Page 18 of The Marquess's Imperfect Brid
Even with her bad eye, Grace could see Nadine blush. She was plainer in appearance than Millicent was, but she had striking green eyes and pale blond hair that looked almost white in the sunlight. She was pretty enough to have little trouble finding a husband, but her shyness kept her from mingling at social events, apart from with those closest to her.
“Thank you, Grace,” she said bashfully. “I adore your bonnet. It looks very comfortable.”
Grace smiled, patting the kind young lady’s hand.
“Thank you, dear Nadine,” she said.
Millicent took her hand before she could address the rest of the group. Her friend leaned in close, putting her lips to Grace’s ear.
“I wanted to discuss the ball last night with you,” she said as if in an excited hurry to get her words out. “But it seems as though I will not have the chance to do so just yet.”
Grace blinked at her friend, confused.
“Why, darling?” she asked.
Millicent giggled softly in her ear, lifting a finger to point at something, or someone, Grace could not see.
“Because it seems that we have company,” she said.
***
Gareth watched with stilled breath as Lady Grace settled inbeside some other young ladies. He barely took note of them, however, as Lady Grace’s radiance caught him off guard, despite the fact that he had been eagerly awaiting her arrival. Even her large, dark blue bonnet could not hide her beautiful smile, and his heart skipped as a boyish smile crept onto his own face. He slowly rose, his gaze fixed on Lady Grace as he tentatively approached the group.
“Good day,” he said politely, taking his eyes off her only long enough to give a customary bow. “Would it be too forward of me to request to join your little group?”
The women exchanged glances, with the one in the yellow dress blushing and turning her face away, and the one with chestnut hair giggling just behind a bitten lip. She stared pointedly at Lady Grace, who was staring up at him. After a moment, she cleared her throat, moving over so that there was a vacant space to her right.
“We would be delighted if you joined us, Lord Hayewood,” she said, giving her friends a deliberate look.
Gareth grinned, graciously accepting the spot Lady Grace offered him. She made introductions, informing him that the yellow-dress lady was Miss Nadine Watkins, and the other was Miss Millicent Hughes, both daughters of wealthy merchants. Gareth knew their surnames, as he had conducted business with both their fathers and had found them to be quite polite, respectable and honest. With pleasantries out of the way, Gareth beamed at Lady Grace.
“You and your family host the most wonderful events,” he said, looking around. “I do not believe I have seen a lovelier picnic.”
Lady Grace blushed.
“That is very kind of you,” she said. “I shall be sure to inform my mother. She is always delighted to hear that her guests enjoy themselves.”
Miss Hughes waved her hand, shaking her head with an impish smile.
“It could be far lovelier if there was a pianoforte outdoors,” she said, looking at Lady Grace. “Our beloved Grace plays so beautifully, one could easily be convinced that one was amongst the music of angels.”
Lady Grace’s flush deepened, and it took her a moment to speak.
“Do not be so generous with your compliments,” she said, sounding both humble and nervous. “I play well enough to teach music to the orphans. That is all I could ever hope, and as well as I shall ever need to play.”
Gareth smiled warmly at the mention of the charity work. He already knew of it from the previous night. And he supposed he owed Lady Cecilia a bit of gratitude for having mentioned the orphanage, even though it was in the context of a spiteful remark, because it gave him conversation to make with Lady Grace. But even though she had already explained her charity work to him, he was too eager to hear more.
“I believe that anyone who would be considered for the position of a teacher must possess an above average skill,” he said, giving her an encouraging look. “How long have you been playing?”
Lady Grace gave him the same shy smile she had the previous evening.
“I discovered a love for music when I was just a little girl,” she said. “But I have been playing at the orphanage since I was fourteen.”
Gareth was pleasantly surprised. She had not told him exactly how long she had been teaching music to the orphans. It cemented the certainty that she was truly a sweet, soulful and loving woman.
“Your parents must be incredibly proud,” he said, strugglingto keep his breath. “And I must say again how impressed I am with such volunteer work. It takes a genuinely wonderful soul to care enough to work with parent-less children. I cannot commend you enough on that endeavour.”
Lady Grace blushed again, looking at her friend with nervous excitement. Lady Millicent gave her the warmest smile and a nod before turning her eyes onto Gareth.
