Page 262 of From Rakes to Riches

Lord Gregory turned to her. “Forgive me, I must go. Not that we were still going to waltz.” His mouth curled into a half smile.

She touched his sleeve. “I would have been honored to waltz with you. I will pray that everything is well at your father’s house.”

“Thank you. Good night, Miss Wingate.” He turned and went into the ballroom.

Fiona started forward as Mrs. Renshaw came out to intercept her. “Good evening, Miss Wingate. I see the footman found Lord Gregory. I received the message for him. I do hope there is nothing too troublesome.”

“He seemed unaware of whatever prompted the request. I shall be thinking of him and his family.” She dearly hoped it wasn’t bad news, particularly after she’d just disappointed him.

“You look rather concerned,” Mrs. Renshaw observed. “Dare I assume the two of you share an attachment?”

Fiona blinked and shook her head. “Ah, no. As it happens, I had just told him that my affections are toward another gentleman.”

“Oh!” Mrs. Renshaw put her hand to her mouth briefly. “You mustn’t feel guilty. You had no idea he would receive that note.”

“While that is true, I still regret the sequence of events.” If she’d just taken a few minutes longer to find him… But then she may not have had the chance to tell him face to face that she was no longer interested in pursuing a courtship, and he’d deserved that consideration. “It had to be done, however, for I am in love with someone else and we’re to be married.” She bit her lip. “Perhaps I should not have said that. We have not discussed when we will make this announcement.”

“Is it who I hope it is?”

Fiona blushed. “If you’re referring to the man I kissed in the garden last week, then yes.”

Mrs. Renshaw’s eyes sparkled with glee. “Splendid!”

“Perhaps you can offer some advice. I’m worried Society won’t be kind since he is my guardian.”

“Society is seldom kind.” Mrs. Renshaw sent a sharp glance toward the ballroom. “You are right to be concerned. However, happiness trumps everything else. You’re fortunate to be marrying an earl. People will overlook a great many transgressions for such a lofty rank.”

“That hardly seems fair.”

Mrs. Renshaw gave her a wry look. “When is anything fair?”

Fiona started back toward the ballroom. “I do hope you’ll keep my news a secret for now. We have not discussed anything. I only just accepted his proposal this evening.”

Mrs. Renshaw fell into step beside her. “Of course. I am not like most of Society. I know how to keep confidences, and I value friendship.”

“Thank you.” Fiona smiled at her askance, glad to have another friend.

They stepped into the ballroom, and Prudence immediately came toward them. Fiona introduced the two women, and Mrs. Renshaw took her leave.

“I saw Lord Gregory come back to the ballroom and then he left immediately. He appeared quite distressed. Was he devastated by your news?” Prudence’s eyes were lined with worry.

“He was disappointed, but that’s not why he left. He received a summons to return home at once without any explanation.”

“I do hope it’s nothing serious.”

“As do I.” Fiona saw Cassandra striding toward them from the ladies’ side of the ballroom.

“There you are at last!” Cassandra said as she arrived at Fiona’s side. “Where did you go after dancing with Overton?”

“We strolled in the garden, and I accepted his proposal of marriage.”

Cassandra’s eyes rounded, and her jaw dropped. She let out a sound of joy that provoked a few people near them to turn their heads in curiosity.

Fiona turned toward the corner and motioned for Cassandra and Prudence to follow. She looked to Cassandra. “We haven’t announced anything yet.”

“Certainly. I didn’t mean to react so…exuberantly. I’m just so shocked! What happened?”

“I realized, rather belatedly, that I have fallen in love with him, and thankfully he has with me as well.”

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