Page 61 of Miss Devon’s Choice

Rebecca met Virginia’s eyes with amusement.

They burst out the side doors to the gardens and the children scattered about immediately. The two girls went butterfly hunting among the flowers, darting between the Greek-influenced sculptures standing about in every-other flowerbed. Phillip and the marquess’s son went for a small shed where Rebecca knew there were cricket supplies. Edward gave her hand a squeeze.

“Will you be all right with Mother and Emma?” he asked, a proud smile on his face. He was becoming quite the well-mannered gentleman at six years old.

“Indeed, I shall. Thank you, Edward.” Releasing his hand, she watched him scamper after the older boys.

“Sweet of him to make certain I will not bore you,” Virginia said, laughter in her voice. “Come. We can keep an eye on everyone from this bench.” She took a seat and Rebecca joined her, then looked out over the gardens. The whole house was surrounded by beautiful trees, shrubbery, flowers, and footpaths. It was breathtaking, truly.

Would her home with Christian have been this lovely? The Devon gardens at Whitewood Estate were not as extensive, but the woods had always been her favorite place to hide away, when the weather was warm.

Did Austrian schools for young women have pretty gardens?

“Why have you sought me out this morning, Rebecca?” Virginia asked, turning Rebecca from her thoughts.

“Oh. This.” She looked down at the paper she still held in her hands. “Father has invited Lord Easton and I to tea.”

Virginia raised her eyebrows and adjusted a squirming Emma on her lap. “I suppose it is to be expected. It would seem strange if he did not invite the two of you to Whitewood for some event or another. Is it for today?”

“Yes.” Rebecca traced the crease of the paper with a finger, keeping her eyes lowered to her lap and the infernal purple ribbons adorning her gown’s multi-tiered ruffles. “What do you think of this gown?” she asked abruptly, changing the subject.

Virginia chuckled. “Rebecca, very shortly after my wedding I went directly to a seamstress and ordered trunks and trunks of clothing. Then I gave all my old clothing away to a second-hand shop. The fashions my mother forced upon me ten years ago were not any more flattering than what she puts upon you now.” Virginia shuddered, not at all dramatically. “I understand you have already visited Mrs. Chandler. How did our village ever manage to attract such a talented woman?”

“She is rather wonderful, isn’t she?” Rebecca sighed, thinking of the dress she’d commissioned and would never see. Perhaps, if she was adorned in something that complimented her rather than make her ridiculous, she may have captured Christian’s interest and secured his favor. “She used to make all of my mother’s gowns, and I know Christine will only wear riding habits Mrs. Chandler has created.”

Virginia chuckled. “Our Christine is very particular about certain things.” She turned her eyes to the children as she spoke. “Thank you for telling me of your appointment with your father. I will not wait tea for you.” Virginia reached down to remove a stone from her daughter’s hand that had nearly made it all the way to the baby’s little mouth. “Have you told Lord Easton yet?”

“No.” Rebecca slumped against the back of the bench. “I will have to look for him after the hunt.”

“He didn’t go today.”

Rebecca’s hold on the invitation tightened and her chin jerked up. “Really? He’s still about the house?”

Virginia’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Indeed. I think he is in the library. He told Lucas to go on without him today. Perhaps you ought to inform him of the invitation now?”

“Oh.” Rebecca glanced away, turning to watch one of the girls with the butterfly net tiptoe through the flowerbeds while her sister attempted to mimic the poses of the garden’s statue of Hera. “If he remained back, he must have good reason. I would not wish to interrupt him.”

“You’ve been following him about for days and he hasn’t seemed to tire of your company,” Virginia said, her tone light. “I must admit, I was terribly worried for this arrangement at first. But watching you both, I find I am more and more certain your marriage will be a happy one.”

It was tempting to tell Virginia everything at that moment. To have someone to confide in would lift a tremendous weight from her shoulders. It seemed unnecessary to worry her cousin who was convinced Rebecca’s match remained a good one.

And if Virginia told Lucas that Lord Easton meant to reject Rebecca as a bride, she had no doubt the earl would at least eject Christian from the house. Lucas was fond of her, and loyal to a fault. He wouldn’t take kindly to a man leaving her reputation in tatters.

If only she could find a way to secure Christian’s hand, if not his affection.

But did she want to spend her life married to a man who could so easily reject her? Her heart twisted painfully at the very idea.

Yesterday, in the music room, she and Christian had both spoken unkindly. Not even attended dinner. If she went to him in the library, would the hostility remain between them? How did she bridge the divide she’d caused?

Staying away from him was the coward’s way out, though. The best way to handle the matter would be to seek him out and determine if she could repair the damage she’d caused. Her hold told her there may yet be a chance at happiness, and her logical mind forced her to acknowledge that marriage to him would be preferable to being exiled to Austria.

“Perhaps you are right,” Rebecca said, hoping she hadn’t paused too long. “I had better go find him. Enjoy your time in the garden.” Rebecca stood and dusted off her skirts, then took herself back inside.

If Christian hadn’t gone hunting, it rather surprised her he remained indoors. His time spent outside, with Ajax, obviously invigorated him. Her steps slowed when she was nearly to the library as she wondered if she ought to knock. It was a public room, of course, but what if he wished for privacy? To intrude upon him when he did not want her company—

Enough, Rebecca. Stop being a ninny. You went after him that day you both were caught in the rain, and that turned out well.

Actually, when she thought back on it, the only thing she’d accomplished that day was to put them both in a highly improper situation that would scandalize every matron in London. Especially should he end their engagement.