He held up a finger. “Then allow me to go inside first, and I’ll find a maid for you.”
She smiled wider. “I thank you, Vincent.”
He hurried inside. Taking deep breaths, she tried to regulate her erratic heartbeat. She rubbed her lips, wondering if they appeared as swollen as they felt. Most likely. And her face… She placed both palms on her cheeks. Would her pleasurable expression let everyone know what she’d been doing out on the porch?
Soon, the front door opened, and a maid stepped out. “Miss Middleton? Were you looking for me?”
“I was. Would you take a quick stroll with me through the flower garden?”
The older woman nodded as she walked with Ellie. So much was spinning through her head that she didn’t want to converse with the servant.
This growing attraction she had for Vincent was exhilarating. Yet part of her heart wouldn’t let go of Adam’s memory. Guilt for betraying the cherished memories they had shared tried to override the passionate moment with Vincent. Which emotion should she accept? However, if she pushed Adam from her mind, she would feel more complete with Vincent, which, undoubtedly, made for a better marriage. Well…as long as he returned the feelings.
It was hard for her to admit how jealous she’d become while Vincent and Lady Livingston were together earlier. Vincent was a naturally charming man, but Lady Livingston…
Ellie bunched her hands into fists. She just couldn’t tolerate another woman—a former mistress, no less—gazing upon Vincent as if she wanted to devour him body and soul.
She had never liked that woman. They had never formally met, but she recalled Adam’s mentioning her in a passing conversation one time. Apparently, he knew her. Ellie arched an eyebrow. Hmm… Exactly howwellhad he known Lady Livingston? Why hadn’t Ellie wondered about it while he was alive?
It didn’t matter now, but hopefully, Vincent would give up his mistresses after they were married. Although originally Ellie had told him he could keep them, she now pictured herself being happy with him. She could see them having children together. And she even felt as though she could fall in love…
“Ellie?”
Augusta’s high-pitched voice jerked Ellie out of her daydreams. The duchess stood on the porch, waving her arm to get Ellie’s attention.
She glanced at the maid and shrugged. “I suppose we should go inside now.”
“Yes, Miss Middleton.” The servant rubbed her palms up and down her arms, shivering.
Strange to think, but Ellie hadn’t been cold. Probably because thoughts of Vincent kept her very heated.
She hurried out of the flower garden and up the stairs to her stepmother. “Forgive me for taking so long. It’s such a pleasant evening—”
“It’s not pleasant at all,” Augusta interrupted. “The wind is quite nippy.” She moved toward the front door. “Come. We must hurry. Lady Berkley has something special arranged tonight. Miss Dorothea James will sing for us.”
“Who is that?” Ellie asked as her stepmother hooked her arm around hers as they entered the manor.
“She is a well-respected opera singer.”
“How lovely.” She smiled, hoping she’d enjoy it. Before Adam had died, he’d taken her to an opera, and she had found it entertaining.
They walked into the ballroom, which had chairs set up for the guests, and a mini stage at one end of the room. The guests were finding their seats or chatting with others. Ellie searched through the throng of people to find the most handsome man at the party—the man with the perfect lips. Her gaze rested on him, but it was the woman next to him that brought Ellie’s happiness to a halt. The red-headed woman wore a daringly low-cut red gown, and practically flaunted her full bosom underneath Vincent’s nose. Didn’t Lady Livingston have any decorum?
Ellie’s heart wrenched. Vincent couldn’t possibly have chosen to sit beside his former mistress, could he? He’d promised he wouldn’t embarrass her, and for certain, this would embarrass Ellieandher father. But it was more than that. She felt betrayed. They had just shared a very passionate kiss, but he’d left her side to find Lady Livingston.
“There’s your father over there,” Augusta said, pointing to a corner of the room.
“Augusta? I suddenly don’t feel very well.” Ellie rubbed her belly. “Do you think our driver could take me home?”
The duchess frowned, which added lines around her mouth. “Absolutely not. Someone will have to accompany you, and I would like to stay and listen to Miss Dorothea James. And I know your father wants to hear her as well.” She shook her full head of auburn hair. “My dear, you shall just have to get over your stomach ailment. I’m sure Lord Trenton would like to enjoy the rest of the evening with you, too.”
Ellie’s attention was riveted to Vincent and his mistress. “No. I think you’re wrong.”
“Not to worry.” Her stepmother patted Ellie’s hand. “I shall have your father fetch him to come sit with us. The farther away Lord Trenton gets fromthat woman, the better off he’ll be.”
It was good to know Augusta had heard the rumors of Lady Livingston, too.
As Ellie made her way toward her father, she kept her attention on Vincent. Surprisingly, he ended the conversation with his former mistress and stood. The slightly older woman placed a bold hand on Vincent’s arm. It appeared she was begging him to stay, but he shook his head and moved away.
