Page 35 of Wickeds Scandal
Alexandra’s hackles rose up. LordReynolds and his sordid proposition filtered through her mind. Theheadache rose to a crescendo at the back of her neck, the tentacles of itcovering her scalp and piercing her temples.
“It is not your concern, Lady Reynolds,whom I wish to befriend, or whom I allow to court me.”
“As you will, Alexandra.” Mirandasmiled grimly. “I meant no insult. But you are an intelligentwoman. Please start acting like one.” She glanced out thewindow. “Oh! We’re here.”
The carriage rolled to a stop in front ofthe Royal Exhibition. Alexandra had never been here, but she’d read aboutit. Her aunt Eloise received some of the London papers and Alexandra readabout the adventurers who had lectured here, the exotic beasts that were keptas part of the zoo, and the amazing exhibits put together by the Royal Academyof Sciences. The Royal Geographical society gave lectures here on aregular basis and sponsored several expeditions to the jungles of Africa, Indiaand the Far East. Alexandra wished she were visiting these hallowed hallsunder better circumstances. The adventure of the day dimmed withMiranda’s condemnation of Alexandra’s association with Mr. Runyon.Alexandra determined she should enjoy herself, no matter thecircumstances. There was a treasure trove of knowledge waiting for herinside these walls. If only she could have some tea for her headache.
The Cambourne footman climbed down fromatop the coach and guided the ladies out. As Miranda and Alexandra madetheir way towards the tall, wooden doors they passed several groups ofgentlemen milling around the front of the building. A young boy ran amongthe men passing out flyers and receiving a coin here and there for histroubles. Miranda gave the boy two coins. She handed a flyer toAlexandra, keeping one for herself.
Miranda looked took Alexandra’s arm.Her face was perfectly composed, the false sense of gaiety evident in hertone. “Come. You will enjoy this greatly, I promise.”
Alexandra followed her in, a sinkingfeeling infusing her entire being. It struck her that this may likely beher only visit to the Royal Exhibition with Miranda. Perhaps Mr. Runyon wouldbring her in the future. The thought of never seeing Miranda saddenedher. The conversation inside the coach left no room for debate. TheMarquess of Cambourne and his family did not tolerate their cousin. That lackof tolerance would extend to Alexandra once she married Mr. Runyon.
The crowd inside the hall was thick wherethey entered. Alexandra saw several other ladies in attendance, but womenwere definitely in the minority. A lecture did not take precedence overshopping on Bond Street it seemed or making calls. Miranda pulled heralong as they moved through a large atrium that comprised the mainfoyer. Four hallways veered off in separate directions and Miranda ledher towards an entrance on the left. The lecture hall. The marblefloor vibrated with the footsteps of dozens of people. Titled gentlemenmixed with scholars and well-heeled businessmen swung their walking sticks andchatted with members of the government. Lord Bishop was well known in Londonand revered for his scientific explorations.
Alexandra paused to push a curl off hercheek. Her neck prickled. Someone was watching her. Scanning thecrowd, her eyes lit on a tall dark form. Lord Reynolds. His armswere clasped across his chest and his face carefully devoid of any emotion. Buthe watched her. His green gaze lingered on her, following her progresswith Miranda.
Nervously, she looked away, pretending shedidn’t notice him, even though her entire body flamed to life at the sight of him.She focused on a fresco adorning the far wall. She suspected Miranda sawher brother, but she made no move to greet him. When Alexandra dared lookagain, Lord Reynolds was gone. Her heart fluttered and she pressed herfree hand to her chest, hoping to ease the sensation.
Miranda drew her into the lecture hall,pointing out a podium situated atop a large wooden stage.
“That is where Lord Bishop will speak,Alexandra.” The lecture hall was of medium size. Rows of chairslined the interior of the room. Watercolor paintings of exotic birds,some so realistic they seemed to leap off the canvas, sat on easels against thewalls. Alexandra looked at the paintings in wonder. She could not wait toexamine each one in detail.
