That was even stranger still. They were meant to be on their way to Darlington Castle in Kent by now. Even when he was in London, Darlington rarely went into company. If he did venture out, it certainly wasn’t to attend this sort of chaoticentertainment.
Benedict pulled his masque from his coat pocket, slipped it over his face, and began to push his way through the crush. As Darlington’s closest friend, it was his duty to discover if something was amiss. If that meant crossing swords with Miss Harley again, well, it was bad luck, but it wasn’thisfault. He had an obligation to Darlington, that was all. If hedidfeel a hint of anticipation about dueling with her again, it was only because he was bored, and it was good fun, ruffling her feathers.
He circled around the long way, keeping to the outer edges of the crowd to avoid any acquaintances who might recognize him. He had no patience for meaningless chatterat the moment.
He kept his gaze fixed on Georgiana Harley as he neared her corner of the ballroom. As he got closer, he noticed her jaw was tight, and her shoulders rigid. She hadn’t come here for her own pleasure, then. She didn’twantto be here, yet there she was, in all her ballroom finery, doing her best togo unnoticed.
She seemed distracted as well. Her gaze was moving over the crowd as if she were searching for someone. Who, though? The ballroom was crowded withton, along with a generous sprinkling of scoundrels, rakes, courtesans, and other dubious members of the demimonde who made up Lady Wylde’s circle. Miss Harley didn’t know a soul here beyond Darlington and his wife.
No matter. He’d have an answer soon enough, even if he had to teaseit out of her—
“Lord Darlington!”
Every head turned, the chatter grew louder, and then the crowd parted and Lady Wylde herself appeared, clad in a daring gown of scarlet silk. Lady Tilbury was with her, and Lord Harrington, the fool, was dangling on her arm likea shiny bauble.
The last person Benedict wished to confront at this moment was Lady Wylde, so he ducked behind a boisterous knot of people standing near Miss Harley and did his best not to call attention to himself.
“Lady Darlington!” Lady Wylde, who was well aware the Marquess and Marchioness of Darlington didn’t attend many London entertainments, couldn’t quite hide her satisfaction that they’d made her masque ball an exception. “Why, how wonderful to see you both here. I confess I didn’t expect it.”
“My lady.” Darlington bowed over Lady Wylde’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you.”
“Oh no, my lord, the pleasure is all mine, I assure you,” Lady Wylde gushed in her usual dramatic fashion, simpering over Darlington, flattering Lady Darlington, and relishing having everyeye upon her.
Every eye, that is, but Benedict’s.
He kept his attention on Georgiana Harley, and he saw her reach out and lay a hand on Lady Darlington’s arm. She whispered something to her, and Lady Darlington responded by turning to Lady Tilbury with a smile. “Lady Tilbury, and Lord Harrington. How do you do? May I present Miss Georgiana Harley?”
“Lady Wylde, Lord Harrington, Lady Tilbury.” Miss Harley curtsied to each in turn, but Lady Tilbury seemed to be of particular interest to her, and soon enough she’d coaxed her a little apart from the others. At first, they seemed to be exchanging the usual pleasantries. All very dull and ordinary, butfor one thing.
Their conversation went on,and on, and on…
For two ladies who’d never met before, Miss Harley and Lady Tilbury seemed to have a great deal to discuss, and judging by Miss Harley’s eager expression and the rapidity with which her lips were moving, whatever they were discussing was of some importance to her.
Benedict edged closer to them, taking care to keep his head down and his movements unobtrusive. Closer, then closer still, until he was close enough to overhear Lady Tilbury murmur, “…tell you what I told Lord Draven, Miss Harley.”
Draven, again? Benedict frowned. Draven’s name seemed to be on everyone’s lips tonight. Curious, for a man who rarely set foot outsidehis townhouse.
“…appreciate any information you might give me,Lady Tilbury.”
“Despite my friendship with Clara’s late mother, I’m afraid I only know what all of London knows, Miss Harley. Clara was last seen at a Christmas ball at Lord Draven’s country estate in Oxfordshire. The previous Lord Draven, that is, the currentearl’s father.”
“The estate is near High Wycombe, I believe?”
“Yes. The Beauchamps lived in the same neighborhood as Lord and Lady Draven, and the two families were friends.” Lady Tilbury sighed. “Poor, dear Clara hasn’t been seen since that night.”
Miss Harley raised an eyebrow. “Are you certain? An acquaintance of hers swore to me she saw Miss Beauchamp sitting in a carriage outside your home less than a week ago.”
“No, no. I think I would know it if I’d seen Clara after all these years. Her family searched all over England for her without any success. Goodness, it is warm in here.” Lady Tilbury murmured, with a vigorous flutter of her fan.
“Miss Beauchamp’s tale is a strange one, isn’t it? Unless one believes in vanishings.” Miss Harley gave Lady Tilbury an appraising look. “Which I don’t.”
“Quite strange, yes. Mrs. Beauchamp was a great intimate of mine, but she didn’t talk to me much about Clara. She couldn’t bear to mention Clara’s name after she went missing.” Lady Tilbury shook her head. “She died within a year of Clara’s disappearance, and I don’t mind telling you, Miss Harley, I’ve always thought she died of abroken heart.”
Lady Wylde overheard her, and having finished flattering Darlington, turned her attention to Lady Tilbury. “I recall hearing at one time that Clara Beauchamp had married a viscount, though I never did believeit to be true.”
Miss Harley frowned. “Why shouldn’t you believe it?”
Lady Wylde swept a disparaging glance over Miss Harley, and despite himself, Benedict’s lips twitched. Miss Harley wouldn’t get far with her ladyship with that forthright tone. As far as Lady Wylde was concerned Miss Harley, in her plain gown and simple ribbons, was hardly worth a second glance. She might not wish to insult the Marquess and Marchioness of Darlington by snubbing their friend, but Lady Wylde’s graciousness would onlyextend so far.
