“I wish you good luck. Good day.”
Yet when Royston headed home, he wondered if he’d done the right thing.
The day wasperfect for Angeline. Sunny weather, blue sky, just enough breeze to be pleasant. And for once, Mama, whose schedule was more busy than the queen’s, had taken her to an intriguing social event. This time it was a festival held in Hyde Park with stalls of food, music, and competitions to raise money for charity.
Some important peers of the realm had been specifically invited, but the day was open to anyone who wished to participate in the games and donate money. Rowing, archery— that was interesting —cricket, and games of cards would keep the participants busy for the whole day.
But Mama’s goal was to see Royston again and start her matchmaking game to pair him with Angeline. To be honest, Angeline wanted to see him, too. There had been no need to put too much effort into convincing her although she hadn’t changed her mind about drugging him. Or accepting his money. Or having a tumble with him only to blackmail him later.
“Keep smiling.” Mama twirled her parasol that matched her yellow gown.
“I can’t smile for no reason.”
“Society is always studying and judging. You must behave like a lady even when no one is watching you.”
“Which sounds exhausting.” Angeline searched the crowd for Royston.
He might have changed his mind and decided not to come although Mama had told her his presence had been confirmed. He hadn’t looked particularly happy at Lady Redvers’s ball. Maybe he didn’t enjoy social events.
Angeline tilted her parasol to cover her face when she spotted Mr. North. He was heading to the boats on the Serpentine for the rowing race. After all, he had an affinity for water.
“Careful,” Mama said. “The viscountess is coming with her plain, forgettable daughter.”
Lady Redvers walked straight towards them. Her smile was nothing but a challenge. “We meet again, Mrs. Haywood, Miss Haywood. Such a pleasure.”
Angeline curtsied. “Lady Redvers, Miss Taylor.”
“Good morning.” Miss Georgiana Taylor was a copy of her mother— same glossy brown hair and large brown eyes, but her features were softer and her smile more honest. “Such a lovely day.” Even her voice was more musical than her mother’s. Quite melodious.
Now that Angeline thought about it, she could swear Miss Taylor sounded exactly like the young lady with her pianist lover.
“My lady.” Mama bowed her head gracefully as if her last encounter with the viscountess hadn’t been abysmal.
“It’s always nice to see some familiar faces.” Lady Redvers gestured at the people crowding the meadow. “So many peoplehere have no acquaintances among us peers, like you, Mrs. Haywood.”
Miss Taylor and Angeline exchanged a glance.
“Quite the opposite, my lady,” Mama said with no small amount of pride. “I have many friends among the peers. You’d be surprised by what I know about some members of theton.” She laughed. “I’m joking, of course.”
Angeline coughed politely in her fist, silently begging her mother to stay quiet.
“I was wondering whom you know,” Lady Redvers said. “Because, pardon me, but you seem to appear at every party and ball.”
Oh, Mama knew many of the nobility here at the festival, starting with Lord Havisham. She’d likely blackmailed a few gentlemen there at one point or another. Honestly, whom or how many, Angeline didn’t want to know.
“I believe I’ve never asked what your late husband’s trade was.” Lady Redvers was obviously on a mission to discover Mama’s secrets.
Well, good luck with that. Not even Angeline knew everything about Mama, and quite frankly, it was better that way.
Mama twirled her parasol with a nervous tweak. The viscountess had struck a nerve. “My dear husband traded in steel, just like Lord Wharton. The baron and I have a lot in common.”
Goodness. Mama should inform Angeline of such lies. At least she’d be prepared to answer accordingly.
“Well—” Lady Redvers was interrupted by her daughter.
“Mother, Mr. Wright is going to play a sonata in the gazebo. You promised me we’d listen to his lovely music. Shall we go and see when his performance starts? I don’t want to miss it.”
Yes, definitely Miss Taylor was the woman behind the curtain, which meant Mr. Wright the pianist would be her lover, perhaps.
