Page 12
“While that sounds like an intriguing challenge, storming society is not a particular priority of mine.” It was the closest she could come to speaking her mind.
One side of his mouth hitched up. “I’m certain I could talk you around.”
Over my dead body.
“Perhaps,” she murmured.
Thankfully, the dance ended soon, and he escorted her back to Letitia, who had acquired a glass of fruit punch that Seraphina suspected was laced with rum and a glass of lemonade, which she promptly handed over.
An older lady appeared in front of her with a distinguished green-eyed gentleman close behind. It only took Seraphina a few seconds to identify the woman as Lady Drake, a dowager countess who’d always been kind to her.
“I’m so sorry to hear about what happened,” Lady Drake said, with no hint of pretense in her expression.
Seraphina inclined her head. “Thank you, my lady. I must admit that my heart is not as bruised as it might have been if the Honorable Phineas Beardsly hadn’t proven himself to be ill-mannered and fickle. I cannot mourn the loss of a man who would treat me so poorly, but the shock of his abandonment has shaken me. One never expects to be discarded when one has done nothing wrong.”
Lady Drake’s lips thinned. “I always suspected that Viscount Harrington’s second son didn’t have the same strong character as his oldest, but I never anticipated that he’d behave so dishonorably. It’s a poor display of gentlemanly conduct, but I hope you won’t let it dishearten you.”
Seraphina couldn’t stop the grin that leapt to her face, but she tried to school her features as much as possible. She was grateful to Lady Drake, who’d taken the cue Seraphina had given and, with only a few sentences, implied that her former fiancé was at fault.
Not only that, but she’d done it where most of the ton’s biggest gossips could hear her.
“I appreciate your support. I’ll do my best.”
Lady Drake and her companion moved on, and Mr. Emerson, who had started a conversation with the green-eyed fellow, went with them.
Thank God.
Letitia chuckled. “I can’t believe how easily you guide society into believing whatever you want them to. I wish it was that easy for me.”
Seraphina frowned. “No one thinks badly of you.”
“Perhaps not, but you must admit, you have a way with them. Your closest friend is a spinster. If any other young ladies befriended someone who was already on the shelf, they would be looked down upon. You, on the other hand, they all adore.”
“I thought you liked being a spinster.”
Letitia shrugged. “I like the freedom that comes with it, but I’m not treated as courteously as you are.”
Considering this, Seraphina said, “Would you like me to help you improve your standing? It would be easy to find you a suitor if you wanted one.”
Her friend snorted. “Please don’t.”
Deciding it was time to change the subject, Seraphina sipped her lemonade and racked her mind for another topic. “Did Trevor arrive safely?”
“Yes, he got in yesterday. I haven’t seen him yet, but hopefully he’ll visit soon.”
“I’d like to speak with him too. I’m sure he’s been up to some fascinating things, and I’d love to hear about his most recent studies. Did he say what brought him to London?”
“Not really.” Letitia looked away. “Maybe he grew bored of the country.”
Seraphina laughed. “He could entertain himself there for years. We both know that ballrooms and gentlemen’s clubs aren’t for him.”
She was just about to ask if Letitia knew anything about Trevor’s plans while he was in London when a roguish, strong-featured man sauntered over to them and bowed far too deeply.
“Mr. Blackwell,” she said in greeting.
“Charmed, Miss Dalton, as always.” He winked at her and then gave Letitia a crooked smile. “Miss Carruthers. A pleasure.”
“I’m surprised to find you without Lady Sophie,” Seraphina said.
