Page 36 of A Gentleman to Avoid (Sherton Sisters 3)

Vicky laughed a little. “We actually spoke a great deal. The entire ride back from the ruins this afternoon, which was at least half an hour.”

“And did you not learn anything about him?”

With a sigh Vicky gave her head a small shake, but mindful of her maid’s busy hands, didn’t want to disturb her hair. “I learned he’s just as interesting as ever. And he even considers Wexford his friend. Which is odd, since he’s pining for Rosabel. Or maybe he’s not. I’m starting to wonder if I know anything about anything now.” She paused for a moment before adding thoughtfully, “This was actually the first time ever that he didn’t ask me about Rosabel. He spoke more about his friendship with both Wexford and Eastwood than about either of my sisters. In fact, my sisters didn’t come into the conversation at all. It was most refreshing.”

The maid laughed. “You are only saying what didn’t happen, my lady. Tell me what did. What has you all in a muddle this night?”

“I’m no further ahead. I, of course, don’t have any reason to trust Lord Bertram, but I don’t truly have avalidreason not to trust him. It’s just a feeling. I feel the man is sneaky. And foolish, really. But I don’t know if my conflicted feelings about Mr. Northcott are reason enough to distrust Northcott or Bertram. It’s all a big mess, as I said at the beginning. It’s not as though I have any intention of actually helping Lord Bertram. The man wasn’t even invited to Crossley, so I can’t believe that he’s up to any good. But I thought if I got the information he sought, it might tell me if there truly is something to be done.”

She huffed another frustrated breath. “I wrote to both Wexford and Eastwood this morning, but it could be days before I receive any word back from either of them and of course, I had to be delicate in my wording so perhaps, they won’t understand what I’m trying to convey, and they might not reply at all. So, I feel as though a day has gone by and I’ve accomplished nothing. I haven’t moved my plans ahead in my search for a husband. And I have done nothing to ascertain what I can do to protect my family from an unidentified threat against them. I would say my preoccupation is rightly legitimate, wouldn’t you?”

“That I would, m’lady, but you’d best put it all from your mind this night and do your best to enjoy yourself as much as you can. As you were telling me, this is the only chance you’ve got for a time such as this. I’m more than sure their lordships can look after your family right and tight, and you needn’t be troubling yourself over these things.”

Vicky wanted to grumble about the servant’s antiquated thoughts on a woman’s need to leave things to the men but tried to see the matter from her standpoint. She was probably correct. What could Vicky really do whether Bertram was friend or foe in this matter? But that didn’t change the fact that she was determined to do all she could. And if that meant spending time with Ashford Northcott to find out what he might know, then that was what she would do.

A small part of her twinged at the thought, though. She knew her heart was already inclined in his direction. She didn’t want to go and fall in love with the man. Vicky couldn’t envision a happy future with someone who had feelings for her sister. She would always wonder if he was wishing she were someone else. And just imagine how awkward family gatherings would be. But for the greater good of her family, she would do what needed to be done. Surely, she could guard her heart against him, especially given the fact that he was obviously involved in some sort of nonsense. Vicky didn’t believe he was up to anything treasonous, but there was something shady going on.Wouldn’t that safeguard her heart?

With a resolute nod to herself and the servant, Vicky left her bedchamber as prepared as she could possibly be for whatever the evening held.

Georgia’s cook had outdone himself once more. It would seem the man was flourishing with a crowd to feed. Vicky tried to be conscious not to eat too much as they would be dancing later, but each dish seemed to be even better than the previous one.

She was seated between Sir Cranston and Lord Clifton, and both seemed to be exerting themselves to be entertaining. She was able to ignore her concerns for entire stretches of time before her eye would catch on one or the other of the gentlemen who were causing her trouble and she’d be reminded once more. But between the delicious food, the generous wine served, and the amusing companions, Vicky found herself quite enjoying her evening.

When they arrived in the ballroom, it was to the sound of the small group of musicians finalizing the tuning of their instruments. Vicky hurried to confer with Georgia to see if she could be of assistance.

“My dear girl, we worked out every single possible detail well in advance. There’s really nothing left for us to do but enjoy ourselves now,” Georgia had said with a grin as she tucked her arm through Vicky’s elbow. “Tell me, were you happy with the place seating for supper?”

“I was, quite, yes, thank you. What about you?”

“Well, as I’m sure you know, I’d rather be seated between you and my husband and that’s it, but I didn’t mind my companions. And Cook excelled tonight, making me look like an exceptional hostess, so I am quite confident that I can now sit and preen like a self-satisfied cat.”

Vicky laughed, enjoying her friend’s high humour. But then her eye was caught as Lord Bertram approached them just as the musicians struck up their first number. Vicky couldn’t have said what was revealed on her face, but her loyal friend stepped between them just as Crossley approached.

“Oh, Lord Bertram, thank you for saving me,” Georgia pronounced in a trilling voice. “Crossley, of course, will escort Lady Vigilia in this first dance as our special guest, so I was despairing of having to sit on the sidelines. You are a true gentleman.”

Vicky had to swallow the laugh that was threatening to well up in her throat, and she was grateful that the earl pulled her onto the dance floor without any comment other than the twitch of one eyebrow.

“My sincerest apologies, Crossley, I promise you, I didn’t put her up to it.”

“No apology necessary, my lady. I probably should have asked you anyway. She isn’t wrong. You are our special guest.”

Vicky’s cheeks heated at his kind words. “You don’t have to say that, Crossley.”

“Having you here makes my wife very happy. So, it makes me happy. You are our friend, Vigilia, and we will stand by you, come what may.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “I hope you realize you can confide in me if there was something concerning you.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Vicky answered through her thickening throat. A part of her wanted to unburden herself but surely, she couldn’t do so in the middle of the dance floor. She would think on it for a day or two. If she hadn’t heard from either of her brothers-in-law by the third day then she would speak to Crossley about Lord Bertram’s claims.

They didn’t talk much more, merely circled the dance floor enjoying the music and the flow of the steps. Vicky hadn’t had the opportunity to partner with the earl prior to this Season. He was an excellent dance partner, and their close connection through Georgia made polite chatter unnecessary.

He gallantly bowed over her hand as she dipped into a curtsy at the end. Ashford Northcott was there waiting to sweep her into the next dance. It was a waltz. Vicky hadn’t known Georgia’s musicians were going to play the waltz. She tried not to be thrilled all the way down to her toes. But that might have been a futile effort.

“You are remarkably graceful, my lady,” Mr. Northcott complimented.

“Thank you,” she answered simply, allowing a pause before adding, “my sisters and I all loved to dance from the moment we gained our balance.”

“That must have been quite darling, five little girls toddling around.”

Vicky gurgled with laughter. “Well, I’m not perfectly sure about that, but we did have some good times. Of course, we didn’t all five toddle at the same time. There’s a bit of a gap between me and next sister.”

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