Page 61 of If the Duke Dares
“One can hope,” Cecily said. “It is good to have you here, I must admit.”
Acton gave her a warm smile. “I feel the same. Is there a coach I can arrange for us to take to Sydney Gardens?” He’d seen a few at the mews but wasn’t sure if any of them belonged to his sisters.
Francesca answered. “We each have one, but ask for Cecily’s. It’s newer than mine.” She winked at her younger sister.
“Brilliant. I’ll see you later.” Acton took himself off with the intent of going to the mews personally to organize their transportation.
Anticipation began to curl in his gut as he thought of seeing Persey again. He knew that wasn’t the primary reason for their promenade, but it was the part he was most looking forward to.
Persephone was glad for the small wardrobe she had at her aunt’s house, even if it was a year or two outmoded. It wasn’t as if she had much of a wardrobe from the current year, just a walking dress and an evening gown, both of which she’d left in her room at the inn in Cirencester. They were supposed to win Acton’s approval when they met at Loxley Court.
Somehow, she’d managed to gain his friendship in a serviceable brown traveling dress, so she didn’t pay much mind to what she was wearing. Still, she couldn’t help feeling lackluster beside Pandora, whose bottle-green walking dress was new. And her hat was especially jaunty, with a peacock feather and ornamental flowers.
The coach stood in the Crescent, waiting for them to climb in and travel the single mile to Sydney Gardens. However, just as Aunt Lucinda took the groom’s hand to step into the coach, Pandora grabbed Persephone’s arm.
“I can’t,” she whispered. “You both go on.”
Lucinda stepped away from the groom and faced Pandora. “Nonsense. You are coming with us. You look lovely and you’re going to show the world that you will not be cowed. And that you have not been defeated by a reprobate such as Bane.”
Persephone wanted to applaud their aunt’s speech. “I could not have said it better myself.” She put her hand on Pandora’s back and pushed her gently toward the coach. “Get in.”
Pandora’s brows pitched into a deep forehead frown, which pulled her mouth into the same expression. “If this goes poorly, I shan’t speak to either of you for a week.”
“It won’t go poorly,” Aunt Lucinda said with great confidence. “This will be a triumph, you’ll see.” She waited while the groom handed Pandora in first. Then she sent Persephone a hopeful look and briefly crossed her fingers.
Persephone sent up a silent prayer as her aunt entered the coach next. Soon, they were on their way. It only took a few minutes to arrive at the gardens. The coachman stopped and they got out nearby, Persephone linking her arm through Pandora’s before entering the gardens from Sydney Place.
“It’s going to be fine,” Persephone whispered as she felt her sister shake.
“I’m so nervous,” Pandora whispered back. “What if everyone turns their backs?”
“I know at least three people who won’t.” At least Persephone hoped so. That depended on whether Acton was able to persuade his sisters to come.
Suddenly, he was walking toward them, a pair of ladies to his right. They were clearly his sisters, as there was a strong family resemblance. But then Persephone had met them on a few occasions in Bath Society. She’d just never seen them with Acton before.
Acton bowed upon meeting them. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Barclay-Fiennes, Miss Barclay, Miss Pandora.”
“Good afternoon, Duke,” Aunt Lucinda responded as she dipped into a curtsey. Persephone and Pandora did the same.
Persephone noted that Pandora kept her gaze focused on the ground. That would not do. She needed to hold her head high and dare people to be offensive.
“Allow me to present my sisters, Lady Donovan and Lady Fairhope,” he said. “But then I think you may have met one another at some point.”
“Indeed we have,” Lady Fairhope, the shorter of the two, said. She looked to be with child, and for a fleeting moment, Persephone wondered if she would ever experience that. She’d begun to think not, but things could change. She sent a surreptitious look toward Acton, only to find that he was looking at her too.
Persephone stifled a smile while her insides seemed to cartwheel. “It’s lovely to see you,” she said to his sisters.
“Indeed,” Aunt Lucinda agreed. “Pity your mother isn’t here to join us, but then I understand she is at Loxley Court.”
“She is,” Lady Donovan confirmed. “She was supposed to introduce Miss Barclay to our brother.”
“Alas, my dear niece was ill for a few days, but she is much recovered now. Shall we take in the late summer flowers?” Aunt Lucinda gestured toward the path.
Acton walked toward Persephone and Pandora. “Ladies, I would be honored if you would allow me to escort you.”
Pandora gave him a skeptical look while her lips pursed into a near frown. “Very prettily said. Your friend spoke to me like that.”
“I’m sure the duke is not like his friend,” Persephone said, sending a furtive look toward Acton.
