Hidden Paradise by Janet Mullany

Author:Janet Mullany
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HQN
Published: 2012-03-26T16:00:00+00:00

Lou

CHRIS STOOD TO RING THE BELL for the footmen to clear the table, and Lou noticed how Peter gazed at him adoringly. Chris gave him a smile and a wink. So they’d made up. But when Rob came to take away platters from their end of the table, Peter looked away, his mouth tight. Chris, however, made a great show of laying his hand on Rob’s sleeve, and engaging him in conversation about something on the table.

What was going on there? She told herself sternly not to get involved. They’d sort it out, and if either of them asked for help she’d do her best. Meanwhile, Alan and Cathy, oblivious to everyone else at the table, sitting next to Peter, giggled and fed each other bits of food. So sweet, Lou thought, and wondered if she’d overdone the wine already. But the footmen were bringing another remove: an oyster stew, platters of vegetables arranged in overlapping layers like works of art, sprinkled with herbs, and small roast fowl.

More wine circulated, and the talk turned to the ball that was to take place in a few days. It was Paradise’s first public event, inviting locals, a group of historical reenactors and history and Austen enthusiasts to dance, dine and tour the house. The event would attract media, to give Paradise the buzz Chris and Peter needed. Unfortunately, the current guests at the house had still not mastered many of the dances. “But it doesn’t matter,” Peter said. “We want everyone to have a good time. Lou, may I request the first two dances with you?”

He raised an eyebrow and looked down the table briefly to where Mac was deep in conversation with Viv.

“I’d be honored,” Lou said, tearing her own gaze from Mac. So what if he was flirting with Viv? At least he wasn’t glowering at her.

“Excellent.” Peter began to talk of the media coverage they expected for the event and Simon and Jon joined in the discussion with their decorating scheme for the evening.

“Do you think we should be masked?” Peter asked. “Chris and I think it would add a lovely touch of glamour. What do you think, Lou?”

“Absolutely,” she said. “Although, I think we’ll all know who everyone is.”

“We can always pretend.” Peter winked. “Handsome masked strangers—think of the possibilities. And we do have visitors from the local historical reenactment group attending.”

“More women than men, though. Nothing much has changed since Austen’s time.” Chris spooned oyster stew onto Peter’s plate. “And you need to keep your strength up.”

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