“I know.” Verity sighed. “Something for everyone. As my mother continually points out to me.”
“Many would envy your situation...”
“They shouldn’t. It’s not very pleasant to be pursued for everything but oneself. Nor is it pleasant to hear, day after day, the same refrain.You should be married, Verity. Which is why I live in the north wing of Turningstone House, and Mama has the South Wing all to herself.”
Tabitha remained silent for a few moments, her eyes following the dancers as they whirled through the final measures of the Reversal Waltz.
“What if the right man comes along, Verity? One who pursues you for yourself. Would you entertain the notion of marrying again?”
“An interesting question indeed.” She paused. “Drat. I have to start collecting the donations, Tabby, before the end of this dance and people start leaving.”
“All right. I’m with you. We’ll finish that chore together.”
The two women rose and headed for the baskets, smiling and chatting as if neither had a care in the world. But one of them did. One of them was trying very hard not to ask herself if she would entertain the notion of marrying again—should the right man ask while looking at her with those hypnotic dark amber eyes...
Chapter Five
Surprisingly tired, Lucas found himself swept into the throng heading to the foyer to claim their belongings before hopping into their aethercoach and heading for their homes.
He couldn’t help noticing the looks; it was to be expected from those who recognised him, and he responded with brief, noncommittal nods. Those who didn’t know who he was, but were curious, were ignored. Several ladies offered friendly smiles, several offered smiles that were obviously a great deal more than ‘friendly’.
He sighed, turning away at the earliest possible moment and heading for a corridor which would lead him to Alastair’s study. The faces might have changed, but the ritual remained the same. Thank God for the quiet, the sound of departing guests banished to the background.
A laugh came from an open door. “Indeed, Alastair. Together we have indeed worked some magic tonight. But I could not have done it without you.”
Lucas stopped short. The smooth tones, the tiny touch of exhaustion, and the affection for their host—he could hear all of that in her voice. It was Verity. He was as sure of that as he’d ever been of anything at all.
And within moments she emerged, carrying a large bag filled with donations.
“Oh...”
She stumbled a little, and he hurried forward, catching one or two envelopes as they fell from the bag she clutched in her arms.
“Careful,” he admonished, tucking them back with the others. “Valuable cargo here, I would guess.”
“Thank you,” she answered, her voice calm. “Yes, it is valuable indeed.”
“Your own charity, I understand?” Why he kept talking, he had no idea, but he couldn’t have stopped for anything.
“It is, yes.” She blinked, then—as if realising that was rather abrupt—nodded. “I sponsor something called the Yardley House. It is being refurbished and will provide health care for Arcvale’s youngest and most impoverished.”
Lucas nodded, watching the expressions cross her face. “And you manage the funds, I understand? Your speech indicated that the financial organization is in your hands?”
At that, her chin went up. “That is correct. I discovered many years ago that I have an affinity for numbers.”
“To the surprise of many, I would guess.”
A brief smile lit her features, charming Lucas to his boots. “You’d be correct.”
“Ah,” he murmured. “Yes. You and numbers. An intriguing memory. Well...I mustn’t keep you. Congratulations on your success, both tonight and with your financial affairs.”
“Thank you,” she replied simply. “Forgive me, but are you looking for Mr Pembroke’s office? There’s little else down this way to interest a guest.”
“I am indeed. Alastair and I are old friends.”
“Ah. I see. You’ll find him just down there. First door on your left.” She nodded in that direction.
As Lucas was about to thank her, Julian appeared at the end of the corridor and hurried to Verity’s side.
