One by one, as she approached familiar faces, heads turned away.
Other ladies recognized her easy enough but refused to acknowledge her. A cold vise began squeezing her lungs. What was going on? What had she done now?
What do these people know?
And where on earth was her mother when she needed her? Good heavens, if Rhoda experienced such treatment, it was more than likely her mother might be experiencing it as well, but for her few close friends.
But even then, scandal could end many a friendship.
If only she knew which scandal had come out.
“Such an honor to meet you, my lord! This is my daughter, Miss Louella Rose. Louella, dear, make your curtsey to the earl.” Justin cringed inside as the young woman dropped obsequiously before him, her smooth mahogany ringlets falling forward.
He’d been introduced to the mother, once, he believed, and she’d looked down her prominent nose at him. He believed the father to be a viscount. The girl really was beautiful. A perfect English Rose. Too perfect, in fact. As though she’d been groomed with the express purpose of attracting an acceptable title. He imagined he now fell into that criteria. God, he wished he could have kept the news under wraps a bit longer, or better yet, not inherited at all.
If not for Prescott’s request, he would not have attended today. The duchess would have come herself if possible. She’d implored her husband to provide some sort of protection for Miss Mossant. It was the last event Miss Mossant would attend before being swept away to the country by her concerned friends.
“My pleasure, ladies.” He bowed, all the while trying to catch sight of the tall chestnut-haired beauty who’d taken residence in his mind as of late. Although having witnessed the way she’d handled Kensington, he doubted she needed anyone.
He frowned, uncertain whether he admired her unconventionality or was repulsed by it.
Perhaps some of both.
“Such a beautiful day.” Lady Redfield, a round and rather buxom woman, tilted her head back, indicating the clear blue sky. “Perfect day for a boat ride, don’t you think, Luella, dear?”
Miss Luella Dear gazed toward the lake and then glanced down at her wrists. Oddly enough, she had silk ribbons tied around them. Odd fashion these debutantes sported these days. “Oh, yes, Mother. The conditions are divine.”
Not at all what he wished to do. Except he could not in good conscience disappoint the girl—or her mother.
One more search for Miss Mossant and then he cleared his throat. He couldn’t exactly explain that he had attended only to protect another lady from the very gentlemen who ought to be most trusted. “Miss Redfield.” He bowed. “I’d be honored if you would allow me to row you around the pond.”
A perfect smile, and then perfect blue eyes peered up from beneath long, dark lashes. Slim and just the perfect height, the younger woman took hold of the arm he’d extended and fell in beside him. “Have you just arrived in London, my lord?”
Justin took a breath and began to respond but was interrupted before he could get a word out.
“Papa brought us an entire week early so that I could shop. He insists I dress in the finest England has to offer. You wouldn’t believe the dresses I’ve ordered. Do you like this one, my lord?” She released him and halted her steps in order to skim her hands over her skirt and twirl around. The dress looked the same as every other dress worn by the other debutantes that afternoon.
“It’s lo—”
“Because Mother declared the pink perfect, but I’m not as certain.”
Justin nodded and smiled. He could see he wasn’t going to have to search for topics of conversation with this chit. As the thought struck, a flash of yellow caught his eye.
The color had somehow captured Miss Redfield’s attention as well. She turned her head and then grimaced. “It’s Miss Mossant! She has such lovely coloring. I don’t believe I could ever wear such a color, but it doesn’t look quite so horrible on her. Mother says I’m not to converse with her though. Mother didn’t tell me why; she only mentioned that Miss Mossant had tainted herself forever. I’m surprised Lady Snodgrass received her today.” And then she met his gaze conspiratorially. “Doyouknow what she’s done to kick up so much scandal?”
Justin pursed his lips in disapproval. A convenient set down he’d learned from the vicar who’d retired before him. “I’m certain your mother is mistaken.”
Miss Mossant did indeed have lovely coloring. And the dress perhaps would have made most other ladies appear sallow. But not her. It set off the golden highlights in her russet locks and made her coffee-colored eyes appear even darker. Mysterious.
He imagined it would bring out the golden lights hidden there and itched to take a closer look.
She held herself proudly even though no one approached her.
Justin winged his elbow to Miss Redfield and firmly changed their direction.
The determined debutante did her best to tug him, once again, in the direction of the jetty where the boats had been left out, but Justin’s mind was set.
Best for him not to appear to have singled one particular lady out today, anyhow. He’d be safer in the company of two.
