Page 2 of Fortune Favors the Frivolous
“And Miss Playford?” Eugenia asked. “Is she equally joyful?”
They all looked toward the corner where Windermere was bending over Venetia’s hand with possessive attention. The girl’s face was carefully blank, but Eugenia caught the almost imperceptible way she leaned away from him.
“She’ll learn to be grateful,” Lady Pendleton said firmly. “A girl with no dowry cannot afford to be particular.”
Thornton’s expression had grown thoughtful. “Windermere seems unusually determined in his pursuit. I confess I am surprised at his interest…given what I know of his character.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?” Lady Pendleton enquired.
Thornton shrugged. “With no disrespect intended towards Miss Playford, I would have imagined he’d have set his sights higher.”
Lady Pendleton considered this a moment. “Lord Windermere has one of the finest estates in Gloucestershire. No doubt he is in London because he wants a sweet, obedient chit of a girl to wed. And Miss Playford suits, because money isnota requirement.”
Eugenia felt that cold sensation spread, but before she could probe further, Caroline’s voice rang out again as she swept past their group in pursuit of some new amusement. This time, however, she wasn’t alone—she’d collected Venetia along the way.
“Come, dearest Venetia,” Caroline declared loudly enough for half the room to hear, “you simply must see Lady Harcourt’s new necklace. The emeralds are nearly as large as turtle eggs!”
For the first time that evening, Venetia smiled—a real smile that transformed her pale features. But as they passed Mrs. Pike, the older woman stepped smoothly into their path.
“Venetia, dear.” The honeyed tone was at odds with the look in her eye. “Lord Windermere wishes to escort you to the supper table.”
“Actually,” Venetia said, and Eugenia was pleased to hear a spark of defiance in her voice, “Caroline wishes me to visit her tomorrow so we are going to speak to her mama—”
“Impossible,” Mrs. Pike cut her off with a sharp smile. “You are promised elsewhere tomorrow. Come along now.”
With that, she steered Venetia firmly toward Windermere, who received them with the satisfaction of a hunter claiming his prize.
Eugenia watched Venetia’s shoulders droop in defeat and felt something fierce kindle in her chest. This would not do. Not if she could help it.
“Thornton,” she said suddenly, “what would you say to another wager?”
He turned to her with interest. “Upon what would you wager?”
“Miss Playford’s future.” Eugenia kept her voice light, but her resolve was iron. “I propose that true affection will triumph over mere convenience—regardless of pecuniary desperation.”
Lady Pendleton gasped. “Eugenia! You cannot be serious! The girl is penniless and a charge upon Mrs. Pike’s purse. She has no choice in the matter!”
“Everyone has a choice,” Eugenia replied quietly. “Sometimes they simply need someone to help them see it.”
Thornton smiled. “You want to see Miss Playford escape Windermere’s clutches? You truly believe she does not wish to wed a man with a title or have the opportunity to run a magnificent estate with no financial cares in the world?”
“I believe,” Eugenia said carefully, watching as Venetia cast one longing glance toward Caroline before being steered away, “that young Venetia would wish to assert her right to wed a man who would make herhappy.”
“And you are confident that Miss Playford does not believe Lord Windermere is capable of making her happy?”
“I believe sheknowshe will not make her happy,” replied Eugenia. “And I believe that she has enough strength of will to assert her desire to wed a man of herchoosing… regardless of what scheming aunts and predatory lords might prefer.”
Thornton’s smile was admiring. “And if she doesn’t? If Windermere claims his prize?”
Eugenia’s heart skipped, but she kept her voice steady. “Then the Persephone is yours.”
“Ah.” His eyes gleamed. “The painting you’ve guarded so jealously. And if you’re right?”
“Then you’ll owe me a favor of my choosing.”
From across the room, Caroline’s laughter rang out again—irrepressible, joyful, free. And suddenly Eugenia knew exactly what favor she would ask for, should she win.
“Agreed. We will decide the terms at a later date,” Thornton said, and the warmth in his voice sent shivers down her spine. “In the meantime, let the game begin.”
