Page 53 of Fortune Favors the Frivolous
Eugenia shrugged. “What does it matter, so long as everyone believes there is?” Eugenia waved a dismissive hand while Thornton said, lowering his voice, “So you have not given up on your rather outlandish plan to force young Miss Venetia and Henry into close proximity high above the earth?”
Eugenia nodded. “I am tired of Lady Pendleton… sucking the air from any proposal which fuels my enthusiasm.”
Lord Thornton’s understanding smile was the sweetest thing she’d seen all night.
“So, I’m pressing ahead. Our evening together in the basket of a hot-air balloon, gazing over the great city of London, was the most miraculous and awe-inspiring spectacle of my life, Thornton.” She drew back her shoulders. “And I want to do it again. I also want to provide it as an opportunity for young Henry and Venetia to be alone, together, in the majesty of nature, so they can know what is truly in their hearts. I want to provide them with a chance to reaffirm their attachment without Mrs. Pike or Windermere hovering nearby.”
“And how do you propose to ensure that they—and only they—are the ones who ascend in this balloon? They will need a chaperone, and no doubt that will be Mrs. Pike.”
“I shall manage the details,” Eugenia replied with a dismissive wave, though she had not quite gone so far as to work out what these would be. “The important thing is to counter Windermere’s growing influence. Look at him now, encompassing Mrs. Pike and her poor niece in his orbit like a hunter who’s found his prey.”
It was impossible not to see the very real fear in Miss Playford’s expression.
“It’s quite clear where her preferences lie,” Eugenia remarked bitterly. “As for all these rumors surrounding Henry’s supposed indiscretion with that woman in blue, and the whispers about financial improprieties… Even though I know them to be untrue, it takes time to wash away the mud and, in the meantime, Mrs. Pike has all the ammunition she needs to pressure Venetia into breaking the engagement.”
“A balloon ride will not solve these problems.”
“Not solve, perhaps, but certainly provide a respite. There’s something about being suspended between heaven and earth that makes one see things more clearly.” Her voice softened with remembrance. “As we discovered ourselves, not so long ago.”
Thornton’s expression grew thoughtful. “That was indeed a memorable experience.”
“One that changed your plans considerably,” Eugenia added. “One moment you were talking of graceful retirement to the country, the next you were in diplomatic service.”
“Speaking of which,” Thornton said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, “despite my earlier claims that my roving days are behind me, I’ve been offered a new posting in Budapest. The stipend is modest, but the work would be satisfying.”
“Budapest,” Eugenia echoed, unable to keep the dismay from her voice. “So far away.” She hesitated, blinking back tears before saying with an attempt at levity, “Then if I win my wager,I can stow away in disguise as your secretary, like I warned I would.”
Thornton laughed softly. They both knew there was no real seriousness in the proposal.
“The odd thing is that I find myself strangely reluctant to accept.” Thornton studied her face. “I wonder if you might understand why.”
For a long time, there was silence as the noise of chatter and music swirled around them.
Eugenia looked down while she struggled for a response. What was Thornton not saying? He surely couldn’t mean what she thought for one painful, hopeful moment, he did.
That he would miss her?
The music came to a dramatic finale and then faded away.
Finally, Eugenia opened her mouth, finding at last the courage to speak. This was her moment.
But she was too late.
With a light shrug, as if Thornton had waited long enough and found his answer in her silence, he went on, “I rather think you are a little too fond of a challenge. Well, here’s one for you, who have never known a day’s worry over finances.”
“I beg your pardon?” Eugenia blinked at the sudden change of subject.
“A modest diplomatic stipend would seem like poverty to someone accustomed to your level of comfort.”
“What an absurd remark.” Eugenia felt her cheeks warm with sudden hope. Was he suggesting she accompany him after all? “I am not some pampered princess incapable of living simply,” she said with what she hoped was the right combination of mild indignation and arch suggestiveness.
“Aren’t you?” His voice held a note of curiosity and teasing. “I wager you could not live six months on a modest income.”
“And I wager that you, sir, could not survive six months without your clubs and comforts,” she retorted.
“Then perhaps we should both find out,” he suggested, his expression unreadable. “Six months of simple living, away from London society.”
“In Budapest?” she asked, obviously getting too far ahead of herself, for he replied with devastating calm, “I had not initially thought of it but—”
