Edward still had two cards staring at him accusingly when he sat at his desk the next morning. He wanted to throw them both into the fire, as he had Lady Gwendolyn Hockley’s, since it was apparent she had another suitor on her mind, but he’d sworn to his father that he would see this bridal quest through until the end. However, in his mind, the selection was already secure. Sabrina Everhart wasn’t only appealing on the outside; she had a quick wit and a lively personality. With her by his side throughout life, he had no doubt their marriage would never be stale.
Even so, he’d learned from his father’s mistakes and had no intention of straying outside his marriage bed. He’d witnessed the pain and regret that could cause firsthand.
But before he made his intentions known, he had to make a point to entertain the last two ladies on his list, starting with Lady Eunice Gladstone.
Tonight would be the perfect opportunity to escort her to the theater, for his father had made a point to note that she liked the opera. Thus, after a missive was sent round to her parents’ townhouse, he received a reply a short time later acknowledging her acceptance.
However, before he continued on that worthless journey, he intended to take Miss Everhart out riding that afternoon.
As suspected, the morning clock ticked by endlessly, but as the hour approached, he ordered his phaeton brought around with a decided spring in his step. He kept replaying that kiss from the day before in his head and hoped that there might be a repeat of it. With a smile on his face, he stopped in front of the Warably townhouse and jumped down. He hummed a light tune as he went up the steps and knocked on the door. A few moments later, the butler answered.
“Lord Rundell to see Miss Everhart.”
The servant’s expression remained stoic. “I apologize, my lord, but Miss Everhart is indisposed this afternoon. She wanted me to pass along her regrets.”
His eagerness was effectively deflated. “I see. Very well, then. Good day.”
Edward’s steps were considerably heavier as he returned to his carriage. As he climbed into the phaeton, he glanced up at the second story window where he imagined her rooms to be, and saw a curtain move back into place. He frowned, for something didn’t seem quite right. Miss Everhart had been amenable to going out for a drive with him yesterday, so what had changed?
Unless…
His jaw clenched as he imagined the issue was Lady Warably forbidding her companion to go. In that case, he might just have to reorganize his courtship.
With a plan in motion, he flicked the reins and rolled away.
***
Sabrina sighed as the viscount left. She’d wanted nothing more than to join him, as it was another rare and sunny winter’s day. It was almost ironic that he should glance at her window at the same time she was willing him to look up and notice her. Of course, she quickly dropped the curtain, for the countess had instructed her to remain “ill” until Lord Rundell was gone.
She walked over to her bed and sank down. After all this time, a man had actually shown some interest in her — a handsome, fascinating man, at that — but as with her father, she was under the strict supervision of her employer and had little choice but to obey her wishes if she wished to keep her position. A woman without connections, money, or prospects had little to recommend her other than her good name, which wouldn’t go far when it came to survival. It could easily be dragged through the mud.
She’d been foolish to imagine that her life could be any different from the road of a dusty spinster. She ought to give up those dreams of a husband and children, for some women just weren’t meant to be a wife and mother.
Resigned to her fate, she got ready for the opera that evening. Lady Warably must have felt a small bit of guilt for the small white lie they’d told Lord Rundell, for she surprised Sabrina with a new gown. While it was still rather plain, it was the latest fashion. Ivory satin with an empire waist, delicate cap sleeves, and gold trim, it was truly a step up from the brown and gray she was normally forced to wear.
When they arrived at Drury Lane, Sabrina wasn’t surprised to find that most of the activity had subsided somewhat; they generally missed the first act of any performance since Lady Warably didn’t wish to be caught in the “crush.” However, it didn’t matter as she kept a box open for her use at all times.
Sabrina was glad to see that they were going to be watching Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s comedies and perfect for the holiday season. She’d read all of the Bard’s plays, so it didn’t take much for her to figure out what was taking place. In truth, some of her attention started to stray, so she began to scan some of the other boxes around them.
As she passed one in particular, she froze. Lord Rundell was in attendance, but what struck her heart was that he wasn’t alone.
She clenched her fists in her lap and told herself to look away, but she found it impossible to do so, especially considering the girl he was with. She was quite familiar with Lady Eunice Gladstone and it wasn’t a positive experience. It hadn’t taken long to figure out that the heiress wasn’t only spoiled, but she had a rather superior attitude when it came to those she considered beneath her, such as Sabrina.
Without warning, the viscount’s gaze snapped up and locked with hers. She immediately gasped and looked away.
The countess noticed her sudden discomfiture, for she asked sternly, “What’s the matter?”
Sabrina had to think of something quick. “It’s merely… Viola and Sebastian’s plight. I do hope they are reunited.”
Lady Warably’s expression became confused. “I thought you already knew this play.”
“I fear I’ve forgotten some of it over time,” Sabrina hedged, hoping it sounded convincing. It must have, for the lady discontinued the conversation and turned her attention back to the performers on stage.
Sabrina released a slow breath, but her nerves were still strung tight, for she could feel the viscount’s gaze boring into her. She had no doubt that if she were to look his direction again he would be watching her.
At least she wouldn’t have to worry about meeting him during intermission, for she fully intended to remain in her seat. And, after today when he was sent away from the lioness’s den, she didn’t think that he would dare to approach them.
As the curtain was drawn, Lady Warably gave a heavy sigh and withdrew her fan. “Finally. I daresay I’m quite parched. Won’t you be a dear and fetch me a glass of punch?”
Sabrina’s stomach sank, all of her plans effectively tossed out the window. She didn’t want to chance meeting the viscount, but it appeared she had no choice. With any luck their paths wouldn’t cross.
Unfortunately, fortune wasn’t smiling on her side.
As soon as she headed downstairs, she met Lord Rundell on his way up. He was holding a cup of punch in his hand, but when he spied her, he paused. Proper manners made Sabrina do the same. She offered a slight curtsy and a murmured, “My lord,” and then attempted to move on her way.
“If you didn’t wish to go riding with me, why didn’t you just say so?”
She stopped. After closing her eyes to gain her courage, she turned back to face him. Standing a few steps up, he appeared even more intimidating with that even scowl. “It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go. I wasn’t…feeling well.” She cringed at the hesitation, for she never had been good at lying.
They both ignored the other people moving around them, eyes held solely for each other. “Is that really the reason?” he asked.
Sabrina didn’t like being held accountable for something she had no control over, but since she didn’t want to paint Lady Warably in an unfavorable light and compromise her position, she lifted her chin and said, “It’s not as if you had any trouble moving on to your next conquest. I’m sure Lady Eunice has also enjoyed your particular brand of… instruction.”
With that, she proceeded to march past him. But as she came abreast of him, he shot out and grabbed her arm with lightning speed. He bent close to whisper in her ear. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He paused meaningfully. “Sabrina.”