Page 42 of An Unbending Lady for the Desperate Earl
Miss Longacre had orchestrated the transformation that afternoon, offering Victoria the full usage of her skilled lady’s maid to fashion her hair and polish the raw materials of her exquisite face, before giving Victoria the choice of any gown she desired. This ravishing socialite, who appeared to be charming her way through the London elite, had been the result.
“She is glorious, is she not?” Miss Longacre whispered, from her position beside Christian.
“Truly,” he replied.
“It is curious, is it not, that all of these gentlemen should be so in awe of her now, when they would likely spurn her if they knew her without the grandeur?” Miss Longacre cast him a sideways glance. “Aside from you, that is. In fact, I imagine you prefer her in her natural state, rather than this glittering butterfly?”
Christian hesitated. “I admire her in any state, Miss Longacre.”
“I thought as much.” She smiled knowingly, piquing Christian’s curiosity. “Tell me, do you love her?”
Christian’s stomach plummeted. “Pardon?”
“McCarthy. Do you love her?” Miss Longacre repeated.
“I do not think this is a proper topic of conversation, Miss Longacre.” His throat tightened. Could she see how much he cared for Victoria? Was it written all over his face? He supposed he had been distracted by her throughout the performance, his mind flitting back to the memory of their dance yesterday, when he had finally held her in his arms as he had wanted to do.
Miss Longacre chuckled softly. “Your secret is safe with me, My Lord. All of your secrets, in fact,” she paused. “Although, I should tell you, if you do love her, then you must hold onto her. You may believe you owe a debt to Lady Helena, but no one should be made to marry someone they do not love.”
He frowned. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because Helena and I have been friends for many a year, as you know, and she would not want you to be unhappy. Any more than she wants to be unhappy,” Miss Longacre replied quietly.
“Unhappy?” Christian’s peered at the young woman. “Did Helena speak to you of me before her disappearance?”
“I have already said too much, My Lord.” She bowed her head. “I only hope that it may help, one day. Now, if you will excuse me, I must extricate our mutual friend before she is thoroughly swamped by gentlemen.”
She strode away before Christian could say anything. He stared after her, his mind reeling.
Was Helena as uncomfortable with the prospect of us marrying as I was? Is that what Miss Longacre means?He did not know, and he did not suppose he would get any answers this night.
Heaving a sigh of frustration and bemusement, he set off after Miss Longacre, to save Victoria from the throng of predatorial gentleman who had surrounded her.
“Cousin, I see you are having a splendid time?” he announced, pushing past some rather boisterous fellows in order to reach her side. He put a careful hand on the small of her back, unseen by anyone watching, to let her know that he was there for her.
“It has been an absolute age since I visited the theater, Cousin,” she replied. “Well, since I visited a theater where they spoke English! I never thought my mother tongue could sound so entirely wonderful. Honestly, once you have heard badly-done Shakespeare in French, it is enough to put one off the theater for life. I am only pleased to have been able to reignite my passion for it, this evening, and in such charming company.” She fluttered her eyelashes as the crowd of gentleman bellowed their laughter in her direction.
“Where have you been keeping this one, Galbury?” One of the gentlemen nudged Christian in the ribs.
“I have not been keeping her anywhere,” he retorted sharply. “She has been with family on the continent, and you would do well to show her due respect. She has suffered gravely this past year and does not need your dire show of flirtation to add to it.”
The fellow chortled. “If only your cousin could share in your fine spirits, Lady Laura!”
“I think we ought to be on our way.” Christian pressed his hand closer to the small of Victoria’s back, and she gave a subtle nod.
“Apologies, gentlemen. My cousin does so hate to disturb his evening regime, and he shall be so very grizzly in the morning if he retires even so much as an hour late.” Victoria gestured to him with a smile. “What a delight it has been, but I must say adieu for now.”
A groan of discontent rippled through the collective crowd, as Victoria stepped out of the throng and followed Christian’s guiding hand from the theater. Miss Longacre remained with her chaperone, as she had been instructed, as they didn’t want anyone suspecting that the young Viscount’s daughter had any part in their scheme.
“Do you have to make me quite the laughingstock of London?” Christian chided playfully, as the cold night air caressed them. His carriage waited to take them home, and they hurried inside, out of the brisk chill.
She chuckled. “I couldn’t resist, Christian. And, as I mentioned yesterday, we do not want to arouse any unwanted suspicion. If I tease you outwardly, as cousins might, then the ruse is all the more believable.”
He sighed and sank back against the squabs. “You are enjoying this.”
“I must take some joy where I may, especially in such troublesome circumstances. I told you that before—even in the darkest, most perilous of times, one must always find a way to bring in some humor.” She leaned against his arm, and he didn’t move, happy to be the solid force that held her up.
“Did you notice anyone strange looking at you tonight?” Christian glanced down at her, whilst she stared ahead.
