Page 55 of Love Abandoned

“It is the event of the season so far,bella,” she said. “Look at all the happy faces. And the money.” Sophia put her hand in the bowl by the fishing barrel, scooped a handful of coin, and let it drop again, the tinkling barely heard above the din in the room.

“A kiss in broad daylight. It is so beneath their standing.”

The voice cut through the noise in the room, as though the birdsong and harp, the laughter and chatter, had died away. Elizabeth didn’t know the context, but she instinctively knew it was in relation to her. As must Sophia, as she had stiffened and grown silent.

“I’d understood she’d been put out to pasture. A broodmare. The heir and the spare. Her job was done.”

Elizabeth didn’t recognize the second voice any more than the first. She was tempted to turn around, but she was rooted to the spot. Sophia apparently had no such qualms. She spun on her heel.

“Voi vecchiette” was all Elizabeth heard before she moved in the opposite direction. If Sophia was beginning her conversation by calling them old ladies, Elizabeth did not want to be witness to it. Besides, she was mortified. Not only because they’d said such things but because it was exactly what she’d thought too.

She was about to make her escape to recompose herself, when the insistent sound of metal on glass drew her attention. As did the stream of hired footmen coming through the door with trays of fluted glasses and bottles of champagne. As the bottles were delivered to the groups sitting around their baskets, the clinking grew. People continued to tap until there was quite a din. Richard walked to the middle of the room and held out his hand toward her.

“Go to him,mia amica,” Sophia said quietly in her ear. “Do not let bitter old women bother you. They are jealous. There is noamorein their lives. This is your day. Seize it.” She gently pushed Elizabeth in the small of her back.

Elizabeth took a tentative step, and Richard smiled invitingly. Maybe they were right. Maybe she had been put out to pasture. But she’d refused to stay there. He was here now, and so was she. Let them have their malicious tête-à-tête. If she had Richard back, what did she care of their opinion? She threw her shoulders back, walked purposefully to his side, and placed her hand in his. He raised his other hand, and the room grew quieter.

“I would like to thank all of you for joining us here today. We are both so pleased you have made the effort on such short notice.” He smiled down at her before returning his attention to the crowd. “We are also delighted you have allowed us to fleece…”

Elizabeth slapped his arm playfully, and everyone laughed.

“I mean, delighted you have been so generous. Elizabeth is the driving force behind today’s events and the worthy cause your donations will benefit.”

A blush warmed her cheeks, and joy lifted her flailing spirits. This was life as it had been, as she’d imagined it could be again. He squeezed her hand and smiled at her again, and her elation expanded until she was sure her chest could not hold all the happiness in her heart.

“And before we uncork and let you return to your meals, I have some good news not even Elizabeth is aware of, as I only received it myself this morning.”

Except for the birds chirping, there was not a sound. “Ground for the orphanage will be broken next month. The timber has been ordered, and the workmen will be ready to begin by mid-March.”

“Oh, Richard,” Elizabeth said, and instantly the parrot mimicked it. All heads swung in its direction, and laughter erupted as folks registered who had imitated her. Richard looked at her, and she was sure it was the memory of their kiss last night that darkened his eyes. He held her gaze for a melting minute, then lifted his hand, signaling all the footmen who were standing at the ready beside each group.

Cork stoppers popped around the room, and once Richard and Elizabeth had their glasses, he raised his. “To Lady Thornwood and her good deeds,” he said, and cheers erupted. He watched her over his glass, slowly lowering it without taking a drink. “And to her beauty and grace, for it is infinite,” he said quietly.

A shiver ran up Elizabeth’s spine, and long-neglected parts of her heated with need. She should be circulating and thanking people, but all she wanted to do was drag Richard to their rooms and begin where they’d left off last night. She sighed and regretfully broke his stare. How long, she wondered, before she could politely push people out the door?

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