“He’s very clever,” Beth said. “I’ve tried that, and it’s not easy.”
“When did you try juggling?”
“Last year. I learned to alleviate the boredom.”
They wandered on, looking at stalls. Beth bought a warm shawl for her mother and gloves for Lucas, and all the while she kept her eyes open for Mr. Valentine.
“I’m buying that tiny book,” Mary said, pointing to a stall that had a lot of little curiosities. “You can never have enough books.”
Mary wandered over and began haggling with the man behind the table.
Color, sounds, and scents were all around her. It was wonderful to feel as if no one knew she was here. As if she was just a young lady spending the day at the fair with none of the other things going on in her life.
“Excellent.” Mary was smiling when she returned to Beth’s side.
“Did you beat that poor man down?”
“I did not beat him down! He loved every minute of our haggling and said as much.” Mary tucked her purchase into her reticule. “Now, where are you meeting Mr. Valentine?”
And just like that, the lightness she’d briefly felt fled.
“Wherever the king is,” Beth said, looking about her.
“Has the king arrived?” Mary asked the man she’d haggled with.
“Indeed he has, young miss. Quite the to-do it was too. He’s now seated awaiting a performance.” He waved to the left.
“Thank you.” Mary slipped her arm through Beth’s, and they slowly made their way through the crowds, stopping to purchase small trinkets and sweet treats on the way.
She was in no hurry to reach her goal. Her stomach clenched as she saw the group of people formed around the king. Guards, lords, and ladies. He was surrounded.
She searched and found Mr. Valentine. He was in another group, seated away from the monarch, but close enough should he be required.
He saw her and smiled, then excused himself and made his way to her side.
“Come, I have seats.” He held out a hand, knowing she would not refuse. Believing Beth to be infatuated with him.
“My friend Mary is here with me.”
He bowed. “I am always pleased to meet another beautiful woman.”
Beth didn’t point out that he’d already met Mary. Instead, she placed her fingers on his arm and let him lead her to the seats he then waved them into. Mr. Valentine took one beside her.
The show began, and the first act was acrobats. Beth focused not on the performance but on the man who leaned into her. Did he have the book on him?
“Bravo!” Mr. Valentine clapped, brushing his arm against hers. “Will you walk with me, Miss Carlow?” he whispered into her ear.
“I would love nothing more,” Beth lied. She turned to Mary. “I shall return shortly.”
Not waiting to hear her friend’s displeasure at Beth leaving with a man, she simply got up and walked away. Once they were clear of the seated groups surrounding the king, she put her fingers on Mr. Valentine’s sleeve and let him lead her wherever he wanted.
“I cannot stop thinking about you, Miss Carlow. Your beauty is like no other.”
“You flatter me.”
“I speak the truth, my dear.” He led her toward a tent.
“What is this?” She tried not to stiffen. Tried to appear merely excited and curious.
