Page 30 of A Baron's Disguised Lady
“Who was that?” Archie whispered, as they joined the throng of dancers in the waltz.
Briefly, Lavinia explained her unwanted connection to Lord Bath, hoping the baron would not think badly of her for the way she had behaved towards the man to whom the prospect of marriage filled her with dread.
“Odious man. I saw him approach you. And I saw how uncomfortable you looked as he did so,” Archie said, glancing towards where Lord Bath was still sitting watching them.
“I dislike him intensely. He is the one who… well, it doesn’t matter. But I want nothing to do with him,” Lavinia said, as they continued to dance.
She did not want to tell Archie about the rumors surrounding her. It embarrassed her, and she did not want him to think badly of her, even as she feared he already did. She still did not know if he was merely being nice. Perhaps his mother had told him to be. And yet, there was a sincerity to his words, and his actions. He had no reason to rescue her from Lord Bath, except for the very reason he had expressed.
“Well, you don’t need to talk to him. Let’s just… enjoy the dance,” Archie said, and Lavinia smiled.
Shewasenjoying the dancing—unexpectedly so. With Archie there was not the awkwardness there had been with the dowager. They moved freely, gracefully, even, and Lavinia foundherself caught up in the pleasure of the music, and the pleasure of the baron’s company.
Here, away from the silence of Sarum Lacy House, where so many memories hung in the air, he seemed a different person; light-hearted and carefree.
“Thank you,” Lavinia said, as the music came to an end, and she stepped back and curtsied to the baron, who gave a curt bow.
“You’re very welcome. Shall we get a drink? A glass of punch, perhaps? Our mothers are still engrossed in their reminiscences,” Archie said, glancing over to where Horatia and Lavinia’s mother were laughing with one another.
Lavinia was pleased to see her mother enjoying herself, and she was pleased, too, to have the baron’s invitation. Lord Bath had disappeared, and having helped themselves to punch, Lavinia and the baron sat down at one of the tables by the window. It felt natural to do so. Gone was Archie’s previous formality, replaced by an almost light-heartedness Lavinia found endearing.
“I wasn’t looking forward to this evening,” Lavinia said, and the baron smiled.
“I wasn’t, either. But I’m glad we’ve… broken our stalemate,” he said, and Lavinia blushed.
“I think we just misunderstood one another,” she said, but the baron shook his head.
“No… you really made me think, Lavinia. You were right. A woman’s function isn’t marriage. And I pray my sister didn’t think I saw her in such terms. I was horrified to think it,” he said.
For a moment, Lavinia feared she had upset him, and that he was making a gallant attempt to dismiss his upset, even as it had surely pained him.
“Oh, but I’m sure she didn’t…” Lavinia began, but Archie shook his head.
“I’m sure she didn’t, but… well… I’m glad you said what you said. I’ve not always behaved well when it comes to women. I don’t mean I’ve behaved scandalously, but I’ve always thought… well, as I said to you in the woods this morning. You were brave enough to answer me back. I admire you for that. For speaking your mind when so many others don’t,” he said, and Lavinia smiled.
If there was one thing she certainly did, it was speak her mind. Lavinia did not believe in holding back her opinions. She had not done so as a maid, and she was not about to do so as a lady, as much as she knew it might upset others to hear her do so.
“I changed your mind?” she asked, and he nodded.
“You did, yes. I thought about Gwendolene, and I realized… you’re not so very different. She spoke her mind. Certainly to me,” he said, and Lavinia smiled.
She would have liked to have met Gwendolene. She was, by all accounts, taken too soon, and for what reason, only God could know…
“Since I saw her portrait… I’ve been intrigued by her,” Lavinia said, and Archie smiled.
“She was a remarkable person. I miss her so very much,” he said, and Lavinia slipped her hand into his and squeezed it.
She did it instinctively, but it seemed the right thing to do, and for a moment, their gaze met, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
“I meant to say how sorry I was,” a shrill voice said, and Lavinia looked up to find Wilhelmina Tipping looking down at them.
Lavinia withdrew her hand from Archie’s, taking a sudden interest in the folds of her dress, rearranging them as Archie rose to his feet.
“I’m sorry?” he said, sounding confused.
“My condolences on the death of your sister. It occurred to me I hadn’t seen you since… the tragedy occurred,” she said, and Archie nodded.
“Yes, well… I’m grateful to you, Lady Tipping, I’m sure,” the baron replied.
