Page 39 of A Viscount to Conspire (Sherton Sisters 2)

Hilaria made certain her eyes did not follow him as he made his way through the crowd. If she ever wanted another gentleman to show any interest in her, she couldn’t very well act as though she were a love struck moonling.

“Too bad he’s not a duke.” Hilaria wanted to smack her sister for her obvious statement but was relieved that it wasn’t likely she had been overheard.

“Whatever are you talking about?” she asked, trying to feign ignorance.

“Eastwood. Being a mere viscount must be disheartening for you.” A quick glance told Hilaria that Lady Vigilia was actually exhibiting sympathy rather than trying to stir up trouble. She sighed.

“You have no idea.” She hadn’t intended to admit to anything of the sort, but she hadn’t been able to resist her sister’s seeming concern.

“Perhaps you ought to put aside your strange determination and give the fellow a true chance.”

Part of Hilaria wanted to rail at her sister and the entire world for the complete unfairness of all that life held out for her. But she couldn’t very well do that in the middle of Lady Helmsworth's music room. She was relieved when the flow of the crowds brought some of Vicky’s friends to interrupt them and the moment was able to pass.

“It would seem Lady Eastwood has taken you in dislike. That must be uncomfortable for you.”

The words were intended to sound sympathetic, but they were completely overshadowed by the glee evident in the lady’s tone. Hilaria braced her backbone in order to not react as she wished. If they were gentlemen, Hilaria rather thought she could slap the woman and challenge her to a duel. Ladies had no such recourse, so she tried to appear unconcerned.

“Miss Evans, how kind of you to express your concern. But I fear it is misplaced and premature.”

The other woman merely hummed a noncommittal reply, not even an answer of any sort. “The glare she has been directing toward you all evening might argue otherwise.”

Although Hilaria had never seen sharks, she had read about them in her father’s extensive library. She rather thought Miss Evans was much like a shark that had sensed a vulnerable prey and was circling, hoping for blood. There was no way a daughter of the House of Sherton was going to give her such satisfaction.

“I am sure you are mistaken, but I do appreciate your concern. Have you enjoyed your evening?”

“Immensely,” the other woman drawled with laughter evident in her voice, setting Hilaria’s teeth on edge.

“Hilaria, my dear, I was wondering where you had gotten to.”

Hil was never so happy to hear her mother’s voice in her life. She dipped a barely existent curtsy to the other woman and turned toward her mother. She encountered a thoroughly searching gaze when she did so.

“Are you well, my daughter?” Lady Sherton’s low question was almost Hilaria’s undoing. Their mother often seemed preoccupied with her own concerns and was exacting when she bothered to pay attention to her daughters, but Hilaria knew she was cared for. In that moment, it was all she could do not to throw herself upon her mother’s shoulder and weep out all her concerns. Stiffening her spine, she resisted the urge, but she appreciated her mother’s notice despite the fact that, in a certain way, it made everything harder.

“Well enough, thank you.”

Lady Sherton frowned and continued to study her. Hilaria fought the urge to squirm under the heavy gaze.

“Are you enjoying the evening, Mother?” Hilaria tried to deflect the attention.

“I did enjoy the performance. Lady Helmsworth outdid herself in finding such skilled musicians. But it was odd indeed to recognize that Lady Eastwood is trying to create a scene in connection with you. It leads me to wonder if I will be required to deliver a set down to the odious woman.”

Hilaria sighed softly and offered a shrug. She really couldn’t say what would be best in these circumstances. The woman was being odious; Lady Sherton was correct. But would her mother’s set down make matters worse? It was doubtful it would improve the situation. It might bring the other woman to her senses, though. She truly was being ridiculous. Aside from Hilaria’s lack of social graces, she was highly eligible. There was no reason for the viscount’s mother to object to her. Except that Eastwood had known it would happen.

“It might be best if we wait and see,” Hilaria finally replied softly. None of them would relish a scene. Unless, perhaps, Lady Eastwood would. Since Hilaria didn’t know the woman, there was really no way to know for sure. But it was certain that Hilaria, herself, would not enjoy being the center of a scene between Lady Sherton and Lady Eastwood. It was bad enough that she and Eastwood were being gossiped about. Knowing they had brought it upon themselves and it was part of the plan helped to mitigate her discomfort but only barely.

Lady Sherton narrowed her eyes at her daughter before nodding. “Very well, let us collect your sister and take our leave. We have two more events to stop in on our way home.”

Hilaria didn’t argue. It would be nice to dance off some of her anxieties. And crowds of people who hadn’t witnessed Lady Eastwood’s strange behaviour might be a relief. On the other hand, she would so enjoy dancing with the viscount again.

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