“You look rather concerned,” Mrs. Renshaw observed. “Dare I assume the two of you share an attachment?”
Fiona blinked and shook her head. “Ah, no. As it happens, I had just told him that my affections are toward another gentleman.”
“Oh!” Mrs. Renshaw put her hand to her mouth briefly. “You mustn’t feel guilty. You had no idea he would receive that note.”
“While that is true, I still regret the sequence of events.” If she’d just taken a few minutes longer to find him… But then she may not have had the chance to tell him face to face that she was no longer interested in pursuing a courtship, and he’d deserved that consideration. “It had to be done, however, for I am in love with someone else and we’re to be married.” She bit her lip. “Perhaps I should not have said that. We have not discussed when we will make this announcement.”
“Is it who I hope it is?”
Fiona blushed. “If you’re referring to the man I kissed in the garden last week, then yes.”
Mrs. Renshaw’s eyes sparkled with glee. “Splendid!”
“Perhaps you can offer some advice. I’m worried Society won’t be kind since he is my guardian.”
“Society is seldom kind.” Mrs. Renshaw sent a sharp glance toward the ballroom. “You are right to be concerned. However, happiness trumps everything else. You’re fortunate to be marrying an earl. People will overlook a great many transgressions for such a lofty rank.”
“That hardly seems fair.”
Mrs. Renshaw gave her a wry look. “When is anything fair?”
Fiona started back toward the ballroom. “I do hope you’ll keep my news a secret for now. We have not discussed anything. I only just accepted his proposal this evening.”
Mrs. Renshaw fell into step beside her. “Of course. I am not like most of Society. I know how to keep confidences, and I value friendship.”
“Thank you.” Fiona smiled at her askance, glad to have another friend.
They stepped into the ballroom, and Prudence immediately came toward them. Fiona introduced the two women, and Mrs. Renshaw took her leave.
“I saw Lord Gregory come back to the ballroom and then he left immediately. He appeared quite distressed. Was he devastated by your news?” Prudence’s eyes were lined with worry.
“He was disappointed, but that’s not why he left. He received a summons to return home at once without any explanation.”
“I do hope it’s nothing serious.”
“As do I.” Fiona saw Cassandra striding toward them from the ladies’ side of the ballroom.
“There you are at last!” Cassandra said as she arrived at Fiona’s side. “Where did you go after dancing with Overton?”
“We strolled in the garden, and I accepted his proposal of marriage.”
Cassandra’s eyes rounded, and her jaw dropped. She let out a sound of joy that provoked a few people near them to turn their heads in curiosity.
Fiona turned toward the corner and motioned for Cassandra and Prudence to follow. She looked to Cassandra. “We haven’t announced anything yet.”
“Certainly. I didn’t mean to react so…exuberantly. I’m just so shocked! What happened?”
“I realized, rather belatedly, that I have fallen in love with him, and thankfully he has with me as well.”
“How wonderfully convenient and orderly.” Cassandra grinned. Then her eyes narrowed. “You were gone an awfully long time. I danced two sets.”
“Prudence was quick enough to tell anyone who inquired that I wasn’t feeling well. And I made sure I was seen in the retiring room. Have I completely ruined my reputation?”
“That depends on if you were seen in the garden with Overton and whether anyone put that together with your subsequent absence for an hour or however long you were gone. If you announce your betrothal quickly, perhaps tomorrow, all should be well.”
Fiona relaxed, her body loosening from a tension she hadn’t realized she’d been carrying since returning to the ball. Probably because she’d also been too giddy to notice. “That is exceptionally good to hear.”
Seeing Cassandra reminded Fiona that her brother had been upstairs. With a courtesan. She pondered whether she ought to tell Cassandra. On the one hand, he was her brother, and on the other, his…private affairs were just that—private. Even if he was married and shouldn’t have been dallying with a courtesan. Fiona decided it wasn’t her place to involve herself.
Glancing toward the wide doorway from the staircase hall, she wondered when Tobias would come downstairs and how they would need to act toward each other. It would be very difficult when all she wanted to do was to proclaim to the world that he was hers and she was his.
As if conjured from her thoughts, Tobias came toward them. He wore an absurdly bright smile that reflected Fiona’s joy.
He was not alone. Lord Lucien was at his side, and if Tobias looked utterly delighted, Lord Lucien was the personification of irritated. His brow was deeply furrowed and his jaw clenched.
“Where is he?” Lord Lucien demanded of his sister without preamble.
“Who?” Cassandra appeared perplexed.
“Don’t be clever. Wexford. Why were you dancing with him?”
Lord Lucien was angry because his sister was dancing with someone? Who was Wexford? Fiona looked to Tobias, who barely shook his head, his eyes silently communicating that he’d explain later.
“As if it’s any of your concern, I was avoiding an overzealous gentleman.” Cassandra’s eyes glittered with an ire that seemed to match her brother’s. “Actually, perhaps it is your concern, since this is your club. Mr. Upton had clearly over-imbibed and was not accepting my refusal to promenade in the garden.”
“Sounds as though Wexford performed a great service,” Tobias said genially.
“Wexford should have taken Upton into the garden for a beating.” Lord Lucien’s mouth twisted. “I’ll speak with him later. And with Upton.” He exhaled. “I’m relieved to discover the dance was nothing more than that.”
“And if it had been, it still wouldn’t have been your business. I don’t know why you and Con and Father seem to think you can manage every part of my life. I won’t tolerate it.” Cassandra glanced toward Fiona. “I’m for
