“Yes,” Serendipity said, “or torture him a bit longer by flirting with other available gentlemen.”
“I do not flirt.” Felicity pulled away from all of them, went to the bench alongside the circular drive, and plopped down upon it. She picked at a seam on her glove. “Besides, he might have a change of heart and leave. I may have already missed my opportunity.”
“You have not missed your opportunity,” Blessing said. “He arrived an hour ago and appears quite determined to stay.”
“Take hold of the situation,” Grace said as she strolled up to join them. “Besides, do you not think you possibly overreacted? After all, the misunderstanding turned out to be nothing but lies that were not of Lord Wakefield’s doing. Seri’s spy network is busily sowing the truth throughout the village. A version of it even made it back to Wolfebourne Manor.”
“Everything my sources say is quite positive,” Fortuity said as she swooped in from another direction.
“Lovely,” Felicity muttered. “A conversion of the Broadmere sisters.”
“You make us sound like witches,” Merry said.
“Sometimes you are.” Felicity hugged herself, grudgingly admitting that everything her sisters had said was correct. Even she had second-guessed herself, wondering if she wasn’t being a little silly about the whole affair. “I will speak to him.” She glared at Serendipity. “But I will not be a party to ridiculous games that will only make matters worse. I do not flirt.”
Serendipity threw up her hands. “Fine. It was merely a suggestion.” She glanced around, then tipped a nod at the mansion. “Are we to stand in the drive all day, or might we go inside and refresh ourselves so we can help Joy with last-minute touches?”
Felicity pushed up from the bench and flounced up the steps. “Since I have been so sorely put upon by the lot of you, I am taking the corner room at the top of the stairs.” Serendipity and Merry usually fought over that room whenever they visited Joy. This time, it was Felicity’s turn. The nicest room of all, it looked out over the garden with a balcony perfect for spying on those below. It never hurt to be aware of one’s surroundings and those who shared them.
Before any of her sisters could protest, she breezed into the house, hurried upstairs, and took refuge in that room until the footmen and Daisy, her maid, brought her things. Tossing her reticule and gloves onto the bed, she immediately eased out onto the balcony and crouched down, hiding behind the thick columns of its stone balustrade. From this viewpoint, she could watch anyone below, and they would never be the wiser.
Her heart leapt to her throat as Drake meandered into view. Hands fisted at his sides and his shoulders held at a tensed level, he wandered through the garden like a lost soul in search of everlasting peace. Good gracious, he looked so haunted. A darkness emanated from him, a heart-wrenching sadness.
She caught a hand to her throat, shocked at the sight of him. She had done this. All because she was too cowardly to believe him or trust her instincts. “I am so ashamed. What a ridiculous ninny I am, for putting us both through this.” It was time to set her insecurities aside, believe in herself, and believe in him. Hang the gossips.
After Daisy had helped her freshen up from the overly warm carriage ride, she would go downstairs and seek him out. It was time to clear the air once and for all. The briefdelayin their courting was now at an end.
*
Refreshed and wearingher favorite sprigged muslin with its pale-pink roses embroidered on the white background, Felicity eased downthe stairs while scanning the wide entry area for Drake. Earlier, he had been in the garden, but it had taken her longer than planned to put herself back together after cleaning up from the overly warm ride from Broadmere Hall to Winterstone. Once finished, she had crept out onto the balcony again and peeped down into the garden, but he was no longer there.
The place was a beehive of activity, with servants rushing around to ensure every guest had whatever they required. Surprisingly, none of her sisters were in sight. Joy was probably still greeting guests, Merry was more than likely enjoying a visit with the children, and Serendipity and the rest were no doubt plotting some sort of foolery that would involve eligible gentlemen meeting eligible sisters.
“Well,” Felicity muttered, “I am no longer available. Merry best take care, for she will be their next target.” When she reached the main floor, she pondered whether to meander into the parlor or retreat to the safety of the kitchens.He will not be in the kitchens. Stop being a coward.She squared her shoulders and marched into the parlor, determined to cast aside her mousy ways.
“Lady Felicity, how lovely to see you again,” said a smiling gentleman she couldn’t recall ever meeting.
Drat it all. She was such a horror when it came to remembering names and, in this case, faces as well. Returning the man’s smile, she curtsied. “I only just arrived. How are you finding this lovely summer gathering?” Maybe if she kept him talking long enough, it would trigger her memory.
“Lady Joy and Sir Jansen’s hospitality is always exemplary.” The gentleman, comely enough with his dark hair and winning smile, offered his arm. “Would you do me the honor of joining me for a stroll outside? Refreshments abound, and a cool breeze has set in that many of the guests are enjoying.”
Oh dear.How on earth could she search for Drake whilst on the arm of another man? What the devil was this person’s name, andwhere in heaven’s name had they met? Unable to think of a polite way to decline, she took his arm and fell in step alongside him. “A cool breeze will be most welcome. The carriage ride over grew quite warm.”
“I would imagine so,” he said. “I rode rather than bothering with a carriage. After all, Tinslow is but the next estate over.”
Lord Tinslow!Joy and Jansen’s neighbor.Nowshe remembered him. He had been quite nice at a dinner or something of that sort that Joy had hosted. Felicity relaxed somewhat, but the problem of her arm linked with his remained. She needed to remove herself and find Drake.
“Are your crops doing well, Lord Tinslow? My brother was saying there has not been nearly enough rain this year.” She had no idea what else to say to the man. From what Joy had told her, he was much like her. He kept to himself and rarely left his country estate for Town.
“Barley and wheat thrive so far, but I agree with His Grace. We could use more rain.” He snorted in amusement. “Something not often said here in England. Do you not agree?”
“Oh, indeed.” Good heavens, could either of them possibly be more boring? As they stepped outside, she furtively glanced all around, not only in search of Drake but also one of her sisters to rescue her. She had no idea how to make small talk without sounding like a complete fool, and also didn’t wish to encourage the very nice viscount.
“Would you care for some lemonade?” Lord Tinslow asked. “I would be most happy to fetch it.”
“That would be lovely,” she hurried to say. Not only would it release her from his arm but give her a moment to think of a way to excuse herself from his company once he returned.
As he headed for the refreshment table, she stretched up on tiptoe in a most unladylike manner, searching more for one of her sisters at this point than Drake. Where was Serendipity when she needed her?
