Seraphine could hear the chatter of amusement coming from the drawing room. She made her way toward it expecting that Thaliahad something remarkable planned for the last day of the house party.
"Good day, Lady Seraphine," Lord Whickham said as she entered the room.
"And to you, Lord Whickham," she said.
Seraphine stood amongst the gathering crowd in the drawing room, her hands folded neatly before her as she watched servants finish arranging chairs and refreshments. Only one day remained before the guests would depart for London and return to their ordinary lives.
A sudden grip of fear moved through her.
Only one day until I must face William and his plans to send me to the abbey.
She looked around the room feeling hopeless that some of these men had turned out to be suitable matches, but none suitable to be her husband.
She found herself wondering a shocking thought.
Would Mr. Harper be in attendance on this day for the games, or perhaps dinner?
The thought came and went, for though she thought Mr. Harper to be entertaining, her mind always wandered back to the man she had proposed to in a reckless moment of behavior.
Oh how mortifying that memory has become now.
Now that she had become acquainted with the Duke of Wexford more, and his pride, she would never have gone to him in the middle of the night to propose marriage. A blush heated her cheeks as she thought of that embarrassing moment and how he had rejected her.
Foolish girl. What were you thinking?
Around her, conversations buzzed with anticipation and she was glad for the distraction. Whatever Thalia had planned, it was obvious she had no intention of allowing her guests a quiet final day.
"Attention everyone," Thalia announced, clapping her hands together. The conversations gradually died away as all eyes turned towards her.
Thalia stood at the center of the room. Experience had taught her that whenever her friend wore such a smile, chaos was usually close behind her. Caspian stood nearby with the resigned patience of a husband who had long ago accepted that resistance was futile. Seraphine exchanged an amused glance with Rosaline. Her sister merely shrugged as if to say they were all at Thalia's mercy.
Thalia’s smile widened further. "As this is our final full day together, I have prepared one last great adventure for you all."
Excited murmurs immediately spread through the room. Thalia waited until she had everyone's attention before dramatically revealing, "We shall be having a treasure hunt."
A cheer erupted throughout the drawing room. Several gentlemen laughed while many of the ladies immediately began speculating about clues and prizes.
Seraphine found herself smiling despite her recent worries. A treasure hunt sounded infinitely more entertaining than another afternoon spent discussing embroidery patterns. Even Damien's sister could not make embroidery exciting, though heaven knew she had tried before.
"And…" Thalia continued, raising one finger for emphasis, "the winner shall keep the treasure if you find it. It is a beautiful Chinese vase worth a hundred pounds."
The room erupted again. Someone whistled. Another gentleman declared that he was suddenly interested in pottery.
"What a fine game at last," Whickham declared.
Caspian rubbed his forehead as though regretting every life decision that had led him to this moment. Thalia looked delighted by the reaction.
"A valuable prize indeed," Rosaline murmured beside Seraphine, adjusting little Annie upon her hip. "I had no idea Thalia possessed such treasures."
Seraphine laughed softly. "Neither did I."
Rosaline leaned closer and lowered her voice. "Do you think she purchased it solely to create competition?"
Seraphine considered the question briefly. "Knowing Thalia? Almost certainly."
Thalia held up several sheets of paper. "You may hunt alone or pair together if you wish," she explained. "However, there is only one vase. Should partners win, you must decide amongst yourselves who shall keep it."
A few suspicious looks were exchanged immediately. One gentleman announced he trusted nobody. The declaration was met with laughter from every corner of the room.
