Chester has always been a favorite with him.”
Sterne laughed. “Chester is everyone’s favorite. He can’t help it. It’s in his nature to be charming. So, tell us, has the Privy Council kept you busy? And what mischief have you and that beautiful wife of yours been up to?”
Stoneacre spoke of their current efforts to flush corruption from some city and parish workhouses. Whiddon listened. He liked the man and respected the work he and his wife did at Half Moon House and beyond. But he could not stop his gaze from wandering back to Miss Mayne.
Treyford was still with her. They had been joined by her aunt and also by the girl in the orange dress.
“Where is Tensford?” Stoneacre asked at last. “Has he not come to Town for the Season? I know Hestia would love to see Hope.”
“No, they did not wish to bring the baby out of the country while he is still so young, and Hope would not be separated from him,” Sterne told him. “At least, that is how Tensford tells it. I don’t think he would leave his son either, truth be told. They are besotted.”
“As well they should be,” Stoneacre said easily. “And Keswick still has not returned from Ireland?”
“No,” Chester said on a sigh. “He writes of plans to start this new horse breeding venture often, but he keeps putting off his return.”
“It is his bridal trip.” Stoneacre grinned. “I’m sure he’s finding plenty to keep him busy.”
They spoke then of other acquaintances, but Whiddon noticed that the king had laughed and bowed over old Lady Chester’s hand. As the rotund monarch turned away, his attention was caught. He appeared to notice Treyford. His face lit up.
Stoneacre had noted the monarch’s interest as well. “Is that Treyford? Home again? Well, now. The earl and his travels are another point of interest for him. He’ll be doubly glad he attended tonight.”
The king had begun to move toward the Earl of Treyford—and the rest of the group around him. The crowd parted before the royal personage and soon enough he’d reached his destination. Whiddon was too far away to hear what was said, but the earl bowed, and the ladies sank into deep, respectful curtsies.
He saw it happen. A flash of movement in peach silk. Suddenly, in mid-curtsy, Miss Mayne tilted forward and sprawled on her hands and knees before the king.
The deceitful chit had pushed her!
Whiddon was moving, even as the first gasps of horror erupted. He arrived as the murmurs grew in the crowd and Treyford helped Miss Mayne to her feet.
She was as red as a beet. “Please, your majesty. I do offer my apologies. I don’t know how—”
