Gail Whitiker - Courting Miss Vallois

Was that a hint of a smile? ‘A lofty comparison.’

‘But fitting under the circumstances. I admire anyone who has the determination to strive for something they truly believe in.’

‘And I have always been impressed by people who choose to help others in such a way,’ Jane spoke up. ‘But tell me, how did the four of you meet?’

‘Through my husband,’ Lavinia said easily. ‘Nicholas and Antoine met in France several years ago, and we finally persuaded him to come to London and to bring Sophie with him. Unfortunately, Antoine must shortly return home, but Sophie is to stay with us until the end of the Season.’

‘Oh, how wonderful!’ Jane said happily. ‘Then you must pay us a visit while you are here, Miss Vallois. We will have petit fours, and speak French, and you can tell me all about the latest fashions from Paris. J’adore la mode française. Have you seen much of London?’

‘Not yet.’

‘Then why not join us tomorrow afternoon? Robert has promised to take me for a drive around Hyde Park. It would be lovely if you and your brother could come too.’

It was an unexpectedly kind offer and one Sophie would have been happy to accept—had she not caught sight of the expression on Mr Silverton’s face. Obviously he did not share his sister’s enthusiasm for the outing and saw no reason to pretend he did. ‘Perhaps another time,’ she said. ‘I have no wish to intrude.’

‘Oh, but you wouldn’t be intruding,’ Jane said. ‘My brother is always delighted to have friends come along. Aren’t you, Robert?’

‘Of course. I merely thought it too soon after Miss Vallois’s arrival for such an outing. She might wish to rest.’

‘Fudge! If she has been here since yesterday, she is well over the worst and decidedly in need of a diversion,’ Jane said. ‘Tell her you were only thinking of her welfare and that you would love to have her come with us.’

Sophie had a difficult time holding her tongue. Had Lavinia not been present, she would have politely but firmly declined the invitation. She had no wish to force her company on any one who had no desire to share it, even if it meant disappointing Jane, who obviously did. To her surprise, however, it was Mr Silverton who resolved the problem. ‘You are more than welcome to join us, Miss Vallois. Jane is anxious for your company, and I am happy to oblige her. As for your own enjoyment, while it might not be as diverting as a night spent in a barn with the horses, I’m sure you will find it an amusing way to pass an hour or two.’

Jane frowned. ‘A night spent in a barn with horses? What on earth are you talking about, Robert?’

But Sophie knew exactly what he was talking about. And the knowledge that he not only understood French, but that he remembered every word she’d said to Antoine that night at the inn, brought hot colour sweeping into her cheeks. No wonder he’d been so distant with her.

‘Come, Jane,’ Mr Silverton said. ‘Miss Vallois can send a note if she wishes to join us. For now, we mustn’t keep her and Lady Longworth from their evening.’

‘No, of course not. Forgive me,’ Jane said. ‘It’s just that I so seldom meet anyone I really like, I tend to get carried away. But now that we’ve met, I know we are all going to be great friends. Until tomorrow, then, Miss Vallois. Good evening, Lady Longworth.’

‘Jane,’ Lavinia said. ‘Mr Silverton.’

‘Lady Longworth.’ He bowed, and then turned to Sophie. ‘Miss Vallois.’

Sophie inclined her head, but refused to meet his eyes. Why should she when it was so obvious that he didn’t like her? His words had been clipped and the warmth he had shown his sister and Lavinia had definitely not been extended to her.

‘A charming pair, are they not?’ Lavinia asked.

‘The sister more than the brother, I think,’ Sophie said. ‘Imagine extending an invitation to someone she barely knows.’

‘Jane has always had a good heart,’ Lavinia said. ‘Which is why it annoys me so that she is not yet married. At times, I feel like shaking the young men for their fickleness. But I expect she will benefit greatly from spending time with you and Antoine tomorrow.’

‘And I look forward to introducing Antoine to her. In fact—’ Sophie broke off and slowly began to smile. ‘I have a feeling my brother might enjoy Miss Silverton’s company very much.’

So she wasn’t a whore, a strumpet or a ballet dancer, Robert reflected as he and Jane walked away. She was an exceptionally beautiful young woman who, thanks to the kindness of Lord and Lady Longworth, was about to be launched into English society. The prospect did not please him. His own reasons aside, it meant she was fair game for the likes of Montague Oberon, and he did not relish the thought of watching the man salivate over her every time he saw her out in public.

‘Behold the prodigal son,’ Jane whispered in her brother’s ear a few minutes later. ‘And more splendidly attired than half the ladies in the room.’

Her assessment wasn’t far off. Not many gentlemen could have carried off the colourful waistcoat and elaborately folded cravat with such panache, but Oberon’s height and bearing allowed him to do so magnificently. His golden curls were swept back in a manner few men could have worn to advantage and his clothes were immaculate. Pompous prig he might be, Robert reflected, but looks, breeding and a fortune allowed him to carry it off with aplomb.

‘Evening, Silver,’ Oberon said when he came within speaking distance. ‘Jane. Lovely to see you again.’

‘Mr Oberon. What a splendid waistcoat. It is surely a modern version of Joseph’s coat of many colours.’

Oberon’s expression was blank. ‘Joseph?’

‘You remember. From the bible.’

‘Oh, yes, of course. The old fellow whose wife turned to stone.’

‘That was Lot,’ Robert said. ‘And it was salt.’

‘Salt?’ Oberon frowned. ‘What has salt to do with it? We were talking about my waistcoat.’ He paused for a moment to glance around the room. ‘Jupiter, what an appalling crowd. I vow there weren’t this many people at the—’ He broke off, his eyes frozen to one spot. ‘Good God, it’s her!’

Jane turned to look. ‘Who?’

‘The girl from the inn. Aphrodite reincarnated,’ Oberon murmured. ‘It is her, isn’t it, Silver?’

Breathing a sigh of exasperation, Robert said, ‘Yes.’

‘Splendid. Then I must be introduced.’

‘I’d like a word with you first.’

‘Later.’ Oberon’s eyes never strayed from the object of his affection. ‘After I speak to the Goddess!’

‘Now. Will you excuse us, Jane?’

‘Of course. I see Lady Jennings sitting on her own and looking rather disgruntled,’ Jane said. ‘I shall go and keep her company. No doubt she will have a few choice things to say about some of the guests here this evening.’

‘Not about me, I hope,’ Oberon said.

‘On the contrary, you are always one of her favourite topics, Mr Oberon.’ And with a smile for him and a wink for her brother, Jane left the two of them alone.

‘Impertinent minx,’ Oberon said without rancour. ‘Is it my imagination or is her limp less noticeable than it used to be?’

‘I am hardly the one to ask given that I never thought it was all that noticeable,’ Robert said, drawing the other man aside. ‘Now, would you mind telling me what the hell you think you’re doing?’