Page 27 of The Marquess's Imperfect Brid
Grace’s heart skipped. Such an invitation should be coveted by her, as she thoroughly enjoyed sharing music with anyone, especially those who were so dear to her. She should have been overjoyed, as well, at the extra opportunity to further her charity efforts for the orphanage. Indeed, it should have been a dream come true.
However, the only emotion to surface as she considered Abigail’s request was terrible anxiety. Playing in front of an audience would mean inviting more gossip, staring andjudgment from her peers and the villagers. Such scrutiny was something she actively sought to avoid. Her performance, should she agree to do it, would be exposing herself to all the things that hurt her feelings so terribly. And even Neil likely would not be able to smooth over the emotions after such an ordeal. Nor should he have to do such a thing if she made such a decision.
Juliet put a hand on Grace’s arm, causing Grace to glance over at her. The lady’s maid wore a comforting smile, letting Grace know that she sensed her mistress’s discomfort and unrest. Grace was once again filled with gratitude for the loyal, protective woman. The only other people who had ever been so attentive to her needs were her family, and Grace returned the smile with a small one of her own.
Abigail also looked at Grace with calm reassurance. She was the kindest, most intuitive person Grace had ever met, and she also must have sensed the tension and worry that had risen in Grace.
“Grace, dear, do forgive me if I have caused you any upset,” she said. “Of course, you do not have to perform if you do not wish to. I will still think just as highly of you, your charity work and your incomparable musical talent, even if you should refuse. Your music brings such joy into the hearts of anyone who hears it. However, you are under no obligation to share it with anyone unless you feel perfectly comfortable doing so. Either way, I will still adore you and be grateful for everything you bring to the orphanage.”
Grace nodded, feeling overwhelmed. Abigail’s words were largely familiar, although Grace could not recall a time when the vicar’s wife had piled on so much praise all at once. It was humbling and gratifying to know that her music gave other people some of the same happiness and peace that it brought her to play it. However, she could not dispel the trepidation that theprospect of performing before an audience, the likes of which she could scarcely fathom, instilled in her.
She offered the vicar’s wife a weak smile and exhaled a short, sharp breath.
“May I have a couple of days to think about it?” she asked sheepishly. “It is a tremendous honour that you would even ask me to perform. But it is a big request, and I need to sort through my feelings on the matter.”
Abigail nodded, her eyes as warm and understanding as ever.
“Take all the time you need, my dear,” she said, embracing Grace. “I will be right here awaiting your decision.”
Grace smiled gratefully at the woman. Then, arm in arm, she and Juliet exited the orphanage. Upon returning home, Juliet helped Grace prepare for yet another house party event. However, this one was largely a surprise, to everyone but the marchioness. Thus, once Grace was dressed and prepared, she and Juliet went downstairs to await further instructions from her mother.
***
When Gareth, his parents and the Binghams entered Farenley Manor that afternoon, he was surprised to find many of the house party guests clustered in the foyer. He frowned, wondering if people were lining up to leave, as it was a highly unusual sight. For a moment, he wondered if something might have happened in Lady Grace’s family that might have warranted an immediate evacuation of the estate. Then, a horrible thought struck him that made his heart race. What if that something had to do with Lady Grace?
He did not have long to fret, however. Soon, Lady Farenley appeared, giving the newly arriving guests a warm smile.
“Please, come,” she said, ushering them to join the group ofother guests. “You are just in time. We shall begin shortly.”
Gareth felt relief that all seemed to be well. But his curiosity remained. What could be happening that would require everyone to wait in the entryway of the mansion?
A few moments later, Lady Farenley rang a small bell, gaining the attention of all the guests. Most of them looked as perplexed as Gareth felt, though many of them also looked excited.
“Thank you all for meeting with me here,” she said, gesturing around them with her hands. “I have a special activity planned for today. I have been planning a treasure hunt for all of you, and I am thrilled to see it finally take place. You will all be paired up with a random companion which I have already selected from a list of the guests present now. You will be tasked with following a series of clues and riddles which are scattered all throughout the mansion and the surrounding property. This search will eventually lead to a single grand prize. Whichever pair reaches the prize first will be named the winner.”
Gareth grinned. The idea of a treasure hunt was stimulating to him. It certainly did not fit in with the typical, bland activities that most members of society tended to plan for their parties. But Gareth was also a bit reluctant. He had seen the way many people treated Lady Grace, who was so sweet and kind, even to those who were cruel to her. He could not think of many people, apart from Lady Grace herself, his aunt Caroline and Thomas, with whom he thought he could bear to be paired.
He glanced around, his heart skipping as he caught sight of Lady Grace. She was wearing a simple, dark blue cotton day dress, but elegant in its simplicity. She looked more like duchess than his own mother did with her large silk skirts and brilliant green hue, in his opinion. She was also looking around the foyer and she appeared to be both excited and nervous. He had no doubt that she shared his concern about a partner, and his heartached. She should not be afraid of being paired with someone because of how cruel they might be. He bit his lip, hoping that her mother might have given her a little more consideration when choosing her partner.
To Gareth’s surprise, as the pairs were being announced, Lady Farenley paired him with Lady Grace. He looked at her again, his heart fluttering when he saw that she was looking at him that time, as well. Her cheeks turned pink, and the shy, sweet smile was making its way onto her face. Gareth gave her a small smile, making her face turn brighter red and her smile grow even bigger. It just became certain that this will be one of the best afternoons of my life, he thought, giving her a small wink.
But his happiness was tainted when he saw his mother, the countess and Lady Cecilia glaring at him from the corner of his eye. They had not missed the announcement any more than he had, and they were clearly displeased with the results. He recalled his parents’ lecture about him not taking the opportunity with Lady Cecilia more seriously. But then again, what was he supposed to do about a random pairing with someone other than Lady Cecilia at someone else’s party?
Chapter Sixteen
Gareth was aware of the gazes of both Lady Cecilia’s and his mother’s eyes cutting through him as he made his way to where Lady Grace and her lady’s maid stood. Lady Cecilia herself looked rather unhappy as he bowed to Lady Grace and gave her a warm smile. However, despite how chilly the air felt under their unpleasant scrutiny, Gareth was determined to ignore them. He had been afforded another fortuitous chance to spend time with Lady Grace. And he did not intend to waste a single moment of it.
“Are you ready, my lady?” he asked, offering her his arm as he gave the lady’s maid a warm smile.
Lady Grace met his gaze once more, traces of apprehension vanishing from her expression as a shy smile took its place.
“I certainly am, Lord Hayewood,” she said, taking his arm.
The momentary jolt at the feel of her gloved hand on the inside of his upper arm was breathtaking. But with all his might, he managed to compose himself and give her another smile.
“Then let us see how quickly we can beat the other pairs,” he said.
He shivered again at the sweet sound of Lady Grace’s laugh.
