Alice looked at her sister.
“What do you mean?”
“You may think that no one is watching, but I saw you yesterday.” Henrietta’s eyes narrowed. “You may believe that I was not observing you, but I can assure you,dearsister, that I saw everything. I saw you take your leave. I saw you walk away. I saw you return.”
“There is no need for you to pry into my private affairs.” Alice was not intimidated by her sister’s attempts to appear threatening. “The truth is, Henrietta, that I was walking with a gentleman for a short while during the fashionable hour. I can assure you that mother remained in our sight at all times.”
This last part, however, was a complete fabrication. Alice had no knowledge as to whether or not she had been able to see her mother during her walk with Lord Foster. She had not cared, just as her mother, in turn, had not cared either as to where Alice might be.
“It is a strange circumstance indeed to seeyouwalking with a gentleman.” Henrietta’s remark was meant to sear Alice, but she did not so much as flinch. “I was quite astonished! Imagine a gentleman finding any reason to be interested in your company.”
That final remark, however, stung - despite Alice’s strong resolve against allowing herself to react to such harsh words. Henrietta’s cruelty cut at her, but she did not allow a single flash of pain to edge its way across her features. It was best that Henrietta did not know that there was any injury, otherwise, no doubt, she would use such words again… and again and again, repeatedly, for the sheer joy of injuring Alice.
“I shall tell Mama.”
A nudge of worry entered Alice’s heart, but she merely shrugged.
“To inform her of what, pray tell? To inform her that I was walking with a gentleman?” Laughing softly, she shook her head, making no attempt to keep the irony from her voice. “Walking with a gentleman? How very daring of me.” Henrietta’s lips twisted. “I am all too aware, dear sister, that you have no expectation of me ever finding a suitor, but it seems that your expectations may be disappointed. Perhaps Ishallfind a suitor and, mayhap, even a husband.”
“You certainly shall not to be courted before I am.” Henrietta’s chin lifted, her eyes sparkling with disdain. “This is your second Season. Your first was entirely unsuccessful, and I am quite certain that your second year will be just as fruitless as the first. This gentleman, whoever he is, will have no interest in you once he realizes who your sister is. Clearly, he has never been introduced to me before, but that is something which can be easily rectified.”
The sheer arrogance in her sister’s voice sent Alice’s spirits tumbling. Was it possible that Henrietta would do whatever she could to make certain that such a thing would take place? Alice was all too aware that Henrietta could turn any gentleman’s head… and his heart, if she wished it.
Lord Foster would never consider Henrietta.
There was a specific arrangement between herself and Lord Foster. It was a strange one, certainly, but there was a mutual trust. Henrietta could do or say whatever she pleased, but Alice was not about to believe her. Her assurance slowly returned, and she threw a hard glance at her sister.
“You must have a great deal of confidence in yourself, Henrietta, to say such a thing as that. Thankfully, I have evenmoreconfidence in my particular gentleman. He will not be swayed by such a selfish, arrogant creature as you.”
Refusing to give her sister another single moment of her attention, Alice rose and made her way from the drawing room, turning her feet in the direction of her bedchamber, only to be stopped by the maid.
“You have a note, Miss.”
A little surprised at the thrill of excitement that ran through her, Alice took it with a murmur of thanks. She did not need to ask who it was from, for only one person would be writing to her at present.
Hurrying to her bedchamber, she closed the door tightly before breaking the seal. Her heart quickened further still as she read the few short lines from Lord Foster. Yes, he would be present this evening at the ball. Again, he would be remaining as inconspicuous as he could, unwilling to step into society. He finished by mentioning that Lady Sarah would be present also, for he had heard from an acquaintance that her father and mother, who were both invited to the ball, had every expectation of attending. It would be an excellent opportunity for Alice, therefore, to speak with the young lady.
Alice nodded to herself, a slight rush of anxiety in her veins. Lord Foster’s story was a strange one indeed, for to hear that he had been in some sort of inebriated state, without actually being inebriated, was a difficult thing to accept. But it had been the fervor in his green eyes which had convinced her of the truth. It was as though she could see written on his expression just how desperate he was for her to believe him. As she had considered it, Alice had thought about just how alone Lord Foster must be at present, placing herself in his situation and seeing the pain which would follow from being pushed away from society. Her heart had softened, and she had agreed to trust him and believe that his story was true. Even now, she could recall the waves of relief that had poured into his features as he had looked back at her. His shoulders had dropped, and his exhalation of breath had been swiftly followed by a smile. She was glad of it. She only prayed she would be able to help him in some way, for this was a very great tangle indeed.
* * *
“My dear Lady Florence.How well you look!”.
To her surprise, Lady Florence looked a good deal happier than Alice had seen her in some time. There was color in her cheeks and her eyes appeared rather brighter, as though she found enjoyment in almost every moment that passed.
“I admit that I feel quite enlivened this evening! I find that I can complain about nothing, for this ball is utterly magnificent, is it not?”
“Good gracious, youarein good spirits.” Smiling, Alice tilted her head so that she could see her friend a little better. “Perhaps you have found a little happiness?”
Lady Florence laughed.
“It is because I have taken your advice, and it is going very well! My father is now considering aparticulargentleman, which has made my heart so very glad indeed. He is to call upon me tomorrow!”
“Then I am very happy for you, and I am glad that there are no lasting effects from your situation with Lord Foster.”
“Certainly, there are not. In fact, I believe there is nothing but encouragement at present. I am very happy, although I will say that I am sorry for Lord Foster. His strange story did not leave me unaffected. It must be rather difficult for him, for very few want to have his company now, unless it is solely to bring a little more gossip about whatever event of theirs he attends.”
They began to wander together through the ballroom, not going in any one particular direction.