Page 18 of A Gentleman to Avoid (Sherton Sisters 3)

She could feel Ashford’s gaze periodically throughout the seemingly interminable supper, despite how fanciful that was. How could one feel someone’s gaze? But every once in a while, when she had that prickling sensation on her neck, she would turn her eyes or head slightly and find that he was, in fact, watching her. Or he quickly averted his head and she didn’t quite catch him in the act, but she was left to suspect that he had been observing her. It was both unnerving and somewhat gratifying.

Vicky considered herself to be beyond ridiculous. She should have insisted that he not be invited to the house party. How was she supposed to seriously consider other gentleman when he was present? She had no intention of accepting him even if he were to offer for her, but with her attraction to him, Vicky didn’t know how she would be able to accept someone else.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out very slowly so as to not be heard sighing, Vicky refocused her attention as dessert was being served. She had nearly made it through the meal. And no one would even know that she had been in the least uncomfortable. She had managed to have conversations with everyone within polite speaking distance at the table without seeming to single out any one person. If anyone thought to ask her what had been discussed, Vicky would sadly be unable to rightfully say, but she knew her skills at conversation had not failed her.

Once again, the prickle on her neck brought her eyes to encounter Ashford’s grey gaze. His was even more searching than usual this time. A shiver began at the base of her spine that required Vicky’s considerable effort to prevent it from progressing. She rather thought it would have been enjoyable, but she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he affected her. Vicky frowned slightly at him, unsure of why he would continue to watch her.

Surely, it can’t be due to his continued interest in Rosabel, she thought with disgust as she turned away from him once more. Some kind souls periodically would remark to Vicky about her resemblance to her beautiful older sister, but Vicky, despite her honest evaluation of herself in the mirror, knew it was a stretch to consider her to be in the same ranks as Rosabel. So surely, the man wouldn’t be staring at her for that reason, would he? The thought was lowering until she turned her attention fully elsewhere.

A few bites of the sweet biscuits and barberry ice was enough to restore her equilibrium, and Vicky felt almost prepared for the rest of the evening when Georgia stood to escort the ladies from the room to leave the gentlemen to their port.

“Don’t forget,” Lord Bertram murmured to her as she stood up to leave.

Vicky stiffened but didn’t bother responding or even glancing at him. It took an effort to keep her pace sedate. She didn’t want to appear that she was rushing away, even though the impulse was there to run all the way home to Glendale. She suddenly longed for her old life in the schoolroom.

With a shake of her head and bracing her shoulders, Vicky brought herself to task. Wishing for something so foolish would never make it so. She needed to get on with the tasks of adulthood. She had a good friend helping her. The circumstances could hardly be more favourable. If there were a couple little aspects that were less than ideal, that was hardly something to run home crying about. She needed to gird her loins and get on with it.

Her smile didn’t feel completely natural, but she pinned it in place as best she could as she joined the other women in the withdrawing room.

“What’s wrong?” Georgia demanded in a whisper as soon as they were settled and a maid was serving the tea.

“Lord Bertram is making a pest of himself, but do not trouble yourself, I should be able to handle it.”

“I should have had Crossley deny him entrance, but Cris was reluctant to do so, as they sit on some sort of committee together.” Georgia frowned with concern.

“Don’t worry about it, George. I’m quite certain it is something I can take care of on my own. While he might be annoying and make me uncomfortable, I do trust that he is a gentleman and shan’t actually cause me real trouble. I will be on my guard and will be sure to report to Crossley if it becomes necessary.”

Georgia’s stare was full of worry for her friend.

“George, I promise. Don’t get yourself worked up. You have your guests and your babe to be concerned about. If you look at me like that I won’t be quite so forthcoming the next time you ask me what’s wrong.”

Having been friends since childhood, Vicky knew that was exactly the right thing to say, as Georgia burst into laughter. After one more pointed, searching glance, the countess turned away and began to circulate amongst the assembled ladies.

Vicky followed her lead and took a seat next to one of the shyer young women they had invited to join the house party.

“Lady Delilah, I didn’t get a chance to do anything more than greet you earlier. How were your travels here? I’m assuming you took it in two parts, since you arrived this afternoon.”

“Thank you for asking, my lady,” the younger woman murmured. “We actually took more than that. We travelled a bit out of the direct route, so that my mother could stop in and see her sister on the way. My aunt has been feeling poorly and didn’t come up for the Season, so Mama wanted to see her in person. There’s only so much that can be conveyed in a letter.”

“Of course, I can relate completely. Two of my sisters are now wed and away. Neither of them were in a position to come to Town for the Season this year, either, and it’s certainly strange to be apart for so long for the first time. I wonder if one ever gets used to it.”

Lady Delilah smiled gently. “Used to it, I suppose in time, but from my mother’s case, I don’t know if it ever gets easy.”

“What did you think of your first Season? Are you disappointed that it ended early?”

The girl blushed, making Vicky wish she hadn’t asked the question. She supposed it implied that the girl had failed in her efforts to find a match, but since Vicky was in the same boat, she didn’t suppose it was any reason for the girl to be embarrassed.

“I shouldn’t admit it, but I’m thrilled that it’s over. Except that it means I will have to return again next year.”

“Oh dear, you didn’t enjoy it?”

“Don’t tell Mama that I’ve admitted as much.” The young woman’s eyes darted toward her mother, who was thankfully absorbed in her own conversation.

“Never fear, your secret is safe with me,” Vicky promised with a straight face. “But surely, you should tell her.”

“Oh, I’ve told my mother many times that the Season is not to my taste. But what are we to do? There is no one near our home I can match with, and I cannot become dependent on my younger brother when he eventually inherits.”

“Perhaps a smaller center like Bath would be more to your liking.”

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