A GARDEN PARTY
Ahalf-hour later, the back gardens of Carlington House, Mayfair
Under a rare bright sky, a growing number of the peerage and a few of their children assembled on the green lawn behind Carlington House. Their brightly colored gowns and waistcoats were almost more festive than the early spring flowers which decorated Lady Morganfield’s gardens. Almost, because due to that year’s rather wet weather and lack of sunshine, Adeline Carlington, Marchioness of Morganfield, had arranged for her gardener to plant blooming flowers she had acquired from a hothouse in Chiswick.
She wasn’t about to have her party moved indoors due to a lack of foliage out-of-doors.
Her peach gown vying with a clump of tulips for attention, Danielle Fitzwilliam was watching a pair of viscounts spy on some young ladies seated at the wrought iron tables directly behind the house. She grinned when she recognized the Earl and Countess of Aimsley seated at one such table, apparently enjoying lemonade alongside a young girl. Curious as to the identity of the pink-clad blonde—the earl seemed especially interested in whatever she had to say—Danielle was about to make her way to the tables when a footman approached.
“Lady Danielle?” he asked in a quiet voice. He held out a silver salver filled with champagne glasses. Given the number of bubbles still rising from the bottom of the glasses, it was apparent the champagne had recently been poured.
“Yes?” She helped herself to a glass and was startled when she realized she was holding more than just the glass when the servant went on to a nearby couple.
Danielle stared at the paper the footman had surreptitiously slid into her gloved hand. Glancing about to see if anyone was looking in her direction, she finally moved to stand next to a marble statue while she opened the folded parchment.
Lady D,
I wish to have a word in private. Please join me in the library.
A.
Scoffing, Danielle once again surveyed those who strolled about the grounds, determined to discover if someone was trying to play a trick on her.Words in private? In the library?What if someone was setting her up? What if she was caught—unchaperoned—with...?
She glanced at the paper again.
A.
Andrew, she thought with a sigh of disappointment. He was no doubt anxious to learn her decision regarding his marriage proposal.
Or perhaps he had changed his mind. Perhaps he’d had second thoughts and wished to withdraw his offer.
Danielle downed the glass of champagne in just a few gulps and then wished she had taken smaller sips. Her knees would be jelly before long.
Nodding to those she passed on her way into the house—the back doors to Lady Morganfield’s conservatory were wide open—she made her way through Carlington House and to the main stairs. Her slippers barely made a sound as she climbed the marble steps. The library wasn’t hard to find, but she hesitated before she entered the darkened room.
She inhaled softly at the familiar scents of vellum and vanilla, leather and mildew. Carpet covered the floor and seemed to swallow up any sounds. Although there were windows along the back wall, there were freestanding shelves filled with books that blocked most of the light.
“Thank you for coming.”
Danielle gave a start at hearing the familiar voice and turned to discover a young man she thought was Andrew Comber regarding her from where he stood near a library sofa. He’d obviously been seated and was now standing. Upon her approach, he bowed and then reached for her hand. The scents of limes and sandalwood wafted past her nose.
Dipping a curtsy, Danielle waited until he had straightened before she said, “Your note was rather cryptic.” Her eyes narrowed when she noted his manner of dress, and they narrowed even more when she stepped back to regard him with suspicion. “Lord Breckinridge?” she said in disbelief.
Anthony scoffed. “How did you know it wasme?”
Tipsy from the champagne, Danielle tittered. “Oh, please. I’ve known you since we were in leading strings,” she scolded. Her eyes suddenly widened when she thought the footman might have made a mistake when he gaveherthe note. It was no doubt meant for her sister. “Oh, dear.”
“What is it?”
She blinked and angled her head to one side. “Who do you thinkIam?”
Anthony inhaled and held the breath a moment. “The fact that you came suggests that you are Lady Danielle,” he replied. “I told the footman to give it to you, since I rather doubt your sister wishes to speak with me.”
Danielle furrowed a brow. “So, the notewasmeant for me.”
He nodded.So much for switching places.“Indeed. I thought to...” He displayed a grimace, realizing he had to change tactics. “Learn what I might. Surely you have your sister’s ear.”
Sighing, Danielle moved to sit on the sofa. Her knees were buzzing from the champagne more than her head was. Not sure where to start, she said, “Dahlia is not angry with you. If anything, I think she’s a bit upset with herself at having dismissed you so quickly yesterday.” Danielle dipped her head. “Apparently as quickly as I dismissed your brother.” Wincing, she motioned for him to join her on the sofa. The champagne had her speaking far more easily than usual.
