“I am at your disposal, Fi,” Livy said gratefully before turning to Glory. “I will also need a diversion for my parents so that I may speak to Hadleigh alone.”
Glory’s smile transformed her face into one of rare beauty. Setting her ferret back into its wicker basket, she said, “That you can leave to me.”
Not for the first time, Livy counted her blessings that she had the Willflowers by her side. Glory went to set up the decoy. After Fi finished adjusting Livy’s ensemble, the pair joined Livy’s parents…only to find that Hadleigh was no longer with them.
Panic clutching her heart, Livy scanned the crowded ballroom. “Did Hadleigh already leave?”
“I doubt it, poppet,” Papa said. “I am certain he would not depart without wishing you many happy returns.”
Relief flooded Livy. “I should go find him.”
“What happened to your corsage, dearest?” Her mama’s acute brown gaze roved over her. “Your bodice looks rumpled, and your coiffure is coming down.”
According to Fi, this look was known asen déshabilléand was irresistible to gentlemen.
Livy resisted chewing on her fingernail, a telltale sign of nerves. “I’ll, um, go fix it.”
“I will help you freshen up,” Mama said.
Livy was saved by the strains of the orchestra.
“They are playing our waltz, pet.” Papa smiled at Mama, his fingertips flitting over the collar of diamonds at her neck. “You promised to dance with me.”
“So I did.” Mama’s voice became breathless. “But our daughter needs attending to.”
“Don’t worry, Your Graces,” Fiona cut in smoothly. “I will help Livy. And my parents will chaperone.”
“Hear that, pet? Livy is in excellent hands.”
Papa led Mama to the dance floor, his dark head bent close to hers. Even from a distance, Livy could see Mama blushing. Her parents disappeared into the colorful, whirling blur of dancers.
Glory ambled up to Livy and Fiona, a cat-got-in-the-cream smile tucked in her cheeks.
“This waltz does the trick every time,” she said with satisfaction.
“How did you know to request this particular one?” Livy asked.
“Becausemyparents adore it.” Glory nodded toward the dance floor just as her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Ranelagh and Somerville, floated by. “The older generation cannot resist this song, it seems.”
“And there go my parents as well.” Eyes twinkling, Fi added, “Perhaps this is not so much a tune for ancient folk as it is for those in love?”
“Speaking of love, let’s help Livy find Hadleigh,” Glory said. “The waltz shan’t last forever.”
The three hurried off to circle the perimeter of the ballroom. Livy had to stop now and again to accept the guests’ well-wishes. Finally, she spotted Hadleigh: he was standing by the champagne fountain, his back to her…and he was conversing with the most beautiful woman Livy had ever laid eyes upon. The lady had golden hair the color of honey, her willowy figure draped in a stylish gown of claret taffeta. She was tall, only a few inches shorter than Hadleigh, and she looked around his age.
“Heavens.” Even Fiona, the Incomparable, sounded awed. “Who is that glorious creature?”
“I do not know.” Livy squared her shoulders. “But I am going to find out.”
She marched over and cleared her throat.
Hadleigh turned around, and her heart gave a silly hiccup. Lord, he was handsome. His classic bone structure could have graced a statue, the strong slant of his cheekbones and chiseled jut of his jaw meant to be immortalized. Yet no marble could capture his eyes: they were bruised sapphires, pain and beauty moving through them like shadow and light.
To Livy, Hadleigh was the epitome of male virility, especially in formal evening wear. During his period of seclusion, he had gained at least three stone, all of it in muscle. His elegant midnight tailcoat clung lovingly to his broad shoulders and lean torso, his trousers skimming his narrow hips and muscular legs. Realizing that she was ogling him, Livy jerked her gaze back up to his face…and that didn’t help her longingat all.
One thing that hadn’t changed about Hadleigh was his preference for wearing his hair a trifle long. The thick brown waves gleamed beneath the chandelier and added a sensual touch to his hard-edged masculinity.
“If it is not the elusive birthday girl.” The warmth in Hadleigh’s eyes set off a flutter in Livy’s chest. As he bowed, his gaze travelled beyond her, his mouth curving. “Accompanied by her intrepid companions, the Willflowers.”
