He narrowed his eyes. “You obviously looked, then.”
The heat flooded her cheeks. “Only for a moment.”
The grin returned. “Your blush says otherwise.”
“I’m blushing because I’m shocked. What if someone recognizes you?”
“Highly unlikely. I’m not often out in society and I’m always masked when I work on these things.” He waggled a brow. “Which all adds to the erotic mystery of it.”
“Oh, Josiah.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe it.”
“What can’t you believe, my dear?” Their Aunt Eleanor, Countess Hutton, came up to the table and regarded the offerings.
“Oh, um…” Louisa scrambled to find a response and looked over to where Maxwell stood with the dowager countess. “I can’t believe how long Grandmama has been talking to Max. She was scowling at him over her spectacles when we first got back from the church. I can’t imagine what they’re talking about.”
Her aunt’s eyes widened. “Ooh, marzipan.”
“Allow me, Aunt.” Josiah lifted the plate and offered it, giving Louisa an amused sideways glance.
“Thank you, dear. And they’re discussing the future,” the countess replied, nibbling on her sweetmeat. “Rail travel, specifically. Your husband has dazzled her with his knowledge, it seems. Quite the achievement, especially considering she initially engaged him to reassure herself that he could actually converse using words of more than two syllables.”
Louisa gasped. “Maxwell is very well-educated. He attended Edinburgh University.”
“Oh, I know, my dear, but according to your grandmother, if it’s not Oxford or Cambridge, it doesn’t count.” She regarded Josiah. “How are you enjoying the Royal Academy, Josiah? Are you working on anything of note?”
“I’m enjoying it immensely, Aunt Eleanor. And yes, I’m working on a couple of new projects at the moment, but sworn to secrecy, I’m afraid.”
Having heard more than enough about Josiah’s projects, Louisa quickly excused herself and left to wander around the room. She spent some time chatting to the twins and her cousins before ending up beside her parents and her uncle, Lord Hutton.
“Not that we’re in a hurry to see you leave, dearest,” Grace said, “but I believe you’re scheduled to leave at two o’clock, and you’ve yet to change. We should perhaps start making preparations.”
“I’m beginning to think I’ll be setting off by myself,” Louisa muttered, watching as Maxwell smiled at something her grandmother said, “since my husband appears to have turned his attentions elsewhere.”
“It’s quite the spectacle,” Lord Hutton said. “I expected her to give him one of her renowned tongue lashings and leave him bleeding on the carpet. And instead, she’s virtually flirting with the fellow.”
Louisa giggled. “Maybe you should go and rescue him, Papa. He is your son-in-law, after all.”
“No, I’m sorry, my dear.” Aldous folded his arms. “He’s on his own.”
“Well, perhaps you could let him know that Louisa has gone upstairs to change into her travelling clothes.” Grace took Louisa’s hand. “Come along, my darling.”
A half-hour later, Louisa surveyed a different reflection in her mirror, though it still pleased her. Her dress of shot-silk shimmered from green to blue as she moved, reminding her of peacock feathers. And her blue cashmere shawl, so soft to the touch, was light, yet warm. The combination was both comfortable yet fashionable.
“Absolutely perfect,” Grace said, peering over Louisa’s shoulder. “As indeed, the entire day has been. Have you enjoyed yourself?”
“Yes, Mama. Very much.”
“My daughter.” Grace drew a shaky breath. “Married.”
Louisa drew a breath of her own. “But perhaps not quite the match you—”
“Hush. Actually, I think Maxwell is a fine match. I have no fear for your well-being at all.” She appeared to ponder for a moment. “Are you worried about tonight, dearest?”
Louisa raised her brows. “Should I be?”
“Oh, no.” A faint blush arose in her mother’s cheeks. “That is, I’m sure Maxwell will be kind to you.”
“I’m sure he will be too, Mama.”
