Page 26 of A Virgin to Trap the Earl of Thornhill
His hopeful expression wilted as if he himself were a flower denied sunlight. He nodded, bowed, and then, with a last longing glance at the Dowager Countess, retreated.
Eris and Felicity exchanged glances and broke into quiet giggles. As they trailed behind the Dowager Countess into the garden, Felicity confided, “I do feel somewhat sorry for him. He seems quite smitten, doesn’t he?”
Eris nodded, her eyes following the figure of the dejected Sir Percival as he moped away. “He does, indeed, but the Dowager Countess is a strong woman. She knows her own mind.”
As they entered the garden, the scent of blooming flowers, damp earth, and dew-kissed leaves filled their senses. The Dowager Countess, pointing with her parasol, began her tour. She spoke about each plant and flower in detail, explaining how some were used in creating perfumes while others were vital ingredients in homemade salves.
There were clusters of jasmine, their sweet scent lingering in the air, patches of roses in a riot of colors, their fragrance deep and complex, and gardenias, their exotic, creamy perfume a sensory delight. Beds of lavender added a soothing, herbal touch to the mix.
Eris listened, fascinated, as the Dowager Countess revealed the secrets of the garden. The complex art of distilling rose petals into aromatic rose water. The soothing, herbal touch of lavender for sleep-inducing salves. The exotic, creamy scent of gardenias reserved for the most luxurious of perfumes. Each detail a nugget of knowledge, a distraction.
The tour felt more like a tranquil haven than she had expected, the lively chatter and hum of insects providing a melodious backdrop to the Dowager Countess’ informative narration. In the garden’s sanctuary, surrounded by nature’s bounty and the gentle camaraderie of the ladies, she felt a gradual sense of calm replacing the turmoil of her earlier thoughts.
As the day wore on, she found herself increasingly engaged in the experience, her thoughts no longer straying toward William or the previous night’s events. Her heart, which had felt heavy and tumultuous just hours before, now settled into a comfortable rhythm.
In the midst of this idyllic tour, a sharp sting on her ankle brought her reverie crashing down. A gasp escaped her lips as she stumbled, one hand reaching down to cradle the offended spot.
“Oh, no, Eris! That’s a bee sting.” Felicity drew close to her and inspected the site of the sting. A maid quickly ran to fetch her some cool water.
Within minutes, the maid returned, panting slightly, a glass of cold water in her hand. “I have informed the gentlemen, Miss Eris. They were just returning from their ride and should be here shortly.”
Eris could only blink in surprise. She had not expected her minor misfortune to turn into such a commotion.
“There is no need to, it is noth—”
Before she had the chance to protest, several men dashed out to the garden. Their faces were filled with concerned faces. Among them, she spotted William and Cassian, their expressions tight with worry.
“Miss Eris, are you all right?” William asked, his voice betraying his concern.
Cassian was quick to add his own query. “Do we need to send for a physician?”
She blinked at the onslaught of questions, struggling to contain a small smile. “I am quite fine, really. It is just a bee sting, nothing more.”
She could hardly believe the scene unfolding before her. The two distinguished gentlemen, taken aback by a mere bee sting, were a sight she never thought she’d see. Despite the throbbing pain in her ankle, Eris found herself secretly pleased at the unexpected turn of the day.
But the moment was slightly tarnished by the icy glares aimed her way. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Lady Marianne and Miss Beatrix Fairchild standing a little ways off. Their expressions were a mixture of concern and annoyance, their eyes darting between her and the Thornhill brothers.
With a sudden clarity, Eris understood the source of their ire. For the day, at least, she had unwittingly become the center of attention, the focus of the two most eligible gentlemen in the party. The fact that it was because of a bee sting and not any personal charm was lost on them.
She heard the grumblings of the two women as she was helped to her feet by William and Cassian. “Really, such a fuss over a bee sting,” Lady Marianne muttered to her companion, her voice carrying across the room. “You would think she was on her deathbed.”
Miss Fairchild nodded in agreement, and her lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s not like she’s the only lady here.”
“Perhaps she is faking it to get their attention for herself…”
The remarks stung, but Eris held her head high, refusing to let their words affect her. As William and Cassian guided her back into the house, their supportive presence was a comforting balm against the bitterness of the ladies’ words.
ChapterSixteen
The morning after the bee incident dawned bright and clear, the tension of the previous day already dissipating like mist under the warmth of the sun. William stood on the terrace with his gaze fixed on the gardens below where the ladies were currently strolling. He noted Eris among them, her ankle seeming to give her little trouble.
“Lord Thornhill,” Lady Marianne’s voice brought him out of his reverie. She approached him, her eyes glinting with sly amusement. “One might think Miss Eris is developing a knack for creating such interesting scenarios, don’t you think?”
William turned to her, keeping his expression neutral. “I fail to see how a bee sting can be construed as a deliberate act to grab attention, Lady Marianne.”
“True, but it did result in you and your brother rushing to her aid,” she retorted, a smirk on her lips. “You must admit it’s quite the coincidence.”
He met her gaze evenly, the corners of his mouth pulling into a faint smile. “Life is full of coincidences, Lady Marianne.”
