Page 23 of Lady Waldrey’s Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal

The faint clicking of the clock drew her eyes once more. Twenty minutes past the hour.

The netting over her face tickled her chin, and she exhaled an irritated breath to adjust it. She could have swept it back from her face, but Hortense had arranged it just so. In Candace’s experience, she looked much better if she just bore slight irritations instead of tugging at things.

Appearance before comfort, she thought sarcastically.

This mess with Shelbourne was the first time she’d broken the sartorial rule she’d somehow applied to her entire existence. Her slim nose wrinkled at the thought.

Thankfully, the door opened, preventing her from having to examine the notion too closely. Candace stood in reflex and was delighted when Bernard showed Vera in.

“Vera! Does this mean you’re coming to Devon? I never thought your mother would let you go.”

Vera rushed forward, a bit breathless, and kissed Candace’s cheek. “I’m coming. If you’ll still have me after my tardiness, that is. I’m so sorry; I lost track of time in the hustle of packing.”

“Of course; no apologies needed.” She smiled and clasped her friend’s hand. “I’m delighted you’ll be joining me.”

“Right. Well, shall we go?” Vera cast a glance over her shoulder at the door. “I know you’ve been waiting. I don’t want to hold you here any longer.”

“Of course.” Candace made eye contact with the butler, who stood stoically near the door. “Please call for the carriage, Bernard. Inform Hortense we mean to depart immediately. Please ensure that Cook packed enough sandwiches for Vera, as well.”

“At once, my lady.” He gave a quick bow and retreated.

Vera fluffed and smoothed the skirts of her travelling ensemble. The color was nice—a deep chocolate brown—but the texture reminded Candace of a coarse wool carpet that had seen a lifetime of wear. Whoever sat next to her in the carriage would be chafed if their bare skin came into contact with her dress.

Candace frowned. “Have your mother and father not come to see you away?”

“We said our farewells at the house; I was running late and didn’t want to delay you further.”

Candace glanced into the hall, looking for Vera’s maid. “Is your maid waiting out front?”

Vera give a strained smile. “Mother couldn’t spare her. I’m afraid I’ll need to borrow Hortense if need arises. I hope that won’t be an imposition.”

“Not at all.” Candace smiled warmly to reassure her. “I don’t care if you’re coming with just the clothes on your back, as long as you’re coming.”

Vera barked a laugh that came out like the alarmed bray of a donkey, then cleared her throat in embarrassment.

“Really, Vera,” Candace said. “It will be such a joy to have you with me; I cannot thank you enough. Do your parents require you home by a specific date?”

She gave a tight smile, shook her head. “I’m yours indefinitely.”

“How wonderful!” Candace beamed.

The expression stretched her face; she’d gone without smiling in such a way the past few weeks. All the more reason to get away to Devon.

“Yes, well…” Vera nervously smoothed her skirts again. “I suppose I should tell you⁠—”

The arrival of Bernard and Hortense cut her off.

“The carriage is ready, my lady,” Bernard said.

“Wonderful. Will you please see to Vera’s luggage?”

“I’ve taken the liberty of loading Miss Ashbury’s bag.” He nodded at Vera. “Miss Ashbury, was that all?”

“Yes, Bernard, just the one. Thank you,” Vera said, slightly breathless.

“Very good, miss.”

The group moved into the wide hallway, where maids draped soft sheeting over the round table. Without Candace or Percy in residence, most of the house would be closed, packed away in place until they returned.