‘You missed quite a scene,’ Anne informed her. ‘After she fainted, the laird tried to help her. Then, Miss Goodson pulled him back and warned MacKinloch that if he touched Miss Brown, he’d have to marry the girl.’
‘Who is Miss Goodson?’ She vaguely recalled hearing something about a woman with that surname, but it had been a long time ago.
‘She was ruined by scandal years ago and became a governess. That’s the most delicious part,’ Anne said. ‘I heard that she was hired to give the laird lessons in manners. His mother arranged it in Scotland, months ago. Can you imagine?’
‘A governess?’ The very idea was shocking. No one would ever hire a governess for a grown man. And if a ruined lady had given him lessons, it made her wonder whether Locharr could be trusted.
‘Yes. They returned to London together.’ Anne frowned a moment and added, ‘I’m sure it’s nothing. But they do say he will ask for your hand any day now.’
Regina took a taste of the lemon ice, trying to avoid an answer. The tart taste mingled with the creamy flavour, though she could hardly enjoy it.
‘Are you going to say yes?’ Anne prompted.
‘I’d rather wait until I know him better,’ she admitted, even though she knew her father’s illness made that difficult. She was supposed to say yes and be grateful for it. Yet, her mind was in turmoil, between her worries about Papa, the strange note she had found, and the idea of having to marry so soon.
Anne’s gaze drifted back to the viscount. ‘Well. It looks as if someone else wants to know you better. Careful, Regina. The viscount is coming this way.’ Then she smiled slyly. ‘Since you’re already promised, do remind him that I am quite available.’
Regina wanted to groan, especially since the young lady was accompanying Lord Camford. His companion was beautiful, and Regina had the sense that she had seen her before. Her blonde hair was artfully arranged with a few curls to frame her face, and she did seem to be much younger. Lord Camford smiled at both women, but his green eyes were fixed upon her. ‘Lady Regina, I hope you enjoyed the ices.’
‘It was kind of you,’ she said carefully, ‘though unnecessary.’ Her attention drifted towards the other young woman in a silent warning to Camford that he had overstepped.
Lord Camford cleared his throat. ‘Forgive me, I’ve neglected introductions. Lady Regina and Lady Anne, this is Miss Amelia Andrews, the youngest sister of Her Grace the Duchess of Worthingstone. I agreed to accompany her on an outing today. Miss Andrews, may I present Lady Regina, daughter of the Earl of Havershire, and Lady Anne, daughter of the Earl of Blyton.’
Miss Andrews smiled warmly. ‘I am glad to meet you. My sister, Toria, was supposed to join us, but she was not feeling well. Lord Camford knew how much I adore ices, and he offered to escort me.’ She glanced at another woman standing a short distance away and added, ‘And my maid, of course.’
‘I am pleased to make your acquaintance,’ Regina answered. Anne murmured a hello as well, and she eyed the viscount with her own undisguised interest.
‘Were you at your sister’s ball last night?’ Anne asked Miss Andrews. The young woman nodded. Then Anne’s expression turned sly. ‘What do you know of Miss Goodson? Did you see her there?’
It wasn’t something Regina wanted to truly know about. She barely listened to the two gossiping women, and Lord Camford eyed her with concern. She was thinking more about the blackmail note and what to do about it.
‘Lady Regina, might I solicit your help?’ the viscount asked. ‘I wanted to ask your opinion on a gift for my father.’
She wasn’t at all certain of it, but she did want to escape the gossip. Miss Andrews and Anne were still chatting, and she stood from the table, following him towards a display of cakes and confections.
‘Miss Andrews is like a younger sister,’ he explained. ‘I escorted her as a favour to the duke and duchess.’
She nodded, and her annoyance eased when she realised he was telling the truth. ‘I thought you were behaving like a wicked rake, courting one woman while sending ices to us.’
His mouth twitched. ‘I may be wicked, but I’m not that bold.’
She sent him a sidelong gaze. ‘I wouldn’t put it past you, Lord Camford.’
‘Not at all.’ He shook his head and then eyed her more closely. ‘Are you well, Lady Regina?’ he asked. ‘Is something troubling you?’
She hesitated, not wanting to say anything at all. It wasn’t his concern, and there was an inherent risk of Camford discovering the truth.
Her father had been so careful to hide the scandal. Years had passed, and no one knew what had happened that night...at least, she didn’t think so.
The demand for money might have no connection at all. But what if it did? She couldn’t seek the answers without help, and she wanted to trust Lord Camford. Perhaps the risk was worth it.
Discreetly, she withdrew the folded note from her reticule and handed it to him. He read it, and his gaze turned serious. ‘Have you spoken to your father about this?’
‘No.’ She turned her attention to the cakes. ‘He’s not well, Camford. His handkerchief had blood on it, and I worry about him. I don’t want to upset him further if I confront him.’
‘Would you like me to find out more for you?’ he asked gently. ‘I could make discreet enquiries.’
‘I would be grateful.’ She ventured a slight smile. It was easier to trust Camford than to ask for help from the laird. Especially if this blackmail involved her own past. ‘I only want to know who sent it.’
Camford placed the folded note inside his waistcoat pocket. ‘I would be glad to help you.’ But although his words were kind, she didn’t miss the worry in his eyes.
