“Who on earth are you looking for?” Grace asked as she joined her in the shade of one of the white tents dotting the grounds next to the gardens. “As if I didn’t know.”
“I need an escape.”
“You are not going to the kitchens.”
“I do not wish to go to the kitchens.” Well, she did, but Felicity had already decided that wouldn’t possibly do this time. “Lord Tinslow is paying attention to me.”
Grace wrinkled her nose. “Lord Tinslow? I do not recall meeting a Lord Tinslow.”
“Neither did I, but all of us met him at one of Joy’s dinner parties. He is her neighbor. A viscount.” Felicity forced a smile. “And he is coming my way with lemonade. Whatever shall I do?”
“I suggest you drink it. It is quite warm today.”
“You are a troll.”
“That did not bother me when we were children, and it bothers me even less now.” Grace eyed the crowd. “Where is your Lord Wakefield? I thought you meant to find him and mend your fences?”
“I have yet to locate him,” Felicity said, then cleared her throat as Lord Tinslow joined them. “Grace, you remember Lord Tinslow?”
Grace smiled and curtsied. “Of course, how could I not?”
The gentleman bowed. “A pleasure to see you again, Lady Grace. Would you care for some lemonade?” He offered her the second glass that had obviously been meant for himself. But then his pleasant demeanor melted into a disapproving scowl. “Lord Wakefield. I am surprisedheis here.”
Felicity bristled, and Grace’s eyes narrowed, but she remained silent. Felicity appreciated her sister allowing her to take control of the conversation. “Why would Lord Wakefield’s presence surprise you?” Felicity asked, struggling to keep her tone even.
“The man’s uncle was a despicable cove, my lady.” He snorted like a bull about to charge. “Forgive me for speaking so strongly in your presence.”
“You condemn Lord Wakefield for his uncle’s behavior?” She wasn’t about to play the innocent maiden and let it go. “The child should pay for the sins of the father? Is that how you truly feel, my lord?”
“Well, I—”
“Have you evermetLord Wakefield?” She handed her untouched lemonade off to a passing servant, observing with some glee that her action did not go unnoticed by Lord Tinslow.
The gentleman offered her an apologetic tip of his head. “I do beg your pardon, Lady Felicity. Please excuse me.” Then he turned on his heel and hurried away.
Grace giggled. “Oh my goodness. Our little mouse has finally found her claws.” She hugged Felicity, then nudged her away. “I am proud of you. Now, go talk to your Lord Wakefield and set things right.”
Felicity turned and found Drake staring at her with such pain and loss that it broke her heart. Rather than run to him as she wanted, she forced herself to meander as though doing her part to mingle with her sister’s guests. She didn’t want to attract anyone’s attention in their direction.
Within an arm’s length of him, she curtsied. “I am glad you are here,” she said ever so softly. The grounds were so crowded. They would surely be overheard. He remained silent, then his gaze slowly tore away and shifted to something or someone behind her. She turned and discovered that Lord Tinslow had returned to speak with Grace. Their conversation appeared to be very animated.
“Drake?” She shifted in front of him, attempting to block his view. “Might we stroll around the grounds? Joy is quite proud of the view of their lake.”
“What about your viscount?” he asked with such bitterness that it backed her up a step.
She jutted her chin higher. She understood how things hadappeared, but this sullenness would not do at all. “I do not possess a viscount. In fact, I struggled to remember the man’s name when he approached me.”
“I see.” Jealousy flashed in Drake’s narrowed eyes. “Why am I here, Felicity? Punishment before you dismiss me permanently?”
“Joy was unaware that our courtship was in the midst of a brief recess.” Try as she might to remain calm and understanding, Felicity did not like this side of him. “Stop being so surly, or I shall leave you to yourself until you can behave in a more civil manner. We have much to resolve.”
“How am I supposed to behave when you refuse to see me for a fortnight, then lift my hopes with this invitation only to show me that a more acceptable suitor is showering you with attention?” He bared his teeth like an enraged beast. “You are not the wallflower you claim to be, my lady.” He shook his head. “Oh no, I would say you are well on your way to a much more acceptable proposal than mine before this party is over.”
She clenched her fists at her sides, struggling not to shake them at him. “You may go, sir, until you are better behaved. I am sick to death of males who act like rude children. Either I am snubbed because the lot of you believe I am the cull of the litter, or I am treated like a broodmare with a mouthful of money to hand over as soon as the marriage contract is signed. Well, no, sir! Not anymore. If you cannot treat me with the respect I deserve, you shall take your leave of me.” She stamped her foot. “Good day to you, Lord Wakefield.”
So angry she was about to cry, she whirled about and headed inside, ignoring the stares of those who had witnessed her outburst. How dare he! Granted, she had made him wait overly long, and she could understand how the Lord Tinslow situation might appear, but where was her calm, understanding Drake?
She turned to the archway that led to the kitchens and found it blocked by a pair of sheepish-looking footmen. “Excuse me. I should like to pass.”
