Seeking Redemption by Elizabeth Johns

Author:Elizabeth Johns [Johns, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Elizabeth Johns

As they danced, it felt like heaven to be in Nathaniel’s arms again. Lydia glided as lightly on her feet as she had when she had been a naïve débutante. She was swept away in a euphoric haze, ignorant of what was going on around her, until Nathaniel took the wind out of her sails with his talk of being killed.

They danced time after time, both more quiet and reserved after the earlier conversation. She refused to think of the consequences now and tried to enjoy the present.

“Who is Andrew dancing with?”

Lydia returned her attention to her husband. “Where is he?”

Nathaniel nodded toward his right. “Circling in front of the alcove.”

“I did not know they were in Brussels! That is one of the Ashbury triplets.”

She could see him searching for recognition.

“I believe they were raised in France. They came out in London this past Season.”

“The name is familiar, but I was a bit preoccupied whilst in England.”

“I had noticed.”

The dance finished. It was sweltering in the ballroom, and they walked toward the refreshments, then made their way toward the terrace. Apparently they were not the only ones with the same idea.

Lady Georgiana was outside, speaking to Lord Hay. She appeared to be quite irritated with him. “How could you?” they overheard her say.

She noticed her audience and greeted the Fairmonts. “Congratulations, Lord and Lady Fairmont. Everything suddenly makes more sense,” she said as she looked to Lydia with a smile.

“Forgive me for the secrecy, Georgy.”

Lady Georgiana waved her hand. “Nonsense. There is nothing to forgive. I would have done the same.” She smiled kindly and went back to chastising Lord Hay.

They made their way over to where Andrew was speaking to one of the Ashbury girls.

Andrew greeted his cousin and Lydia warmly, and made introductions.

“Colonel Lord Fairmont, may I present Lady Margaux Winslow.”

“Congratulations, my lord; my lady.”

“Thank you. What brings you to Brussels?”

“My brother is also in the army, and we needed to take a holiday from England.” She looked shyly toward Andrew and flushed. Lydia could only guess what the flush was for; Lady Margaux was being openly courted by Lord Vernon when she herself had left England. She drew Andrew over to her to converse with him, while Nathaniel spoke to Lady Margaux about her brother. Lydia wondered how her friend Lady Beatrice was doing in Scotland.

“Have you any word on Beatrice? I have forgotten to ask Nathaniel.”

“I came directly from Scotland. She was staying at Vernon’s hunting box.”

“No! That sounds dreadfully awkward. I would have hoped he chose to ignore his obsession with pheasants this year.”

“Unfortunately not. He arrived with the entire Ashbury clan in tow.”

Lydia felt sorry for Beatrice. That was the worst sort of humiliation she could imagine.

“They decided they would not suit, however. I imagine Lady Beatrice’s presence was too much for Lady Margaux. Vernon could not subconsciously hide his feelings. I left there hopeful for reconciliation. And you will be pleasantly surprised by the change in Bea.”

“Poor Lady Margaux, then. What a mess!”

“I am as surprised as you to see them here.

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