He hoped that remained the case.
Chapter Two
Dulcenia opened her parasol as she walked outside. She yearned to keep it down over her face, rather than lift it and acknowledge the other guests that were meandering about the gardens for an informal gathering, but she knew Lady Osbourne would likely scold her for doing so. Unfortunately, her companion had chosen to rest shortly upon their arrival, and when Dulcenia had inquired after her by way of a passing house maid, she was told that the lady would be remaining in her rooms for the rest of the evening.
That left Dulcenia on her own to engage with Lord Dollhouse.
Dalhousie, she silently corrected, although she feared she would error at some point during this party. She just prayed it wasn’t the first moment they became reacquainted. No doubt he wouldn’t find her humor quite so enjoyable. Thus, this experiment would be over before it even began.
Dulcenia wasn’t one to socialize overmuch, but keeping Lady Osbourne’s assurances in her mind, she glanced around at the assemblage. If her hostess had been present at the moment, Dulcenia might have headed toward her, but at least her warm welcome had been encouraging. But since no one seemed to pay her any mind now, her gaze shifted to the refreshment table. She adjusted her spectacles and kept the table in sight as she walked forward. She hoped that the punch might be infused with wine. Heaven only knew she could use some Madeira to keep her courage intact.
As she accepted a cup of punch from a footman, Dulcenia had just taken a drink when her name was spoken. “Miss Hargrove? Is that you?”
She turned and her stomach immediately dropped to her feet. “Lady Jane,” she murmured.
Jane Allen was the daughter of an earl and was a “diamond of the first water,” as her aunt would have said. She had fiery red hair and bright blue eyes that complemented each other, whereas on someone like Dulcenia, the combination would have been frightfully uneven.
Dulcenia wouldn’t necessarily call the other woman a nemesis, although they certainly didn’t travel in the same social circle. Jane was vibrant and had a talent for flirtation, whereas Dulcenia tripped over her own tongue. They had made their come out at the same time and thus far, it was rumored that she had already turned down three offers of marriage, while Dulcenia had yet to receive her first.
“I didn’t know you were acquainted with the Duchess of Ross!” Jane said brightly. “Or perhaps I’ve just missed you at previous events. You always are such a quiet little thing.” She playfully tapped Dulcenia on the arm with her fan and laughed in a way that could only be called musical, it had such a lovely lilt. It only made Dulcenia more uncomfortable, because she felt even more out of place.
“This is my first invitation,” Dulcenia murmured. “I’m here with Lady Osbourne.”
“Oh?” A red brow lifted curiously. “Don’t say you are her next matchmaking target. What a lark that would be!” She laughed as though she’d made a particularly humorous jest as she patted Dulcenia’s arm in a condescending manner. “Perhaps if she took you under her wing, that would be the best thing for you if you don’t wish to end up a lonely spinster.” She leaned in closer as if they were sharing a confidence. “You’re not half-witted, are you? That would make things a bit more… challenging.”
Dulcenia could feel her cheeks heat with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. “No. I’m not.”
Jane put a hand to her heart. “I daresay that is a relief for your sake. Good luck, Miss Hargrove. I hope you are fortunate in love.”
Dulcenia swallowed tightly as she watched Lady Jane rejoin her party, which consisted of three other debutantes that were all highly sought after. They had their pick of the gentlemen of theton. Dulcenia watched as Jane began to speak in animated tones. Now and again one of the other girls would titter and then glance in Dulcenia’s direction, but it wasn’t to invite her over to join them.
Immediately, her face began to burn even hotter, as she was intelligent enough to know they were laughing at her. She suddenly felt very foolish, more so than she normally did. At least in her plain clothes she could disappear into the background. But wearing a cheery, yellow dress, it was only an outward cloak for the timid girl inside.
Tears stung her eyes, but she held them at bay. She would not allow Jane and her group of friends to know that they had hurt her. She turned away, but instead of looking for someone else to approach, she walked farther into the gardens, hoping that she might avoid any additional interactions.
Carew straightenedthe cuffs of his jacket and then adjusted his cravat, and while he could blame his abrupt discomfort on the afternoon heat of the sun, he knew it had nothing to do with temperature and everything to do with finding Miss Hargrove.
He glanced about the gathering in front of him and frowned, because he didn’t see a single lady wearing spectacles. At least he knewthatmuch about her. A note had also arrived at his room telling him that she would be present. Considering there was no use delaying the inevitable, and since Marcus was preoccupied with their host playing cards, now was the perfect time to talk with Miss Hargrove because the earl wouldn’t be there observing his exchange with a smug smile.
He scanned the crowd again, this time a bit more slowly, and still—nothing.
Where was she?There was an instant where Carew considered that the mysterious writer of the letter had sent him here on a wild goose chase, in which case he would be more annoyed than he already was. But why go through all that trouble? Unless, of course, it was Marcus choosing to bedevil him further. He certainly wouldn’t put it past him.
He narrowed his gaze, intent on leaving the party, but a sudden flash of yellow caught his attention. His every nerve ending went on alert and his heart started to pound for some strange reason, and yet, his steps started to take him where he saw the lady disappear behind a hedge row.
He slowed as he drew closer and peeked around the corner of the bushes. He saw a dark-haired woman standing there, her hair pulled up into a tidy chignon, with only a few whisps left down to soften her face. But what made him go still was the fact that she was wearing spectacles. However, when he tried to bring the image of the dour Miss Hargrove to memory, it didn’t fit this picture. In truth, this woman was almost… engaging. Her red shawl had slipped from her shoulders and when she bent down to sniff one of the blooms, Carew was surprised to find that his cock responded with interest as a rather enticing curve was revealed beneath her lowcut bodice.
Well… this is unexpected.
He thought about clearing his throat to announce his presence, but then decided against it, as he was enjoying this unguarded moment of observation without her knowledge. A hint of a smile graced her full lips as a butterfly flitted into her line of vision. Her eyes widened in amazement as it fluttered by and landed directly on her finger. He could tell she was holding her breath in anticipation of the instant it would fly away, and when it did, the look of despondency was so comical that he had to glance down at the ground to keep from chuckling.
He returned his gaze to her face and watched as she continued to meander throughout the garden. She touched this bloom and caressed that one, until he was yearning for her to lay those feminine fingers on his body and give his skin the same careful attention.
He dared to move slightly forward when she started to slide out of sight, praying that he didn’t step on a stray twig and startle her. But he was careful enough that he was able to keep her in his line of vision for a bit longer. When she came upon a pear tree with its bright white blooms, he watched as she hesitated.
And then she sneezed.
He brows raised to his hairline, for it was not the soft, dainty feminine sound he was used to hearing. This was a complete exhalation.
