When they stepped out on the walk, it was already beginning to become crowded with those waiting for a carriage or hoping to hail a hackney. She nervously waited for Shrewsbury’s carriage while she glanced around, afraid that she might not be able to slip away without notice and finally blew out a sigh when the carriage arrived. Without delay, she entered the conveyance as soon as the door opened and took her seat then sighed with relief. It wasn’t until the carriage pulled away that she glanced out the window one last time and right into the eyes of Seth who had stepped from the crowd.
Thank goodness she had gotten away from him. Now, if those awful memories would go away, all would be well.
Chapter Three
Seth had hurried his sister through the theatre in hopes of catching up to Frances but missed the opportunity to speak with her.
Perhaps it was for the best, given how she’d given him the cut direct, after she had looked at him with such disdain—her eyes hard and cold, mouth pursed—a clear indication that she had not grown immune to his presence, though that did not mean she harbored any soft emotions for him either.
She hated him and it was his own fault.
However, Seth would not let that deter him. Franny had once been his dearest friend, and she still held his heart, even though he was not deserving of hers. He knew the moment that he looked into her eyes, even though the width of the theatre separated them, that she was what had been missing from his life, and likely the cause of his melancholy state. Had he not been such a coward and fool, so afraid of loving deeply and losing, Franny may have been sitting with him this evening and not his sister.
Even if he couldn’t win her heart back, was there even a chance that they could once again share a friendship?
Those questions plagued him through the night and Seth knew that he must speak with Frances. He needed to make things right…somehow, if it was even possible to do so. That was the very reason that as soon as he had finished breaking his fast, and despite the earlier hour for paying calls, Seth made his way to her family’s London home only to learn that the family had returned to the country that very morning.
Blast!
She would not be back until spring, which was far too long to wait to see her again.
Unless… No, he would not chase after Frances all the way to Yorkshire. The Emerald Garter needed his attention.
Except, as Seth made his way through Mayfair to call on his cousin, he spent the entire time rethinking his decision. He did not want to wait until spring to see her again. If five years had proven anything, it was that he missed his friend, but he hadn't realized just how badly until last evening.
Except, Frances had been so much more than a dear friend, and he had spent these past years doing everything possible to numb that pain, which only further increased his unflattering reputation.
His heart ached with longing and Seth was determined to somehow win her again.
After he attended his obligation for tonight, he would make arrangements with Jonathan to oversee The Emerald Garter while he was gone and then Seth would be traveling north.
After he collected the package from his cousin, Seth returned home and prepared for the conversation he was about to have with Blythe. He would tell her of his travel plans later, but first he needed to convince her to leave the house again tonight.
“What plans do you have tonight?” he asked when he found her in the parlor.
“I have not made any, as you are likely already aware.”
“I am glad to hear it because I have made plans for both of us.” He placed the package on the settee beside her.
She eyed it with suspicion. “What will we be doing this time?”
“We are to attend a masquerade ball being held at the Argyll Room to benefit Westbrook House, the home for orphans and women who find themselves in unpleasant circumstances and need a safe place to live.”
“A worthy cause and I am certain it will be enjoyable, but I have no costume.”
“Ah, but you do” He pointed to the package. “Tessa has provided one.”
Blythe pulled back in surprise. “You spoke to our cousin before me!”
“I needed to make certain she could see you outfitted.” He grinned and hurriedly continued before Blythe could offer an argument. “It is a three-quarter mask. The most anyone will see of your face is your lips and chin.” Seth hoped this would give her comfort. “Nobody will know who you are and you can pretend to be anyone you wish.”
She studied him for the longest time, before she blew out a sigh. “Very well. I will attend but only because I am happy to see you spending your evenings away from The Emerald Garter, even if it means that I must accompany you.”
Frances tied the ribbons of her mask as the carriage came to a stop before the Argyll Room. At least it was large enough to conceal the darkness beneath her eyes from lack of sleep.
Last night had been fitful. When she slept, she dreamed of Seth, and when awake, she recalled their ten years of friendship.
As much as she wanted to hate him for what he had done, she could not.
