“Are youactuallyok?” came Christopher’s question, as his hand softly cupped her elbow, the touch enough to shock Alaina and stop her in her tracks. His hand barely touched the inside of her arm, and yet a shiver ran up her spine as the heat seeped through her sleeve.
Finding herself unable to move, as if Christopher held her in a vice grip, his steel-blue eyes searching hers, Alaina sought to keep their interaction short. “Yes, I am quite alright. Lady Barbara had no time to cause any trouble.”
Alaina watched as Christopher stepped back, breaking the featherlight touch that seemed to sear Alaina’s sleeve, before he responded, “Well, I find it is best to avoid those like Lady Barbara all together.”
Alaina chuckled, “I do believe you have mentioned that on several occasions. But based on your advice, I might find myself shunning all of society.”
Wishing to avoid any conflict, their many arguments weighing on her, Alaina moved around the table in an effort to follow Graham and Georgiana, but she was stalled by Christopher as he said, “I do not wish to avoid everyone… And I would be the first to admit that sometimes my first impressions are flawed.”
Alaina was shocked and unsure of the meaning of Christopher’s statement and found herself tongue-tied. She attempted to change the subject and cleared her throat, hoping it would keep her voice even. “We should be going, my lord.”
“We should,” Christopher replied softly, both of them still rooted in place. “I just hope you are able to finish your shopping at a later time. Maybe you can even have a dress made with that velvet that had you so enraptured.”
Alaina started a bit at his statement, the timber of his voice almost a caress, sending a ripple of awareness through Alaina’s body. Unsettled by her reaction to Christopher, Alaina took a few quick steps and joined the rest of the group, who had gathered at the front door. She felt Christopher’s presence behind her, but did not look around, afraid of any further flip of her stomach. She was happy to follow the group out of the shop without further delay. If Alaina thought to forget Christopher through the force of time and space, she had seriously misjudged.
“What gowns are you going to have for the garden party?” Evelina asked again, a huff accompanying the question as if she were certain her sister was ignoring her out of spite.
“Huh? Oh, yes, the dresses. I am afraid we will have to return tomorrow with mother, maybe you can join us this time.”
“How wonderful!” Evelina exclaimed. “Mother had promised to take me once I heard you were going shopping. But wait, why must you return tomorrow?”
“Lady Barbara interrupted our outing, and Percy, it seems, was occupying the next shop on our list. Georgiana felt the day finished,” Alaina sighed.
“Oh, how awful!” Evelina exclaimed. “I assume she did not apologize for her past behavior and ask to be fast friends?”
“No,” Alaina stated flatly. “Thankfully Lady Barbara had no chance to say much of anything, but it definitely put a damper on the afternoon.”
“I can imagine,” Evelina agreed.
Alaina made no more effort to engage in conversation, gazing into the fireplace absently.
Evelina paused for a moment before she inquired, “Alaina, are you quite alright?”
“Yes, I must just be a bit tired. Georgiana seems to have boundless energy,” Alaina offered as an explanation, turning her gaze toward her sister ever so slightly.
“Oh, she is probably just as spent as you!” Evelina rejoined, keeping her tone light and teasing. Still, Alaina did not seem entirely present in the room mentally.
“Is everything ok with your gentleman?” Evelina tried once again to draw her sister out of whatever abyss had swallowed her.
“Who?” came Alaina’s reply. The question seemed to snap the spell, and Alaina turned to look directly at her sister, the question still hanging in the air.
“The duke, silly. You know,Graham. The one who has been treating you to the most wonderful experiences in London,” Evelina ribbed.
“Oh, yes, everything is perfect. This week has been truly wonderful. It’s just…” Alaina paused.
“Just what?”
Alaina took a deep breath, heaving it out before she answered simply, “Well, the marquess joined us this afternoon.”
“Ah,” Evelina said. “Did his mood ruin the afternoon?”
“No, no, nothing like that,” Alaina corrected.
Evelina opened her mouth as if to ask further questions, but a knock sounded on the door. Without waiting for an answer, the handle turned and in through the door came their mother, Charlotte, carrying a full tray of tea and biscuits. Evelina jumped off the bed and relieved Charlotte of the tray, allowing Charlotte to close the door behind her. How she had opened it would remain a mystery to both sisters.
“So, girls, I thought you might want some tea to warm you up after a day like today, and Alaina, I wanted to hear about your adventures in town.” Charlotte moved across the room to sit right in front of the fire. “We also need to discuss our plans for next week. I cannot believe the party is so close at hand!”
“Well, today was not as exciting as you think. We just went from shop to shop, following Georgiana as she stocked up on games, candles, stationary, and all manner of things for the gathering in the country. I fear we may need to go back for dresses. Lady Barbara interrupted our visit to Madam Benoit’s, but nothing too terrible happened.” Alaina recounted their day, silently praying for no additional questions.
