Lydia simplystared at her. “Why didn’t you tell everyone?” she finallysaid.
Sera swallowed.“Stephen asked me not to.”
Lydia sucked ina breath. “You mean that courtship was real? I had heard you and hewere spending time together, but... You do mean Stephen Farlisle?The Stephen who is related to Oliver? That Stephen?” She was soshocked she didn’t seem to realise she had referred to LordRoxwaithe by his given name…or that Sera had done the same withStephen.
“Yes. He... He needed funds and I thought— But it doesn’tmatter now.”
Seemingly stuck,Lydia said, “You and Stephen—”
She was tired ofconcealing everything, of playing games. So, she said plainly, “Wewere attempting to win a wager, so we spent time togetherpretending we were courting, and then I...he...”
Thoughtfully,Lydia cocked her head. “That might be an explanation for why he hasbeen so irritable.”
Sera’s heartleapt. “He’s been irritable?”
Lydia’s frownreturned. “That is neither here nor there.”
“No,I suppose it isn’t.” Hesitantly, Sera said, “Friends?” Even as sheuttered the word, she knew how absurd it sounded.
Lydia thought itover. “Probably not.”
“Youare correct. Not friends. However, not enemies either.”
“Indifferent acquaintances?”
“Wewill nod at each other at gatherings. Perhaps even exchange civilwords.”
“Ican live with that.”
“Socan I.”
“Truly, I am sorry,” Sera said.
Looking bemused,Lydia nodded.
“Iwish you the best for your marriage, and a lifetime ofjoy.”
“Thank you.” Lydia shook her head. “It is so odd hearing yousay such things.”
“Ifeel odd saying them.”
That startled alaugh from Lydia. “Perhaps it was wise to invite you to mywedding.”
“Perhaps it was.” Sera stood. “I shall leave you to receivethe well wishes of others. You deserve it.”
Fascinated,Lydia stared at her. “So, so odd.”
Chapter Twenty Two
THE NEXT MORNING, LYDIA Torrence married the Earl ofRoxwaithe.
Taking a sip ofher champagne, Sera watched those around her. All day they hadcelebrated and now night had fallen, the clock striking theeleventh hour not twenty minutes ago. Celebrations were winding toa close, Lydia and the earl had disappeared an hour ago, and otherguests were slowly making their way to their own beds.
Across the room,Stephen stood with his back to the panelling of the wall besidedrapes that fell from the high ceiling to the floor. He had not yetnoticed her, concealed as she was behind a rather largeplinth.
After thewedding ceremony had concluded, she’d attempted to approach himagain and again, but each time he evaded her. The celebration hadspilled throughout Waithe Hall, and in each room she had entered,it was not more than half an hour before he noticed her pursuit anddisappeared. She didn’t know how he managed it. One moment he’d bein plain view, and the next he was gone, nothing left but thechatter of other guests.
Now, over thetop of her champagne glass, she narrowed her gaze. He would notescape her this time.
