Apprehension threaded through her as she left the room. What would she encounter when she reentered the ballroom? Were people already gossiping about her and how she’d disappeared from the ball for an hour? She honestly had no idea how long she’d been gone.
Taking a deep breath to fortify her anxiety, she walked into the ballroom and immediately looked for Lord Gregory. Before she could find him, Prudence bore down on her wearing an expression of what could only be described as extreme distress.
“Where have you been?” she whispered urgently, drawing Fiona away from anyone who might want to listen in on their conversation.
Fiona smiled. “Could you try to look less concerned and upset? I was, er, ill. I just came from the retiring room.” That much, at least, was true.
“You were gone a very long time after you disappeared from the ballroom following your dance with Lord Overton. Were you with him?”
“Yes.” There was no reason to lie, not to Prudence. “We are betrothed.”
Prudence grabbed her hand. “Truly?” At Fiona’s nod, she smiled broadly. Indeed, it was the happiest Fiona had ever seen her. “Then I am sorry for my behavior. Still, it was ill-advised to disappear. Your absence has been noted. You missed a dance with Mr. Arbuckle.”
“Blast. I will find him and apologize. But you must say you knew I was ill.”
“That won’t be difficult since that’s what I told him.” She arched a shoulder. “I had to say something.”
Fiona squeezed Prudence’s hand before letting it go. “Thank you. I don’t know how I would have survived these past weeks without your support. Now, I must find Lord Gregory and tell him I am in love with someone else.”
Prudence winced. “I don’t envy you. I think he’s on the other side.”
“Brilliant, thank you.”
“I’ll come with you.” Prudence linked her arm through Fiona’s. “Not when you actually speak with him, of course.”
They threaded their way to the other side of the ballroom, passing through one of the wide doorways into the men’s side. This was where the food was located along with some seating. Fiona saw him standing near the doors to the garden with another gentleman. She took her arm from Prudence’s. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck.”
Fiona considered what she might say. None of it sounded right. But was there any right way to tell someone you didn’t return their feelings? Actually, she didn’t even know his feelings. Perhaps he would be relieved. Yes, she’d hope for that to be the case.
Lord Gregory saw her when she was still several feet away. He excused himself from the other gentleman and met her. “Miss Wingate, I trust you’re having a pleasant evening.”
“I am, actually. Might we take a stroll in the garden?” It wasn’t particularly warm out, but she wanted at least a modicum of privacy and the ballroom was quite stuffy, which only added to her discomfort.
“That would be delightful.” He offered her his arm and escorted her outside.
The garden on this side was similar to the other half, except the reflecting pool was rectangular and had a large statue of Aphrodite in the center. She rose from the water as in the myth, a shell behind her feet.
“Our waltz should be soon,” Lord Gregory said as they began a circuit of the reflecting pool. The lantern light danced across the water.
Fiona saw no reason to prolong the inevitable. “You may not want to dance with me after I tell you something.”
“Well, that sounds ominous.” He stopped, turning toward her. They stood on the other side of the pool from the club.
She looked up into his warm brown eyes and felt a pang of guilt. But why should she feel guilty? She genuinely liked him, and if Tobias hadn’t fallen in love with her or she with him, Lord Gregory would be a wonderfully acceptable husband.
Acceptable did not inspire emotion. So yes, she would feel guilty.
“You are a lovely gentleman, and I’ve enjoyed our time together very much. However, I find that my heart is engaged elsewhere.”
He blinked. “I rather thought we suited.” It wasn’t a declaration of love, and she now realized she wouldn’t have been able to settle for anything less than that.
“We would have, most likely. However, I am in love with someone who makes me feel as though the world is at my feet. I want for you to make someone feel that way too.”
“But it isn’t you.” A sad smile flitted across his lips. “I admit I’m disappointed, but I must also confess that I am not in love with you either. Though I expect it was only a matter of time until that happened,” he added softly.
Fiona felt terrible. “You’re incredibly kind.”
“This other gentleman loves you in return?”
“Yes. You deserve the same.”
They continued walking around the pool. As they neared the house, a footman rushed to greet them. “My lord, a message was delivered for you requesting that you return to your father’s house at once.”
Fiona felt Lord Gregory tense and withdrew her hand from his arm. “Is everything all right?” The question was for the footman, but she looked at Lord Gregory.
“Did the missive say anything else?” Lord Gregory’s brow creased. He was clearly surprised and concerned by the summons.
“I’m afraid not.” The footman bowed, then retreated to the house.
Lord Gregory turned to her. “Forgive me, I must go. Not that we were still going to waltz.” His mouth curled into a half smile.
She touched his sleeve. “I would have been honored to waltz with you. I will pray that everything is well at your father’s house.”
“Thank you. Good night, Miss Wingate.” He turned and went into the ballroom.
Fiona started forward as Mrs. Renshaw came out to intercept her. “Good evening, Miss Wingate. I see the footman found Lord Gregory. I received the message for him. I do hope there is nothing too troublesome.”
“He seemed unaware of whatever prompted the request. I shall be thinking of him and his family.” She
