Page 1 of Fortune Favors the Frivolous
Chapter One
“Me? Frivolous?” MissCaroline Weston’s obvious objection to the term rang across Devonshire House’s grand ballroom, which she immediately followed up with a peal of laughter that made several nearby dowagers turn with narrowed eyes.
Eugenia, Lady Townsend, winced as she watched the spectacle from her position beside a marble column.
“Yet another example of that chit’s gross lack of decorum,” Eugenia’s friend, Lady Pendleton muttered from her seat opposite her, her crimson turban bobbing with disapproval. “That gel will never find a husband if she continues to behave like a hoyden.”
“She will not,” Eugenia agreed, albeit with grudging admiration as she watched Miss Weston cross the ballroom, golden ringlets escaping her elegant coiffure, blue eyes sparkling with mischief. Behind her trailed her friend Miss Venetia Playford, and it was this contrast that caught Eugenia’s attention. While Caroline was all bright energy, the equally striking, golden-haired Miss Playford moved with the careful restraint of someone perpetually under scrutiny.
“Miss Playford seems subdued this evening,” Eugenia observed. “Not at all like the spirited girl from your Ghostly Gathering two years ago.”
“She, at least, has learned how to behave,” Lady Pendleton replied crisply. “Unlike her bosom friend.” Her pointed lookreturned to Caroline, who was now attempting to engage a marble statue in conversation, to the horror of nearby matrons. “I hope her mama—Oh!”
Eugenia turned her gaze to that which had caused Lady Pendleton’s now interested look, and then she, too, drew in her breath. Despite herself, her gloved fingers pressed to her throat where her pulse had begun to race.
“My, my, the adventurer returns. I did not know Lord Thornton was back in town.” Lady Pendleton’s remark was almost drowned out by the ripple of whispers that swept through the crowd.
For, indeed, Lord Thornton cut an impressive figure in evening black, framed in the entrance of the double doors that had just been opened to announce him.
“At last, the evening becomes interesting. I haven’t seen Thornton since that hot-air balloon escapade of yours,” Lady Pendleton went on, adding with evident satisfaction, “Ah, he is coming this way.”
Eugenia, for her part, was tongue-tied and hoped her fiery blushes did not give her away as Thornton approached with that devastating smile Eugenia remembered from her debutante days. In all the decades since, it had never failed to make her heart race.
Now he stood before them, bowing gracefully, a little grayer at the temples but just as handsome. “My dear Eugenia. Lady Pendleton. You both look radiant.”
“Flatterer,” Lady Pendleton replied, though she preened. “So good to see you back in England. Sit and tell us of your adventures. We heard tales of elephants and exotic princesses.”
“All greatly exaggerated, I assure you.” His eyes twinkled as he accepted the seat Eugenia indicated. “Though I confess, after two years of diplomatic tedium, even London’s drawing rooms seem thrilling.”
Eugenia was about to respond when another burst of laughter drew their attention. Miss Weston had somehow procured a serving tray and was curtsying elaborately before a group of gentlemen, offering them imaginary delicacies with such theatrical flair that even the stiffest among them were smiling.
“That child will be the death of her poor mother,” Lady Pendleton declared.
Lord Thornton raised his eyebrows. “I remember her as a spirited lass when she first drew our attention at your Ghostly Gathering, Lady Pendleton.”
“However, her particular friend seems much altered.” Eugenia nodded toward Miss Venetia Playford, who stood apart, accepting refreshments with downcast eyes while her aunt, Mrs. Pike, hovered nearby. As usual, the older woman radiated disapproval.
Lady Pendleton sniffed. “I was remarking earlier at how pleasing it is to see that Miss Playford, at least, has learned how to deport herself with proper ladylike grace. Mrs. Pike has been most successful in teaching her niece grace and refinement.”
Eugenia studied the pair more closely. Was it good manners that accounted for Miss Playford’s apparent grace and refinement?
Or was it fear?
She frowned. Mrs. Pike’s watchfulness seemed less protective than predatory.
“Indeed, the girl appears greatly diminished from my memories of her from two years ago,” Thornton observed.
“Nonsense.” Lady Pendleton waved a dismissive hand. “She’s simply learned to conduct herself as befits her station. One cannot be a penniless ward and expect to carry on like—” She gestured toward Caroline.
“Penniless?” Thornton’s brow furrowed. “I thought the Playfords were well-situated.”
“Not anymore,” Lady Pendleton replied, with the satisfaction of one privy to insider knowledge. “The father gambled away the family fortune before his death. Poor Mrs. Pike has made great personal sacrifices to provide for her niece these past twelve years.”
Eugenia watched Mrs. Pike’s thin smile as she steered Venetia away from a group of laughing young people toward a corner where Lord Windermere waited. Something cold settled in her stomach.
“How fortunate then,” she said carefully, “that Lord Windermere appears interested in Miss Playford’s welfare.”
“Indeed!” Lady Pendleton brightened. “Wouldn’t that be a most advantageous match for a girl in her circumstances? Mrs. Pike is beside herself with joy that he has taken such a particular interest in her niece.”
