Page 1 of Invitation
Chapter 1
April 1813, London
At the height of the London Season, nowhere was more rife with opportunity, scandal, and machination than Hyde Park.From the highest members of the ton to the lowliest footpad, there was something for everyone in this gathering place.Today, on this most glorious of afternoons, the colors of spring seemed more vibrant, the birdsong more melodious, and the smells of flowers, grass, and sunshine filled the air.
Tobias Powell, the Viscount Deane, grinned broadly at everyone he saw as he made his way into the park through the Grosvenor Gate.He didn’t stop to speak with anyone as he was singularly focused on finding one particular person: his wife.
Rather, his soon-to-be wife.
People inclined their heads as Tobias walked past.Finding the dainty form of his beloved often proved difficult given her diminutive stature, but her face and figure were stamped indelibly in Tobias’s mind.As were her sparkling laugh and keen interest in subjects ranging from art to birds to horses.She was the first and only young woman he’d met in Society who enjoyed discussing things beyond fashion, flowers, or food.She’d also demonstrated a fervent interest in something else—him.He had to admit that being with her was a heady drug, for she made him feel like the most important person in the world.
In front of him, people moved off the path and turned their backs.Tobias stopped short, frowning, wondering what the devil was going on.A couple walked toward him, the man’s face tight and the woman… Well, the woman looked as if she were a breath away from bursting into tears.Her face was pale and her lower lip was drawn inward, as if she were biting the interior to keep her emotions in check.
Tobias suddenly realized what was happening.Everyone on the path was giving them the cut direct.Why?He had no idea who they were.No, wait, the gentleman looked vaguely familiar.In his early thirties, with thinning brown hair and sharp, sherry-colored eyes, he was a member at Brooks’s.Despite that, he currently found himself on the nastier side of Society’s capriciousness.
“Good afternoon,” Tobias said warmly.He was in far too pleasant a mood to engage in such rude behavior, not that he would in any case.
“Afternoon, my lord,” the gentleman said as a flicker of relief passed over his features.He patted the woman’s hand where it rested on his sleeve, and they went along their way.
As Tobias continued along the path, two ladies who’d stepped to the side stared at him, their gazes holding a shadow of condescension.Oh, now they would disdain him—the heir to an earldom—for not being as judgmental as they were?He supposed that just went to show that no one was immune to the ton’s whims.
He flashed them a wide grin.“Good afternoon, ladies.It’s a rather lovely day, isn’t it?”
One of them had the grace to look surprised before dipping her gaze to the ground.“Good afternoon, my lord.”
Satisfied that he’d hopefully made at least one person rethink her behavior, he turned left onto another path toward the Serpentine.Lady Priscilla loved the water.She particularly enjoyed watching the waterfowl, for she enjoyed drawing them.He’d likely find her there.
Tobias quickened his pace, rehearsing what he planned to say in his head.He would declare his intent to call tomorrow morning in order to speak with her father.But first, he would obtain her answer—that was the most important thing.She would, of course, say yes.It was the clear culmination to their weeks-long courtship.
His father was going to be so pleased that Tobias would marry the daughter of a duke.He, of course, knew of Tobias’s intent and wholeheartedly endorsed his choice.
“Deane!”a young buck called from just off the path where he stood with three other gentlemen.
Lifting his hand, Tobias waved.“Afternoon!”
Another of the gentlemen stepped to the edge of the path.“Too slow, then, or did she refuse you?”
A terrible chill raced through Tobias.He veered toward them, his pace slowing as his legs suddenly felt as though they were made of wood.“I beg your pardon?”
The last man who’d spoken, an old friend from school named Edwin Cleveland, moved away from the path, and the group widened to include Tobias.
“Lady Priscilla,” Cleveland said.“Thought for sure you were going to bag her, but Bentley is the winner, it seems.”
Bentley?Tobias felt as if he couldn’t move or think.He knew Bentley was one of many who’d courted Lady Priscilla, but she’d been clear that her preference was for Tobias.Hadn’t she?Doubt stole over him, and he didn’t like the sensation one bit.
“You make it sound like a contest,” Tobias said through an ever-deepening disappointment.Except that word didn’t begin to describe what he felt.He’dlovedher.He’d expected to marry her in a month’s time.A year from now, they likely would have been parents.He couldn’t breathe.
Another of the gentleman snorted.“Itisa contest.One winner, many losers.You’re a loser this time, Deane.”
Cleveland sniffed.“At least he outranks you.Would have been deuced awful to lose to someone lesser.”
In Tobias’s mind, Bentleywassomeone lesser.The man was a cheat at cards and took every opportunity to inflate his own importance.That Lady Priscilla would choose him over Tobias… It was unconscionable.
He wanted to know why.Was it really because of rank?Bentley barely outranked him.Furthermore, Tobias’s father’s earldom was older, and, as far as Tobias knew, their estate was larger.
Hell, none of that should matter.It was only important that they suit, and Tobias believed that he and Lady Priscilla were perfectly suited.
“You didn’t know,” the first gentleman who’d called out to Tobias said in wonder, his dark gaze fixed on Tobias.“You didn’t know she’d chosen Bentley.”
