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Chapter Five

Once back in their hotel room, Lucy retreated to her bedroom and paced for another hour, wondering how she could convince Reggie to stop courting her and accept what she wanted—a calm life without excesses of emotion. It was best for them both.

But there was also the plight of Miss Fournier. Reggie’s stubbornness was affecting her, too. Lucy was realizing it was a little more challenging to distance herself from Reggie, and yet at the same time influence his thoughts and decisions.

This would be the last time, she told herself. It was just to help Miss Fournier.

When she opened her bedroom door, she found Reggie seated at a writing desk near the window, head bent over the paper. He was concentrating so hard that he must not have heard her. She cleared her throat.

He glanced up, and his devastating smile was almost a physical caress. Part of her longed for that warmth like a flower lifting its petals to the sun. The other part of her wanted to shrink back into her room and forget how he could make her feel.

But she stiffened and held to her purpose. “Let us invite Miss Fournier to join us for supper. She’s been alone all day but for her maid.”

“Brilliant idea. Do you wish to pen a note or shall I?”

He was far too eager, but it didn’t raise her suspicions again. She knew he wanted another chance to persuade them both that his belief in his late commander’s wisdom was correct.

She glanced at the clock on the mantel. “You write to her. The hotel maid will be arriving shortly so I can change for dinner. You may have her take the note and then she can rejoin me.”

“You know I think you look just as beautiful in a day dress as an evening gown.”

She resisted rolling her eyes and retreated back into her room. She heard the outer door, then Reggie speaking. Only a few minutes later, the maid returned and was shown into her bedroom.

They met Miss Fournier in the hotel lobby an hour later. She looked happy to see them both, perhaps particularly happy to see Lucy, as if Lucy had managed to work a miracle on her husband in one day. When Reggie glanced away, Lucy gave a brief shake of her head to Miss Fournier, who nodded, but looked no less determined.

Reggie escorted them to a restaurant with a view overlooking the Royal Pavilion. Miss Fournier exclaimed about it, and Reggie explained to her what he’d told Lucy, about Queen Victoria’s wish to leave behind Brighton for the Isle of Wight.

“Who would want to leave such a beautiful place,” Miss Fournier exclaimed. “It reminds me of sketches I saw of the East—not that I traveled much. Father was loyal to his duties.”

“We picnicked there today,” Reggie said.

Miss Fournier glanced at Lucy with a smile. “How romantic.”

“And what did you do today, Miss Fournier?” Lucy asked, steering the conversation away.

“I wrote letters to my friends, read my book, went for a walk, and frankly, waited for the next part of my life to begin.” She looked from Lucy to Reggie. When neither of them answered, she continued, “I met a lieutenant in the hotel lobby, and he tells me there is an Assembly tomorrow evening. Officers are invited, and so are we.”

Lucy took her cue as if Miss Fournier had told her in advance. “What a splendid idea, don’t you agree, Captain?” She knew it irritated him when she used his title. But what did he expect in public?

Reggie nodded. “I am sure we will have an enjoyable evening.”

“And do you know who will be there?” Miss Fournier continued. “The good Reverend Abernathy—or Lieutenant Abernathy, as he used to be known in the Army. I will be pleased to introduce you, Mrs. Lawton.”

“This is your friend, the one you write to?” Lucy asked, eyes wide with exaggerated innocence.

“Yes. Such a kind and godly man.”

Reggie cleared his throat. “Abernathy is a good man, no doubt. But he is young, and with a new position, barely able to support himself.”

Miss Fournier’s shoulders seemed to droop a bit.

“But surely he is provided a home with his parish?” Lucy asked.

“He is,” Miss Fournier agreed, beginning to smile again. “He tells me it is small but charming, right on the village square near the church. It sounds idyllic.”

“Quite removed from the excitement of London,” Reggie pointed out.

“Since I’ve been to Calcutta and Bombay, I don’t believe large cities hold an attraction for me.”