Page 19 of Miss Devon’s Choice

The other ladies began to join them. The wives of the barons and marquess, and their daughters, came into the room in twos and threes. Some brought little sewing baskets, Lady Felicity brought a sheaf of music.

“Oh, Miss Devon,” Lady Felicity said, flouncing across the room to take the chair nearest Rebecca. “I am looking forward to the amusements in these coming days. Which prospect are you anticipating the most?”

Rebecca admired Emma’s soft golden curls as she considered her answer. Lady Felicity, while everything that was suitable, did not possess a personality that set perfectly well with her own. The marquess’s daughter embodied everything about the proper circle Rebecca constantly tried to achieve, only to be found wanting by both her aunt and father. Lady Felicity was polished, her manners impeccable, her diction perfect, and her expression such that one must think she was never ruffled.

“I always like picnics,” Rebecca said, answering honestly. “I enjoy being out of doors on lovely days.”

Lady Felicity giggled and reached forward to touch Rebecca on the arm. “I do love the fresh air as well, though perhaps not without my parasol. With my complexion, the freckles would stand out terribly.” Her gaze flicked to just below Rebecca’s eyes, where she knew a smattering of dots would’ve stood out terribly if not for the face powder her aunt insisted she use.

“I think I am looking forward to the ball the most,” Lady Felicity added, her hand fluttering up to her chest. “I do so love a ball, and the Annesbury balls are spoken of everywhere.” Her expression turned shrewd. “It must be especially wonderful to share this ball with your intended.”

Rebecca noted the coolness in Lady Felicity’s manner, taking in the other woman’s expression, the tilt of her head, the glint in her bewitching blue eyes. Rebecca was of an age with her cousin’s guest, but Lady Felicity had a London season behind her and all the experience of being raised in the heart of the ton. She was a calculating creature, had sensed a weakness, and had started to probe at it.

A vulture in pink muslin, Rebecca thought to herself, smiling tightly.

But what interest could Lady Felicity truly have in her, except to find some sort of gossip to share should the opportunity present itself?

“Lord Easton will complete the event for me, to be certain.”

The doors opened, and the earl entered, followed by Rebecca’s betrothed.

Her stomach fell somewhat lower than it ought to be and heat crept up her neck.

“My lady,” Lucas said, after bowing to the room with Lord Easton, Christian, shadowing him. “I have just come from a room full of gentlemen inquiring after the day’s events. I am afraid the married men have a wish to stay indoors and enjoy quiet pursuits until dinner, but the younger set have expressed an interest in sport or entertainment.”

Rebecca tried to absorb herself in playing with Emma, who had grown tired of the game with fingers and attempted to pull herself to her feet on Rebecca’s lap. Despite the adorable child as a distraction, Rebecca’s gaze was drawn to the dark-haired viscount, who appeared to take in the room without taking notice of any of its occupants.

How was she to fall in love with a man who had no interest in even looking at her?

“And have you come to seek my opinion on said sport or to gain my approval in letting them loose upon the grounds?” Virginia asked, folding her hands primly in her lap, her smile both teasing and adoring.

Virginia had such an easy way about her. She always expressed exactly what she wished, but never in such a way that one could call her rude. Rebecca longed to be so in control, to find a perfect balance of propriety and strength. Until Rebecca learned how to walk that delicate line, she must continue to bite her tongue.

That’s neither here nor there. The matter at hand is how to make Christian Hundley realize our union could be a pleasant one. So long as he was nothing like her father.

Her father had twisted and turned her mother’s heart, something that had taken Rebecca years to understand. As a child, Rebecca hadn’t recognized more than her mother’s reticence to speak in his presence, her lack of spirit when he was at home with them in the country. And when her father was away, her mother came alive.

What if her fate were the same? What if she only found happiness when her husband remained far away? There was more than one marriage she’d observed, during her time in London, where couples seemed happiest when they were apart.

Her heart nearly sank, but Rebecca pulled it and herself up from the couch. Virginia and Lucas looked to her, startled by her abrupt movement, but she smiled sweetly. With Emma tucked onto her hip, Rebecca walked toward a window, her path taking her directly in front of Christian.

Let him ignore that. She cast the barest smile at him as she passed, one she hoped was enough of an invitation that he might approach her again. He hadn’t hesitated to do so the night before, after all. Perhaps in the light of day she would have better luck engaging him in conversation.

“They actually thought up a likely diversion for themselves and the young ladies. A treasure hunt.” Lucas continued as if he hadn’t been interrupted by Rebecca’s movements. She listened with half an ear, directing her attention out the window, pointing out the clouds, trees, and flowers to Emma, who looked with wonder at the world outside her home.

Virginia’s tone was colored by the warmth she felt for her husband. “I am afraid, as we are very discerning ladies, we would need more details before accepting such a challenge. Am I correct in that thought, Lady Felicity? Miss Dunhill?”

Lady Felicity’s voice, ringing like a bell, answered with a saccharine tone. “Indeed, my lady. A game must have its rules, after all.”

Rebecca barely refrained from scoffing. Who was Lady Felicity attempting to impress? Both men in the room were unavailable to her, yet she sounded every inch the coquette. Perhaps even vultures needed practice.

“What do you think, Emma?” Rebecca asked the baby, nuzzling the silky curls atop her head.

“I doubt she’s formed an opinion on much in the world yet,” a deep, low voice rumbled behind her.

She started, her arms tightening around Emma as she did, which startled the baby, too. Big gray eyes looked up at hers, innocent fright filling them.

Christian stood behind her, but she controlled her reaction enough that she did not so much whirl to face him as she did calmly turn in his direction. She patted the baby on the back, soothing Emma’s upset away easily.