She could practically feel Travell’s curious frown on her, although she calmly stared ahead.
“Indeed,” he murmured slowly, almost cautiously. “If I didn’t know better, I would think you were speaking from experience.”
“Perhaps I am,” Triana said lightly, before handing her wrap to another footman at the front door.
His frown deepened at her answer, as they made their way to the second floor. Travell handed their cards to the starched butler, who was waiting to formally announce them to the sea of people already in attendance. “The Countess of Trenton. The Viscount of Curdiff. Lady Triana Abernathy.”
Almost immediately, a discernable hush fell over the crowd as the trio descended the expansive staircase that led into the gleaming ballroom. Triana was quite sure an entire hothouse had been emptied; as the room was filled with fragrant, white lilies intermingled amongst several, blazing candelabra. Unfortunately, the sudden commotion buzzing about the room was likely not in any effort to remark on the extravagant décor.
It was the first big foray Triana had made into public since the secondTimesarticle had been printed. Thankfully, she had prepared herself for the onslaught of jeers she was bound to endure tonight, but when Travell winked at her and offered an encouraging smile, it was one slight she couldn’t allow to pass.
“Don’t act as if you’re any better than them,” she snapped angrily, but careful to keep her voice low. “I trusted you, which makes your betrayal with Chiltern so much worse than anything I might ever endure here.”
She held her breath, hoping that all this time she’d been wrong, but the look of shock mixed with guilt that passed over his features was enough evidence to condemn him. “How did you…?”
He didn’t get to continue as a dark-haired man of similar age walked up to them with a polite greeting to her brother.
Travell grudgingly turned to her to make an introduction. “Tri, I’m sure you know our Secretary of War, Henry John Temple, Viscount Palmerston. My lord, this is my sister, Lady Triana Abernathy.”
The man inclined his head. “Charmed, I’m sure.” He turned back to Travell. “If you are available, I’ve been looking for an occasion to speak with you. Would you be so kind as to join me in the smoking room for a brandy and a cigar?”
Triana saw Travell clench his jaw, but he replied, “I’m sure I can spare a moment.” His expression was determined as he said in an aside to her, “We’ll talk later.”
With that, the two men walked off.
Triana saw that her mother was in full-fledged conversation with Lady Cowper, who also happened to be Palmerston’s mistress, and one of the patronesses of Almack’s, so she quickly headed in the opposite direction. If she remained, her mother would surely expect her to make meaningless conversation in order to attempt to gain entrée to the prestigious social club. Needless to say, that was the last thing on Triana’s mind at the moment.
She caught sight of Korina by the open terrace doors, and went to join her.
“Ah, the prodigal returns,” the blond declared mirthfully, her hazel eyes flashing with undisguised humor when they lit on Triana. “I read your latest scandal, by the way. Really, how do you find the time?”
Triana ignored the harmless barb with a tolerant smile and said, “I wouldn’t be a true member of society without offering anything exciting to talk about, now would I?”
Korina laughed.“Touché.”
Triana wanted to change the subject, so she asked, “Where is everyone?”
“As I understand it, Ro’s mother had other plans for her daughter this evening.” She rolled her eyes, and Triana nodded, for they both knew that the lady was wont to suffer from any number of incurable maladies. “I saw Alyssa earlier…” Korina’s voice trailed off as she attempted a quick scan of the room, before shaking her head, as if the effort to locate her was too much trouble. “As for Izzy…” She gestured to the dance floor with a wave of her hand.
Triana scanned the flurry of dancers and couldn’t help but wince when she spied Isabella with Lord Wistenberry. “She seems to be spending a lot of time with him lately.” She murmured.
Korina gave a shrug, either of agreement or denial, before glancing over Triana’s shoulder. “Ah, here comes Alyssa now.”
As Triana greeted her friend, Alyssa said, “I’m afraid I just heard some rather distressing news.” She looked at Triana grimly, and instantly, her stomach began to churn with anxiety.
“What a surprise,” Korina said dryly. “Do tell.”
Again, Alyssa looked at Triana. “Rumor has it that the Duke of Chiltern and Lady Worthington have announced their betrothal.”
Triana’s breath froze in her chest.Could it be?
“Everyone knew he was bound to offer for her at some point,” Korina pointed out.
“True.” Alyssa agreed slowly, “Although I didn’t think it would actually happen.” In an aside to Triana, her brow knitted in concern, she asked, “Are you well? You look a bit pale.”
Triana forced a smile. “I’m perfectly fine. Perhaps now my life will finally return to normal. However, I do feel the need for some fresh air. If you will excuse me?”
Without waiting for a response, she turned and retreated to the sanctity of the night.
