Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,21

them a warm smile, her eyes shining with eager delight. “Allow me to introduce you to Mrs. Banfield. I am so pleased she and her family have agreed to join us.”

“In truth, I am well acquainted with the Kingsleys,” replied Mrs. Banfield, giving Mrs. Nelson an apologetic smile.

The lady feigned a blush. “Of course. How silly of me. I had entirely forgotten they were the ones who brought you to our dear village all those years ago when we first met. I do owe you both such a debt of gratitude, for without your invitation, I may not have made friends with this wonderful creature.”

“You are too kind, my dear Mrs. Nelson,” replied Mrs. Banfield with a light tap of her fan against the other’s arm.

And in a trice, Mina realized she had underestimated Mrs. Nelson. She did not have Mrs. Banfield’s cruel bent, but she did go to great lengths to cause trouble wherever she could, as though her ennui was only satisfied when others were made to dance to her tune.

“We didn’t realize you two had forged such a strong friendship,” said Simon in a tight tone, and Mina held firm to his arm, lending him strength and patience.

“Mrs. Nelson is such a darling,” said Mrs. Banfield.

“And now you are being far too kind,” replied Mrs. Nelson.

Mina had once heard of fish that swam alongside sharks, feeding off the leftover morsels those larger predators did not consume, and it felt a rather apt comparison for the pair. Though they were different breeds with different weapons at their disposal, they were predators all the same.

“I understand you have quite the multitude of festivities planned during the party,” said Mina, hoping a change in subject might ease the growing tension. It was another vain hope, but Mina refused to surrender.

“Certainly,” said Mrs. Nelson. “And I do hope you and your family will join us for much of them.”

For if they did not, Mrs. Nelson would have no highlight to her entertainment; the Kingsleys were the unwitting centerpiece of her machinations. But Mina chided herself for allowing the lady to rattle her so. On her own, Mrs. Nelson was an annoyance but not malevolent, and it was not fair to condemn her simply because that lady’s shortcomings were so easy to see.

“We have already accepted, and we shan’t go back on our word,” said Mina, wishing she’d pressed the Nelsons further to discover the entirety of their guest list before committing to attend.

“I hope to have a peaceful and…” Simon’s voice drifted off, the corners of his smile straining. “…civil time together.”

Mrs. Banfield gave a trilling laugh and a shake of her head that set her golden ringlets dancing. “You speak as though you expect the worst of this visit, but I am certain it will be vastly entertaining.”

The Susannah Banfield of the past had been a subtle creature; each look and touch was formed to convey innocence to the casual viewer and an invitation to those of a mind to accept it. That cunning shroud of virtue had caused Mina much heartache in her younger years when Simon had seen only that and not the selfish heart beneath it.

The Susannah Banfield of the present still clung to that shroud, but it was little more than a gauzy veil, hardly masking her true intentions. With a graceful hand, she caressed Simon’s arm with a gleam in her gaze that promised far more, should he wish it. Those outside their circle of conversation would see nothing amiss, but those inside it could not mistake her brazen act.

Simon jerked out of reach, his expression hardening, even as he fought to remain stoic over the liberty Mrs. Banfield had taken, and Mina clenched her jaw, her heart slamming against her ribs, pushing her to slap the harlot away. The lady smiled, and Mina saw the glint of amusement and satisfaction shining in her eyes.

“It is good to see you again,” said Mrs. Banfield, steering Mrs. Nelson away.

Neither Simon nor Mina spoke. Holding firm to her husband’s arm, Mina wished she could ease the anger thrumming through him. Turning him away from the crowd, Mina pressed a hand to his cheek—not caring if anyone witnessed the tender touch.

“How dare they treat us this way!” Simon’s words were hard, but he kept his tone low. “We’ve had our differences with the Nelsons, but they know the history between us and are taunting us with it now.”

“Peace, my love,” said Mina, nudging his face so that his