Page 15 of The Spring Promise
“Not at all,” Molly said firmly, though she was definitelynotgoing to discuss what was said. “It is just a little close in here. I might get some fresh air.”
“I will accompany you,” Will said quickly.
Celeste pouted. “I thought we were going to dance.”
Will looked torn. Molly gave an inner sigh. If Will still harboured feelings for Celeste, it would be unfair to take him away from the dance. And if Will accompanied her, he would want to know what Mark said, and that would become awkward.
She forced a smile and said, “I will manage. The two of you go and enjoy your dance.”
She made her way through the crush toward the doors that led to the Norris’s garden before Will could protest.
She was soon enjoying the heady scent of perfumed flowers, and the coloured light of lanterns strung among the trees. It was very pretty, and she wondered if she could manage something similar at Lacey Farm. Probably not. Their garden was too small and the farm animals were always getting into it. She imagined their milking cow with lanterns tangled about its horns and giggled to herself.
“Molly?”
Molly gasped, and her hand rose to her chest. Abby was seated in a rotunda, the structure barely visible among some lilacs. “What are you doing out here?” Molly asked, moving to join her. “Are you well?”
Abby took a deep breath. “I am. I’m just not particularly comfortable in there.” She grimaced. “You know I am not a social creature, Molly. I prefer my own company, or at least my own home.”
Abby, the eldest of the Starlings, was much loved by her siblings, who often came to her when there was a problem among them, but she was also uncomfortable in mixed company, especially among those she did not know well. This was exactly the sort of event Abby would prefer to avoid.
“I wouldn’t have come at all if it wasn’t for Breana,” Abby went on. “Someone needs to keep an eye on her.”
“And I see you’re doing an outstanding job of it.”
Abby chuckled. “Yes, well, I reasoned that if she were to get into any serious mischief, she would have done so by now.”
That was true enough. Breana was apt to behave thoughtlessly. What might have been considered charming when she was a child was more concerning in a nineteen-year-old girl. But tonight she had been reasonably well behaved.
“If I’d known you were out here, I would have joined you earlier,” Molly said. “I much prefer your company.”
Abby raised a doubtful eyebrow. “I don’t think I believe you. Before I left the ballroom, I saw both Will and Mr Hunter on the dance floor trying to secure you for the next dance.” Her blue eyes twinkled and Molly gave an uncomfortable laugh.
“It was a little ridiculous. And do you know the worst part? Mr Hunter made me an offer, though I’m still not sure if he meant it or not. Perhaps it was in jest? He says his father would like me and that seems to be all that matters to him. Anyway, I am to think about it and let him know my answer in two days’ time.”
Abby stared in amazement. “Goodness me!”
“I had been enjoying his company, too. Now I will have to avoid him.”
Abby thought a moment. “So he wants to marry you because his father would approve of you?”
“I think his father keeps him on a tight rein. Money-wise I mean. Marrying me would make him believe his son had changed his ways, or something like that.”
Abby gave her a curious look. “So you intend to think about his offer? His family is supposed to be quite wealthy. A catch, if one ignores his reputation.”
Molly was surprised. “Do you think I should?”
“No, of course not. Not if it’s just to satisfy his father. Though, I must admit, some days I am not sure if I would say no if a handsome man offered to whisk me away, regardless of his motives.”
Molly wasn’t sure what to say to that. Abby was not her usual self tonight. She knew Will’s sister did more than her fair share when it came to managing the Hall—she was so capable her mother left a great deal to her discretion. But Molly had not thought of Abby as unhappy with her life. Most of the time she seemed content. Had she missed something?
Before she could broach the subject, Abby said, “Never mind me. I am feeling a little low. No, I do not think you should agree to Mr Hunter’s offer.”
“I won’t,” Molly spoke decisively. “I don’t want to live in London, anyway. I couldn’t imagine leaving Barton Lacey. Besides, I love…” She stopped herself.
“You love Will,” Abby said quietly. Then, impatiently, “What a fool my brother is!”
Molly shrugged. “I don’t suppose he can help it. Miss Morton is very pretty, and Will isn’t the only one dangling after her.”
