And Dangerous to Know by Darcie Wilde

Author:Darcie Wilde
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2019-10-27T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 27

The Gentle Perils Of Reunions

“You should have a softer pillow than my heart.”

“I wonder which will break first—yours or

mine?”

George Gordon, Lord Byron, and Anne Isabella Milbanke,

Lady Byron, in conversation

While the gathering could not be labeled a genuine crush, the ballroom was quite crowded. Rosalind and Devon made their way slowly through the great room. Devon, in his twin roles of host and Lord Casselmaine, was obliged to stop and speak with any guest who wanted to speak with him. Rosalind smiled and made her curtsies, took her share of the conversations, and coolly returned the curious and challenging looks she received.

This was the world to which she had been raised. She knew its ways perfectly and could follow its rules without thinking. She could also acknowledge that she missed this beauty and ease, and the instinctual understanding of how and who she should be.

She knew full well this beauty was gloss, and a very thin gloss at that. And yet, and yet . . . when she was in her role of helpmeet to others, she sometimes felt like a parlor maid in front of a dress shop, longing for the beauties inside that would transform her into something more than she was. That she had carved out a role for herself, that she had faced danger and made her part into something beyond the ordinary, was a matter of pride. But there were still days when that pride was still not enough.

Which was petty, and she knew it. It was foolish as well, and yet the feelings would not leave her.

The tide of guests ebbed for a bit, and Devon and Rosalind were able to finally make their way out onto the terrace. After the combined heat of bodies and scores of candles, the cool night air was entirely welcome. Rosalind and Devon were not the only couple seeking relief, and enough quiet so that they did not have to shout to be heard. Several others strolled back and forth along the carved stone railing or ventured into the garden below.

“Now, do we still make small talk?” Devon inquired drily. “Or have we proceeded beyond that stage?”

Rosalind felt her pulse beating softly at the base of her throat and found she was suddenly very aware of how comfortable it was to have Devon’s arm under her hand. “I think I’d prefer small talk for now.”

“Would you care to pour out for us?”

Rosalind laughed. “Let us see what is left in the pot. Ah. I know. Louisa seems very happy.”

“She is.”

“And I take it you approve of the groom?”

“Aunt Showell approves, and I wouldn’t dare to try to stand against her. But, for what it’s worth, I do like the fellow. He’s young, but he’s got sense and some ambition, and he genuinely adores Louisa. His parents are proving civil and reasonable, and the settlements are all going well.” Louisa’s family did not spring from a prosperous branch of the Winterbournes, and Devon was shouldering the cost of her dowry.

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