All of the guests seemed to have continued their conversations in the drawing room, as the garden had already been cleared of people. Lavinia felt victorious for her perfect timing. She had always loved good company, but she would also appreciate a respite from the endless chatter.
But it seemed that her luck was just as faint as the sun in the sky, and suffering was once more written in her destiny.
She let out a heavy sigh when she heard someone approach, and to make it worse, Lord Windham appeared in front of her.
“Miss Fitzroy, I was hoping for a chance to speak with you,” he began.
Lavinia felt the need to escape as she noticed him getting closer. She was annoyed by the way he had spoken to her mother about her nocturnal movements and did not wish to be anywhere near him.
He smiled feebly. “I must say… you are quite radiant. You shine brighter than the sun this afternoon.”
“It’s also good to see you, Lord Windham.” Lavinia curtsied and then attempted to escape.
However, Lord Windham quickly caught her hand. She was startled slightly by his touch, but would not be outdone. Just as swiftly, she forced a smile and withdrew her hand from his grasp.
“Shall we take a turn about the gardens together then?” he suggested.
“I do not think…” She started to craft a reason as to why she wanted to walk alone, but he spoke over her.
“I wished to remain by your side yesterday, but my plans were thwarted by the Duke of Pemberton.” His tone changed.
Lord Windham displayed something other than hesitation and chagrin now. He seemed utterly perturbed when he mentioned the Duke.
Lavinia tried to look away, searching for someone to save her from the uncomfortable situation.
“I do not quite understand your point, My Lord.” She watched him closely. “The Duke did not thwart you or anyone else. I spent the afternoon with my good friend, Lady Madeline, and?—”
“What do you like so much about the Duke, Miss Fitzroy?” Lord Windham asked in a tone that conveyed his dismay. “What does he have that I… that I…”
Fortunately, at that moment, Lavinia heard footsteps, and a group of gentlemen came into view.
Lord Windham suddenly squared his shoulders and shifted his focus to the group. She was glad that she was wrong in thinking that all the guests had decided to remain inside. She was grateful that this pack of gentlemen had rescued her from what was sure to be an unpleasant conversation.
“I have to take my leave, My Lord,” she quickly said. “The others are coming in our direction, and I don’t think I would fit into your group if I stayed.”
Lord Windham was left dumbfounded. “Well then, I don’t think I can prevent you from leaving, Miss Fitzroy,” he said, vexed.
“Goodbye,” she muttered and quickly turned in the opposite direction. She walked briskly away from the crowd.
Lavinia did not need to turn around to see the gentlemen gather. Even from afar, she could hear their banter and laughter.
She picked up speed and sprinted; she had no sense of direction, but the ground beneath her felt familiar. Soon, she found herself in an old little shed.
The shed stood beside a full-grown fig tree. Lavinia felt a rush of nostalgia as she walked towards it. She used to hide there when she was little. The door creaked loudly as she pushed it open.
As the door swung on its hinges, a familiar storage area welcomed her back. In the corner was her little library, where she used to read all the children’s books her father had brought home from his travels. A smile formed on her face as she felt peace coming back to her.
She picked up the books, trying to remember the stories in them. She opened the covers, skimming through the pages. She felt elated as the memories came back to her. She browsed through the books in front of her, unaware of how much time had passed.
When she started shivering, she realized that the day had slipped away from her.
Oh no! Mother must be looking for me.
Even though she wanted to just hide away and read like before, she knew she needed to come back to her current life. The tiny flame of joy in her chest quickly faded.
She walked to the door, but before she could give it a gentle shove, the hinges creaked and the late afternoon light filtered into the space.
Lavinia gasped in surprise. It was impossible; nobody would ever come here unless someone was collecting the mallets for pall mall. And with that, she remembered there was a pall mall event that day.
