“Isn’t everyone?”
Meredith choked down a laugh. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve been here nearly two hours and on;y a handful of people have actually spoken to me—though I cannot help but notice they have spoken a great dealaboutme.”
“Vicious swine,” Lavinia muttered. She linked her arm through Meredith’s. “How quick they are to sit in judgment of others, having no qualms at finding fault. Yet all the while they are busy skulking about searching for juicy tidbits of gossip. It can be quite maddening.”
Just then the two gossiping ladies who had so enjoyed discussing Meredith called out a greeting to the marchioness and gestured for Lavinia to join them. Meredith was pointedly excluded from the invitation.
The young marchioness’ eyes narrowed on the pair and she favored them with a barely perceptible nod. Meredith felt a rush of gratitude as the portly matron’s smile slipped a fraction.
Lavinia tightened her grip on Meredith’s arm. “Come along now, Merry. ’Tis time we mingled.”
Meredith smiled. There was comfort in that strong grip, and genuine friendship. She once again said a short, silent prayer of thanks to whatever God had seen fit to bring her and Lavinia together. For Meredith, the only bright spot in this otherwise dismal coming out Season had been her newly formed friendship with Lavinia.
It had been an unexpected delight to find such an open and honest young woman who was happy to offer her friendship for no other reason than she liked Meredith.
The two woman circulated among the guests, chatting about the weather, the lovely party, and the latest fashions. With Lavinia by her side, Meredith was quickly acknowledged, though not warmly greeted. Not that she really cared.
Within minutes she was bored to tears by the dull and tedious topics of conversation, and it took a great effort to keep a pleasant expression plastered on her face. She suspected Lavinia was equally bored, but the young marchioness somehow managed to display interest in the discussions without appearing fawning or condescending.
Meredith admired her friend’s social skills and poise. At times it was difficult to remember that Lavinia was only a few years older than she. Perhaps the security of a loving husband who clearly demonstrated anything his wife did was exceptional had contributed to Lavinia’s remarkable self-confidence.
“What is your response, Lady Meredith?”
Meredith squinted noncommittally at the small, squat woman who addressed her, fearing to make any sort of remark. She had been woolgathering for the majority of the conversation and had no earthly idea what the Countess of Ridgefield had asked.
Trying to play it safe, she muttered an affirmative, sympathetic remark.
Lady Olivia Dermott raised a gold-rimmed quizzing glass and looked disdainfully at Meredith. “That is all you have to say about the matter? I find that a rather shocking reaction from a refined young woman.”
“Nonsense,” Lavinia interrupted icily. “That is a logical, honest reaction. If you will excuse us, ladies.”
Meredith quickly rallied her senses. With the boldness she instinctively knew was required, she followed Lavinia’s lead, turned on her heel, and walked away. Meredith could practically feel the annoyance sweep through her friend at each step they took.
“Spiteful witch,” Lavinia muttered beneath her breath, when they had gained a fair distance. “She’s jealous because she’s heard Julian Wingate offered for you. She’s been trying all season to bring him up to scratch for that mousy daughter of hers and having no success.”
“Is that what they were discussing? Julian Wingate?” Meredith was almost glad she had been ignoring the conversation. “Lady Olivia is more than welcome to him. For the life of me, I cannot understand his great popularity. I find him boorish, conceited, and possessing of a negative opinion about everything. Except himself. It took every ounce of willpower not to run screaming from the room each time he came calling for me.”
“Most women find his charm nearly irresistible.” Lavinia struck a pose of contemplation, then grinned. “’Tis rather remarkable that you aren’t considered a great social success, yet you have managed to garner three proposals of marriage.”
“Four, if you include Wingate. But I am not so foolish to think anything but my vast fortune has attracted their attention.” Meredith smiled despite her grim words. “There are still a few more weeks left until everyone retires to the country, or follows the Regent to Brighton. I fear that number will increase before I can escape.”
“We should make a game of it and see how many proposals you can accumulate,” Lavinia said smoothly.
Meredith’s spine went stiff. She turned to her friend in astonishment, but the mischievous twinkle in Lavinia’s eyes let Meredith know she was only jesting. “I suppose if I managed an even half dozen, that would put a flea in Lady Olivia’s ear.”
“Most definitely.”
The two women exchanged a sly glance, then burst into merry laughter.
“We need to find you someone like my Trevor,” Lavinia declared when the laughter subsided. “The problem is, there is simply no other man in England quite so perfect.”
As if somehow aware he was the topic of their conversation, the Marquess of Dardington appeared within the scope of their vision. Meredith spotted him first, but she knew it would be only a moment before Lavinia saw him, too.
The marquess was conversing with several gentlemen of various ages. Though not the tallest of the group, he was the one Meredith’s eyes were drawn toward. Golden-haired, with a fine sharp profile, broad shoulders and an undefinable dash of charisma, he enraptured those around him.
He was dressed more conservatively than his companions, in buff breeches, a patterned waistcoat, and jacket of navy superfine, yet it wasn’t his imposing handsomeness Meredith found so extraordinary. There was an underlying strength of character in Trevor Morely that had always intrigued her.
His mannerism, his attitude, his conversation all indicated he was a man who could be depended upon in times of crisis. Having grown up with a father who adored her but was hardly known for his sense of responsibility, Meredith found this a most admirable quality.
