Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,102

yet she tried to feign indifference before Mr. Dixon said a few things that elicited another timid smile from the young lady. Wrapping her arm around Mr. Kingsley’s, Sophie held onto it as though that movement might lend Lily some strength.

Chapter 36

Oliver’s heart pounded as though trying to break free of his chest, and his muscles tensed while fretful energy pulsed through him. With eyes fixed on Lily, Oliver watched every dip and twist of the dance, looking for any sign of her pain. There was no mistaking the effects of the blow she’d been dealt, but with Mr. Dixon’s attentions, she seemed to gather her strength once more.

Miss Sophie said a word or two, but Oliver only heard the thumping in his chest and Phyllis’s shrill voice. His lungs sucked in and out, his nostrils flaring as his conscience begged him to bring justice down upon that hag’s head. But even as he wished to do all that an older brother ought to, he had little power when it came to women.

Oliver could not call her out. No matter how his fists wished to deliver a punishment on his sister’s behalf, no amount of righteous anger could justify a physical altercation with Miss Thompson. And there was little else he could do, for the harpy had already made it known how little she cared about his opinion and how low he stood in hers.

“Mr. Kingsley…”

He knew Miss Sophie had been speaking, but Oliver struggled to pull his thoughts away from his sister. Miss Sophie stepped closer, the faint wispy scent of roses and lilacs wrapping around him as she stepped into his view and pulled his attention to her. The young lady’s bright eyes shone with all the concern that churned in Oliver’s heart.

“Lily doesn’t need your anger,” she whispered. “We cannot undo what has happened, and railing against it will not help. She needs your love and support.”

Oliver’s brows drew together, his heart sliding downwards, the weight of it pulling lower and lower in his chest.

“They hurt her because of me,” he whispered back. “They were retaliating on Miss Caswell’s behalf—”

Miss Sophie shook her head, the golden curls bouncing with her vehemence. “They are cruel creatures who cannot stand the thought of others being happy. This is not the first time they’ve hurt Lily—”

“What else have they done?” Oliver straightened, the blood pumping through his veins like fire. He turned towards Phyllis and Hettie, but a tug on his hands had him looking back at Miss Sophie.

“Lily doesn’t need justice. She needs understanding,” said Miss Sophie. “Besides, I have a feeling Miss Caswell is giving them a heaping portion of punishment right now.”

Glancing at the young ladies, it was clear the trio was in the midst of an argument. Their voices did not raise enough to draw attention, but the contention was unmistakable to anyone who glanced in their direction.

“Mr. Kingsley,” murmured Miss Sophie, tugging on Oliver’s arm to draw his attention to the dancers. In the intervening minutes, the music had ended and Mr. Dixon was escorting Lily in their direction with all the gallantry of a knight and lady of old.

“Thank you for honoring me with a dance, Miss Kingsley,” said Mr. Dixon as he released her arm and bowed low over her hand. “You are truly delightful.”

Lily blushed and gave him a watery smile. “You are too kind, Mr. Dixon.”

Waving that away, the gentleman stepped closer and whispered, “Remember what I said. Don’t give those arrogant fools power over your happiness. You are a gem.”

With another bow, the gentleman took his leave, though not before meeting Oliver’s eye with something akin to a challenge, as though warning him to take care of his charge.

“I fear I am quite overheated, Lily,” said Miss Sophie. “Might I persuade you to take the night air with me?”

“That sounds delightful,” came the wobbly reply, and arm-in-arm, the pair strode towards the doors that led outside, leaving Oliver to follow at their heels.

*

“How can you say such a thing to me?” Phyllis’s pale complexion was flushed, her eyes narrowed and burning.

Victoria held onto her temper by the barest of threads, though that was unraveling quickly. If not for the crowds around them, she might let loose more than a few choice phrases she ought not to; as things stood, it was difficult not to allow her volume to rise.

“How can you do such a thing? And in my name?” said Victoria.

Phyllis gaped at her, and her gaze bounced between Victoria