"I’m very pleased for her, but who is Louisa?” Hugh asked caustically.
“My wife,” said Charles.
“My sister,” said Vanessa simultaneously
“My apologies, I did not mean to sound so abrupt.” Charles laughed. “It is Paulette’s fault. She would always start a story from the wrong end. My wife misses the New Orleans social life, so she is planning a small soiree for this weekend. She has invited some of the people from neighboring estates to ours in the country and has asked me to extend a few invitations in the city. She would be honored if you and Trevor could attend.”
“Well, I. . . .”
“Oh, you will say yes, won’t you? It will betres amusant!We can all go down Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. It cannot possibly interfere with your business,” said Paulette.
“Paulette,” said Vanessa, “Mr. Talverton may have other plans.”
“Surely you do not,” exclaimed Paulette.
Hugh laughed and looked over at Trevor, who only smiled and shrugged.
“All right,” he relented. “I should like to visit a Louisiana country estate.”
Paulette clapped her hands. "Merveilleux!"she squealed. Vanessa kept quiet, but privately she was pleased with the proposed weekend and the knowledge that Mr. Talverton would join them. She was confident that with his wry sense of humor, he would help enliven the affair.
“Trevor,” Charles said, “Louisa asks that you bring the children, too.”
“Please do, Mr. Danielson,” said Adeline, laying a gentle hand on his arm and smiling warmly up at him. “I should love to see them again, and I am sure they would love the outing.”
He patted her hand and smiled intently at her, but no one noticed, for Mary Langley bustled up to the group claiming their attention with her chatter, wild gestures, and twinkling brown eyes.
“Vanessa, oh Vanessa!” said Mary, after all the formal greetings were exchanged. She crossed to her side and patted her arm. “I just saw your parents down the way, and your mother told me of your unfortunate accident. I’m glad to see you’re getting about, dear. That veil is charming. You’ll probably start a new fashion for strolling in the park!” She turned toward Hugh, standing next to her. “Though the Mannions did not go about in society much before Louisa met this rascal, Charles here,” she said, throwing him a teasing look, “they were always envied and copied for their sense of style. Now, la! Many wish they still were hermits in that charming home of theirs.”
Vanessa laughed. “You are too kind, Mrs. Langley.”
“Stuff and nonsense. I’m not kind. I talk too much to be kind. I do like your veil, though. Only don’t hide behind it too long; I like your pretty face better.” She patted her arm again, then turned to address Adeline.
“I agree with her,” Hugh murmured for her hearing only.
“I beg your pardon?” Vanessa said, feigning incomprehension.
Hugh was not fooled; he saw the telltale blush on her neck. He grinned.
Paulette squealed again, and Vanessa looked toward her with relief. Mr. Talverton caused the strangest feelings to arise within her, feelings she didn’t want to analyze or investigate.
“There is Monsieur Wilmot. Did you not say, Charles, that he is also to be invited?” Paulette enthused.
“Yes. Where is he?”
“Down there, see?” She pointed toward the Rue de St. Louis. “He was just talking to a keelboat man, I think. Yes, see, as he walks away, he has a red turkey feather in his cap.
“Wilmot appears to be headed in our direction. Good,” said Charles.
“And there are Mr. and Mrs. Smythe,” rattled on Mary Langley. “Excuse me, I must go say hello and see if I can find out when his new steamboat will be in. I don’t know what got into me, probably just grandmotherly affection, but I promised my grandson a tour.” Trotting off, she lifted her hand in a little wave of farewell.
Vanessa, her shoulders slumping slightly, scarcely noticed her departure. She was not prepared to greet Mr. Wilmot. Hugh placed a supporting hand under her elbow and leaned toward her as Charles hailed the man and extended him the same invitation.
“Do not fret, Miss Mannion. I will see to it that the man has no opportunity to embarrass you further,” he hastily whispered before Paulette claimed his attention.
Vanessa looked at him in blank surprise, but he did not notice because of her veil. She recovered in time to hear Mr. Wilmot smoothly agree to join them, then turn to look at her with an intense, unfathomable expression in his dark, considering eyes.
Chapter 10
