Page 194 of From Rakes to Riches

Fiona heard a murmur to her right. She’d been down too long. She had to stand up!

Clenching her jaw, she squeezed her hands into fists and straightened her leg. The movement was too fast however, and the balance she’d fought so hard to maintain completely gave way.

Since she was closer to the floor than not, her body simply collapsed into a heap of ivory and yellow disaster. In that moment, she truly hoped the gown was large—and monstrous—enough to swallow her whole.

Alas, it was not. Nor did it prevent the sounds of people gasping from reaching Fiona’s ears. Almost instantly, Overton’s hands were on her, helping her, or more accurately, pulling her to her feet. He said nothing, but a quick glance toward his face said he was concerned.

Lady Pickering touched her arm. “We beg your pardon, Your Majesty. Miss Wingate was feeling a trifle overheated before she was summoned. Please accept our deepest apologies.”

A heavy silence fell over the throne room as the queen surveyed Fiona. She kept her gaze averted just enough so that she wasn’t looking directlyatthe queen. But the queen was definitely staring straight at her.

“Are you well, Miss Wingate?” the queen asked in faintly German-accented English.

Fiona clutched at Overton’s arm, grateful for his presence. Lady Pickering’s explanation, that Fiona was overheated, was certainly true at the moment. Still, she answered with a pleasant, “I am. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Come forward,” the queen said softly. Since she was only looking at Fiona, who was now returning her gaze, Fiona felt she should approach on her own.

She glanced toward the earl and gave him a determined look before taking her hand from his arm. Moving slowly, she approached the queen. “Your Majesty,” she said, bowingher head and wondering if she should have attempted another curtsey. They hadn’t practiced for this!

“Where are you from, Miss Wingate?”

“Shropshire, Your Majesty.” Fiona was in awe of the queen’s regal beauty. She wore a tall white wig, and her gown was made from a gorgeous blue brocade. Court dress looked absolutely lovely onher.

“And how long have you been an orphan?”

“Two years.”

“Am I correct in estimating that you were not raised to expect a London Season?”

Was she that transparent? “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You are very brave to come here today. You’ve acquitted yourself well. I’m sure your parents would be proud. Do not be disappointed if you return to Shropshire unwed, for this will be the adventure of a lifetime.” Her dark eyes gleamed with warmth and perhaps a tinge of excitement.

Fiona didn’t know what to say. What had started as a nervous occasion and deteriorated into calamity was now culminating in something she could only describe as joyous relief. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I am thrilled to be in London and plan to make the most of my time here.”

“Brilliant. You do just that.” She turned her head and spoke to one of her ladies in a low tone so that Fiona couldn’t hear what was said.

Clear that she’d been dismissed, Fiona did her best to turn as elegantly as she’d seen Miss Nethergate do in the antechamber. She was pleased when her skirt only wobbled slightly. Perhaps she would master this just in time for it all to be over.

The queen’s words echoed in her mind as they made their way to stand on the side of the room so they could become spectators instead of the show.

The adventure of a lifetime.

Yes, this London Season was precisely that, and Fiona wasn’t going to waste a moment worrying about being marriageable. She didn’t mean to run headlong into ruin, but she wasn’t going to be cowed into not enjoying things that other young ladies did, such as making small wagers in a perfectly acceptable gaming room. Of course, to do that, she needed funds. Whydidn’tshe have an allowance?

She looked askance at the earl, who stood to her right. He looked different in his court costume of dark grey velvet, with a silver-embroidered green waistcoat, and an intricately tied cravat with lace.Lace.He should have looked effeminate, but the entirety somehow made his masculinity stand out even more. Rather, more than she’d noticed. Not that she hadn’t noticed he was a man. But today was different. Today, he looked like the men who’d expressed interest in her. Which was preposterous because he hadn’t demonstratedthatat all.

No, but he’d shown care and concern here as he’d helped her up from the floor. As if he could read her thoughts, he looked in her direction, his eyes silently querying if she was all right.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “For saving me.”

“It was my pleasure. I will gladly do it again. I am your ally, Miss Wingate.”

She hoped so, for she far preferred him in that role than as a foe. If she’d learned anything since coming to town, it was that having more people in her life was a good thing.

It was also just a little bit complicated.

Tobias reachedfor one last sheaf of papers to read before going to the Phoenix Club. Glancing at the clock, he wondered if heshould go now. Or not go at all. It was getting late, and it had already been a long day with the queen’s drawing room.

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