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Hyde Park, London
Four days later in the afternoon
Feeling oddly out of sorts despite the day’s temperate weather and the adorable, fluffy ducklings paddling along the Serpentine, Rayne kept pace with Everleigh, Gabriella, Duchess of Pennington, Gabriella’s sister, Ophelia Breckensole, and Theadosia, Duchess of Sutcliffe.
They were to meet Jemmah, Duchess of Dandridge, and Sophronie Slater for tea at Nicolette’s in just over an hour.
Normally, Rayne would’ve keenly anticipated that particular gathering. These were her dearest friends, after all. But since her encounter with the Duke of Kincade four days ago, she’d been peculiarly restless and oddly discontented.
Agitated even.
He’d seemed so determined she visit his gardens again and had insisted on an introduction. Almost as if he were truly interested in her. However, it appeared his grace wasn’t so very enthusiastic after all, as four days had passed with nary a note nor an appearance.
Four days wasn’t so very long—just over half a week, she reasoned.
Are you listening to yourself? her logical self severely scolded.
Since when did she desirea man’s attention?
Honestly?
Since she’d stumbled upon that enigmatic Scot in her secret oasis and, after overcoming her initial shock, had realized he didn’t make her feel uncomfortable or wary.
No, indeed. That most assuredly wasn’t what the disarming Duke of Kincade made her feel at all.
His grace’s last masculine purr in her ear, his warm breath a sensual caress, had sent all of her senses tumbling pell-mell. Like a frightened mouse, she’d fled his presence without another word or a backward glance. Rayne vowed she’d heard the rich, melodious tenor of his chuckle as she skirted the hedgerow and found her way to Everleigh.
The handsome blighter.
What if Everleigh had overheard Him? Them?
She hadn't, thank the divine powers.
That would’ve resulted in a slew of questions Rayne would rather not answer.
As it turned out, Everleigh had received today’s invitation to take tea with Nicolette and wanted to ensure Rayne made no other plans.
As if she would do so of her own accord.
Everleigh had to gently prod her at almost every turn to venture into society. While some debutantes thrived on the social whirlwind, Rayne relished a more sedate lifestyle. Her aunt was never unkind, nor did she force her if she were truly opposed to attending any function. But she fretted about Rayne’s future which, in turn, caused Rayne distress.
She didn’t want to be a burden to Everleigh or Griffin. But the unvarnished truth was that she was a penniless orphan, completely reliant upon the Sheffields. Uncle Albert hadn’t provided a dowry or any other provision for her, and if it hadn’t been for Eveleigh’s kind and generous nature, Rayne wasn’t certain what would’ve become of her when her guardian had unexpectedly died.
In point of fact, he and Frederick had been murdered. Rayne still harbored a degree of guilt for feeling no remorse or sorrow at their passings. Only blessed relief that she’d be forevermore spared their vile presence and their even more abhorrent gatherings.
“I simply want you to be as happy and content as I am, Rayne,” Everleigh had said during breakfast this morning as she spread strawberry preserves on her quarter piece of toast.
How many times had Rayne heard that?
Far, far too many to count.
For at least as many times, Rayne had replied, “I know you do, and I am so very grateful.”
She did know, and her heart overflowed with appreciation. Not all young women were nearly as blessed and privileged as she. Providence had smiled upon Everleigh too, and if ever a soul merited such good fortune, it was Rayne’s selfless aunt.
Neither mentioned the heartbreak and misery Everleigh had suffered before Griffin came into her life at Theadosia’s Christmastide house party last year. Just as neither woman mentioned why Rayne feared most men, though, through years of practice, she kept her trepidation well-disguised on the outside.
The turmoil and apprehension that beset her inwardly was another matter entirely.
