The earl wore dark pantaloons and an ivory waistcoat with gold-colored threading that made X’s or crosses.
“Buckles?”
A little startled, I held on to the seat back. “Excuse me, ma’am.”
“Buckles, that is you. I recognized those ugly slippers from the Lincoln’s Inn.”
“I’m not sure what you are talking about.”
“Buckles, don’t be ashamed. I’ve gone after men myself. Stowing away in carriages, presenting myself like Cleopatra all rolled up in a rug. You do what you have to do to gain their attention, and once you have it, you don’t let go. That was my mistake with Daniel.”
“Excuse me. I must—”
“He didn’t tell you? I’m his special friend, Lady Lavinia Nell. It must’ve slipped the earl’s mind. We were quite comfortable for a while, but then I left him and he married. He’s quite alone now, unless you’ve claimed him.”
The woman was fishing. I’d give her enough string to choke. “Well, he’s my barrister. Such a strong dependable man.”
“So the rumors are true? Buckles, you are his new mistress. Well, you’re not one of those sugar plums in white. Though tonight, white was called for.”
“What?”
“Didn’t you know that a white or red dress was the fashion for the evening? You decided to be the lady in dark gray. A little gloomy, don’t you think?”
“We stand out in many ways.” I said, grinning. “I’m sure you know this.”
Lady Lavinia winced. Her sparkly ivory gown, low cut in the front, jiggled with iridescent beads. “Sarcastic little thing.”
She folded her arms and paced half around me. “Well done, Buckles, you’ll stand out, but next time do wear something more than a simple muslin gown. It does you no credit to be dowdy. You need something to combat those freckles.”
Was my mouth open?
It had to be with such venom. I put my slapping hand to my side. “That’s not a very nice thing to say.”
Her eyes squinted, and she seemed to peer over my head. “You can say more than a few words. Our earl isn’t close enough to overhear.”
“Overhear what?”
“My warning. You leave him alone. His world, the world of theton, is too much for you. He needs a savvy woman, someone to guide him, not a dowdy amnesiac. He could be a judge over the courts, a magistrate, with the right influences.”
“I don’t think he needs your influences or your mean spirit. Or did you plan on poisoning him with your wretched perfume until he submits?”
“Cute, Buckles, and here he comes. I’m winning him back tonight or there will be hell to pay.”
“I have no need to win him back.”
I meant because I never had him, but Lady Lavinia’s face became a prune, shriveled and purple. “Stay out of my way.”
She left, and I didn’t stop her. Nor did I go running to Ashbrook as Lady Lavinia might’ve expected. The anger in me exposed that I was lying. I didn’t want answers to my past alone. I wanted Ashbrook, too.
My hands felt sweaty in my blush-colored gloves. I peered at my gown. Yes, it was dark gray with Mechlin lace on my bodice—a gown perfect for half mourning. I intended on saving my best for the upcoming Widow’s Ball. I hadn’t thought that I needed to be shiny to keep vipers away.
With my back to him, I heard Lord Ashbrook greet Lady Lavinia. There were mutual chuckles. For a moment, I wondered if they laughed at me.
Ashbrook wouldn’t do that. There was more compassion in him than most. I knew him to be a good man, even if he had secrets.
Yet, the man stayed with the viper.
They kept laughing.
