Madeline waved away his apology with a gentle flick of her wrist. “Think nothing of it, Lord Windham. I rather like it when gentlemen say what they mean, rather than hide behind a wall of secrets.” She tossed a flippant look at Peter, and he responded with an annoyed snort.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Lady Madeline,” Lord Windham offered.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Madeline responded quickly. Then she tipped her head toward the bread roll that lay on his side plate. “Were you planning to eat that? Shall we split it?”
“Maddie,” Peter groaned.
But he was too late. Madeline had already grabbed the roll, split it in two, and handed one half to Lord Windham.
“Thank you, My Lady,” Lord Windham said cheerfully as he reached for the butter dish. “Would you care for a bit of…”
His words trailed off as Madeline popped her half into her mouth.
Peter dropped his forehead into his hand.
What will I do with her?
He stared at his plate for a moment, then lifted his head and resumed eating his own bread roll, knowing that if he did not act quickly, Madeline would snatch it off his plate.
He chewed the bread thoughtfully, tuning out all the conversations around him.
What shall I make of this week?
His head spun as he thought of everything he’d left behind in London. His eyes darted to Miss Fitzroy’s place card, and he wondered what had really happened to her. Then his eyes flicked to his mother. She beamed at him.
At least she is happy.
Peter did not know how long his mother’s jubilation would last, but he rejoiced at seeing her smile, and that was enough for now.
CHAPTER 3
The night deepened, and Lavinia continued to stare at the ceiling, debating whether her decision to stay in her room and avoid dinner was the right thing to do. Her stomach had not stopped grumbling when mealtime came and passed.
And great lies certainly do lead to huge consequences.
Now she was famished.
She attempted to sleep off her ravenous appetite, as she did not want to wander around and bump into any of her parents’ guests on her way to the kitchen, but she could not stand the hunger gnawing at her.
Before leaving her chamber, she pressed one ear and then the other against the oak door. The still night whispered the soft echoes of the blowing wind. Once she was sure that there was no one behind her heavy door, she carefully cracked it open.
Her light footsteps met the plush carpet that lined the long hallway. She lifted her feet very carefully to avoid waking up the other guests who were staying in the same wing.
The long, winding stairs were her greatest enemy. It was hard enough to keep her footsteps silent, but it was even more difficult to balance herself on the stone steps.
“There is so much to unravel in the shadows of the night, don’t you agree?” Lord Birnwood’s baritone echoed through the empty hall by the entrance.
The unforeseen presence of someone surprised Lavinia. She quickly found a pillar to hide behind.
Soon, the Earl of Birnwood’s companion responded, “Indeed, My Lord. Many secrets and mysteries transpire under the cover of night.
Lavinia was astonished to hear the feminine voice. She could not immediately identify the speaker, but was surprised by the lady’s bold response just the same.
What are they still doing out at this hour?
She tiptoed further down the staircase.
At least Lady St. Vincent will rejoice. Not even a full day has passed, and we are already on our way to finding a couplethrusting themselves into scandal. Our very first engagement may be announced tomorrow morning.
