The Viscount's Veiled Lady (Whitby Weddings 3)

‘I could ask him to leave.’

‘No, she wouldn’t want a scene, but I’d better warn her. Where did she and Violet go?’

‘To the rose garden, I think.’

‘Good. Keep an eye on Fairfax for me. Don’t let him go that way.’

Lance nodded purposefully. ‘You can count on it, big Brother.’

* * *

Frances took a few deep breaths as Violet led her along a pathway lined on each side by sweet-smelling rose bushes, as if breathing deeply would somehow stop her from feeling so self-conscious. Personally she thought that she’d met more than enough people for one day and she felt more nervous than ever after Arthur’s kiss, as if everyone would take one look at her and guess what she’d been doing, though surely they couldn’t...

‘Ianthe?’

Violet called out to a woman in a turquoise gown and plain bonnet, walking arm in arm with another lady who resembled nothing so much as a wedding cake. She was wearing an old-fashioned crinoline that looked to be about five feet across and was clad entirely in white. Frances blinked at the sight, surprised enough to forget her own anxieties for a few moments. She’d never seen anyone wear quite so much lace in one outfit and in broad daylight to boot. It was actually hard to spot the small face beneath the lace-bedecked parasol and flowery headdress, though when she did, she saw that it belonged to an elderly lady who, if she wasn’t mistaken, derived great enjoyment from the spectacle she presented.

‘Mrs Ianthe Felstone, Miss Sophoria Gibbs,’ Violet introduced them. ‘This is my new friend, Miss Frances Webster.’

‘Miss Webster.’ The younger lady had doe-like eyes that sparkled when she smiled. ‘How do you do? This is my aunt Sophoria and...’ she gestured behind them towards a strikingly handsome, dark-haired man who was bouncing a small child in his arms a few feet away ‘...my husband, Mr Robert Felstone, and our son, Edward.’

‘My Mama and Papa.’ Harriet had decided to accompany them.

‘Also known as Ianthe and Robert.’ The lady laughed. ‘My brother Percy and Robert’s brother Matthew are both around, too, though goodness knows where. In any case, I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Webster. Violet’s told us so much about you.’

‘I’m pleased to meet you, too.’ Frances smiled, wondering what exactly Violet had thought to tell them besides the obvious fact of her scar, though neither woman was staring.

‘Are you enjoying the garden party?’ Ianthe asked her.

‘Yes, very much.’

‘I’m sure it will be pronounced a great success.’ The older woman spoke this time. ‘I never thought a garden could hold so many people.’

‘But it’s not too busy, I hope...’ Violet threw a worried look in her direction. ‘Only one invitation always leads to another.’

‘I’m having a lovely time.’ Frances smiled reassuringly, feeling a sudden urge to prove it as the band struck up a tune. ‘In fact, I’d like to dance.’

‘You would?’ Violet beamed. ‘Then we’ll have to find you a partner.’

‘You’ll do no such thing.’ Arthur’s voice behind her sent a hot quivering sensation racing through her body, as if she’d just touched something scorching. ‘Miss Webster’s already spoken for.’

He made a small bow and she curtsied back, smiling a goodbye to the others, all of whom looked to be experiencing varying degrees of surprise. Only the older lady looked unperturbed, giving her a knowing wink before she turned away.

‘I don’t recall us talking about dancing earlier.’ Frances looked up at him enquiringly as they made their way back to the lawn.

‘I believe it was implied under the terms of our agreement. We’re here to support each other, aren’t we?’

‘So we are. In that case, I’m honoured.’

‘There’s just something I need to tell you first.’

‘You can’t dance?’

He gave a snort before his gaze darkened. ‘I may be out of practice, but it’s not that. It’s about one of the guests.’

‘Yes?’

‘I’m afraid Violet didn’t know about your engagement to Leo Fairfax.’