There could be a perfectly rational explanation for this, that has nothing to do with that awful article in The Society Reporter.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you arrive together.” Lady Bellingham’s voice boomed loud enough that Eugenia jumped, forcing herself not to wince. “I’m curious. How did that come about?”
The younger of the two women glanced over at Lord D’Asti, all but caressing him with her gaze as she addressed Lady Bellingham’s question.
“A wheel broke on our carriage shortly after we left Elkington. I thought that we would be stranded, or have to turn back, but Lord D’Asti’s coachman spotted us. The good Count insisted on rescuing us!”
The girl’s voice was rich and melodious, though perhaps a bit bolder than Eugenia was used to hearing from anyone aside from Marjory and Millicent.
“It was really quite chivalrous of him. He even left a groom to aid our coachman in fixing the carriage, and hopefully they will be here with our luggage in no time.”
This came from the girl’s mother, whose voice was much breathier than her daughter’s, and somehow seemed to have less substance as a result.
Lord D’Asti clasped his hands behind his back and cleared his throat.
“Ladies, you speak as if I am a knight in shining armour, but it was the neighbourly thing to do. I obviously could not leave you ladies vulnerable and stranded on the side of the road, especially not when we were all traveling to the same house party.”
Susan cleared her throat, then, and smiled brightly when Lord D’Asti turned his attention from Lady Bellingham and his companions to her.
“It is delightful to see you again, Lord D’Asti.” Susan offered the Count a mischievous grin, and then flicked a pointed glance atEugenia, whose cheeks heated in response. “And you remember my dear friend, Lady Eugenia Calthorpe, of course.”
“Yes, of course.” Lord D’Asti returned Susan’s smile and bowed. “I am pleased to see you again.” The count straightened, then, and motioned to the women beside him. “Allow me to introduce the Duchess of Elkington and her daughter, Lady Catherine Stewart. Their estate lies close to one of mine.”
Although Eugenia was not personally familiar with the ladies Lord D’Asti had just introduced, she had certainly heard of them. If she wasn’t mistaken, she’d heard their names mentioned several times throughout her last Season, as gentlemen in need of making a wealthy match lamented the Stewart family’s absence as they mourned the death of the late Duke of Elkington.
Eugenia curtsied stiffly as Lord D’Asti made the introductions.
“I was sorry to hear of the late Duke’s passing. You have my deepest condolences.”
“Thank you.”
The Duchess and Lady Catherine returned her curtsey, murmuring the automatic, polite response in unison.
Just as Eugenia was opening her mouth, a more likely than not foolish question for Lord D’Asti on her lips, Lady Bellingham clapped her hands to draw the attention of the people milling about in front of the house.
“If I may have your attention, please!” Lady Bellingham bellowed the words so loudly that everyone in her immediate vicinity took an instinctive half-step back from their hostess. “Now that all of the guests have finally arrived, I think it’s hightime that this house party commences. For this evening, I have entertainment planned for us in the form of billiards for the gentlemen and cards for the ladies, while the staff work to get your belongings and your servants settled into your appointed rooms for the duration of your stay.”
Eugenia stifled a groan. She desperately wanted to know so many things, though none of them would be prudent to ask, particularly in front of these strangers, who were apparently his neighbours at least at one of his estates in the country.
Had he missed her as much as she had missed him? Had he thought of her at all while they were separated? Eugenia burned to know the answers, but dreaded what those answers might be, at the same time.
Lydia couldn’t helpbut relish the uncertainty on Lady Eugenia’s face as she took in Lord D’Asti’s arrival with Lady Catherine Stewart and the Duchess of Elkington. She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from smirking openly as the guests all turned away from the lawn and filed into the house for the night’s games.
She hung back near her mother and Lady Rosebury, allowing the crowd to file inside ahead of her. Lady Rosebury cleared her throat and looped her arm through Lydia’s mother’s as the two of them went slowly towards the house together, obviously hanging back so that they wouldn’t be overheard by the guests who’d entered before them.
“I know how you absolutely adore a good wager, Lady Bellingham, so I’d like to propose one, if you’re interested?”
Lydia cringed and bit her bottom lip, glad that she was walking slightly ahead of the two matrons, so that they couldn’t see her face twist with distaste. She loathed her mother’s foolish gambling habit, mostly because her mother had no luck at all, and never seemed to win a single wager she ever placed. Lydia absolutely could not fathom why her mother insisted on continuing to place bets when she lost over and over again. It made no sense to her. Lydia would never bet on anything, unless she was absolutely certain that she would win. Since that wasn’t possible, she never wagered at all.
“Of course I’m interested. So, what are we betting on, my dear friend? Out with it!”
Lydia shook her head at the sheer glee in her mother’s voice.
Papa will not be pleased if he finds out.
Curious, despite her best intentions otherwise, Lydia chanced a glance over her shoulder at them. Lady Rosebury’s smile was positively lupine, her full attention focused only on Lydia’s mother.
“I’d like to wager on the outcome of this house party, if you’re up to the challenge.”
