There was, however, every sign of a party, and I was not thankful for that.
“Thank you,” Aunt Cat said to the driver. “We’ll see ourselves inside in a moment. My niece needs some air. If you could wait a moment, I’d appreciate it.”
I did not need any air, but I didn’t appear to have a say in the matter.
Aunt Cat took my elbow and guided me off to the side to a sheltered area near to a gate that would lead to the garden area. “Whatever is the matter with you, Gabriella? You cannot attend the party in this mood. I’d rather send you home and inform Victoria that you’re unwell.”
“I’m fine,” I repeated, my voice softer this time. “I just—I suppose I do have a headache, but it’s just stress. I’ll be fine as soon as I’m inside.”
“If you’re unwell, you should go home.”
“Please don’t make me continue to tell you that I’m perfectly okay. I—”
She took hold of my hands, and for a moment, she looked so much like Mum like it made my heart clench. It was utterly ridiculous because she wasn’t related to her at all, but it was the kindness in her eyes that threw me for a moment.
“It’s that boy, isn’t it? The one in the garden.”
I laughed quietly and turned away. “He’s not a boy, and you know full well his name is Miles.”
“Ah, see, that’s where I’ve gotten you. There are several young men who work in the gardens, and you merely identified the most obvious subject for your affections.”
“There are no affections, much less subjects for any of them,” I replied. “And you are a horrible woman to do that to me.”
“You say horrible, I say ‘hoh-reeb-ley,’” Aunt Cat returned, the latter in a terrible French accent that wouldn’t be out of place in a Saturday morning cartoon.
“Never say that again. It sounds dreadful.”
She laughed. “What’s the matter, hm? I will send you home unless you tell me.”
“Look, I just want to go inside, have dinner, show my face, then excuse myself with my headache, okay?” I held up my hands. “Please can we go in?”
“Gabi—”
“Please.”
She sighed, but whatever argument she’d attempted to make died on her tongue when she looked at me. Aunt Cat nodded, acquiescing to my request, and she led me inside the hotel.
To my night of hell.
***
Night of hell had been a bit of a dramatic way to explain it. It hadn’t been enjoyable through dinner, since Eva had managed to wrangle Miles onto her table and had spent the entire dinner speaking to him. Adelaide had glanced over at me several times, but after the third time of our eyes meeting, I’d steadfastly ignored the whole thing.
It was fine.
It was completely fine. If Eva and Miles got along and went out, I’d be happy for them. I could be and I would be, even if I didn’t particularly want to see them together. As I’d been telling myself all night, I had no claim to Miles Kingsley.
None at all.
Besides, it wasn’t like I could blame him. Eva was flipping gorgeous, and on nights like tonight where she could glam it up, she really came into her element. Her hair always co-operated, and tonight it fell over one shoulder in loose, thick curves. Her perfectly applied dark red lipstick matched her satin midi cocktail dress almost to the exact shade, and she had the lithe, toned body to pull off such a figure-hugging, unforgiveable dress.
The scoop neck also made her boobs look great.
She was easily the most beautiful woman in the room.
And she was sitting next to her identical twin sister.
Not that Addy looked bad—she didn’t. I was certain it was almost impossible, but even her fancy updo and gorgeous, shiny green wraparound dress that showed off her slightly curvier frame couldn’t compete with the modern-day Jessica Rabbit that was her sister.
“Ah, that’s the last of the plates cleared away,” Daddy said, reaching for his whiskey. “If you’ll excuse me, I see Lord Whitney over by the bar. I must discuss his latest investment with him. I’m rather interested myself. Would you like anything?”
Aunt Cat finished her champagne. “I’ll have some more champagne sent over.”
He acknowledged her and looked to me.
“No, thank you. I still have some wine left.” I picked up my glass. “I’m actually going to step outside for some air in a moment, so if you don’t see me, I’m outside.”
“As long as you don’t get lost in the gardens again.” He smiled. “Very well. I’ll speak to you soon.” He turned and wove his way through the crowd that was forming now that dinner was over, and people were leaving their seats.
“Funny headache you’ve got,” Aunt Cat observed. “One that can be cured by wine.” She made a point of looking over at Eva’s table. “Nothing to do with Miles over there, is it? He does look jolly handsome in that suit.”