“Aren’t they beautiful?” Mirandalooked at the paintings, mesmerized by the colors and depictions of birds aswell. “Lord Bishop is having engravings made for a book. I’vealready ordered a copy from Thrumbadge’s.”
Alexandra nodded in agreement andpointed to a sign, which read, ‘Zoological Exhibition of Lord Bishop’. “Is thatwhere the animals are?”
“Yes, although I’m not sure what iscontained within. Cam said there were monkeys.”
Alexandra consulted the small pamphletpurchased outside. Lord Bishop’s collection was extensive, according tothe pamphlet, and contained not only monkeys but also birds and tropicalplants. She rubbed her temple. Her headache throbbed dully and thecloseness of the crowd made her a trifle dizzy. She shook her headto clear it.
Miranda lifted an eyebrow in question,then took her arm again, making an effort to match her longer strides toAlexandra’s shorter ones.
“There are my friends, Lady Atkinsand her brother, Lord Atkins.” Miranda waved in the direction of anattractive young girl with glasses and a man about Alexandra’s age. “Ohmy,andLord Tasterly.” Miranda blushed furiously, which onlyserved to make her more attractive.
Alexandra watched in amazement as Mirandatransformed under Lord Tasterly’s regard. Miranda’s dark lashes slid overher green eyes in a coy manner. She gave the young man a shy smile, sounlike her usual confident, grin. Alexandra found her unrecognizable as thechattering bluestocking she adored. Clearly, Lord Tasterly piqued Miranda’sinterest.
“Lord Tasterly,” the name escapedMiranda’s lips in a whisper, “is quite handsome, don’t’ you think Alexandra?”
Alexandra did indeed find Lord Tasterlyattractive. His hair, a dark brown, curled pleasingly around hisears. His gaze, rife with adoration for Miranda, worshipped her fromwhere he stood. He plucked at his neatly trimmed mustache and smiledbroadly at Miranda’s approach.
Lady Atkins, dressed in pale yellow andresembling a studious canary, waved furiously to Miranda, motioning her to comeforward. “Lady Reynolds! I wondered when you would gethere. Lady Atkin’s brown eyes shone behind her glasses. “I hoped I wouldsee you before the lecture started. We can all sit together.” Her eyeswidened as if in secret code to Miranda. No doubt it had to do with LordTasterly.
“Lady Atkins, Lord Atkins, LordTasterly.” Miranda greeted the three with a slight nod of her head.Both men bowed to Miranda and Lady Atkins dipped in a small curtsy.Miranda, as the sister of a Marquess, outranked them all.
Lord Tasterly grasped Miranda’s glovedhand and brushed it with his lips. He was clearly delighted to seeMiranda. “Lady Reynolds! I hoped we would run into each otherhere. How many times have you told me the story of your brother’s monkey?”His hazel gaze ran down her form in appreciation. “You are as pretty as arose.”
Miranda blushed again and gave him a coylook. “A rose? Such a common flower. As an amateur botanist,I hoped for a more creative comparison from you.”
Lord Tasterly’s eyes lit up at Miranda’sflirtatious reply. Lord Reynolds liked to flirt. The image of his tallform leaning against the wall in the atrium flashed through her mind.Stubbornly she pushed him away. She must not think of him. She wasto be married to a lovely man. Her gut clenched painfully. A simplylovely man.
“May I present my friend, Miss Dunforth.”Miranda introduced her.
Lady Atkins and Lord Tasterly greeted herpolitely. Lord Atkins held her hand a moment longer than necessary.He winked at her, squeezing her fingers tight.
Shocked at his forward behavior, shelooked to see if Miranda or Lady Atkins noticed. No one waswatching. The two ladies listened to Lord Tasterly with rapt attention ashe led them to a row of chairs.
“May I, Miss Dunforth?” Lord Atkinsmade a sweeping gesture, allowing her to follow the trio ahead of him.
