Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,20

fact we’ve argued over for too long, Dosett,” said Mr. Flemming with a laugh as he turned his gaze to Oliver. “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, lad. We could use more gentlemen with good sense in Parliament.”

“Are you implying you have any gentlemen of good sense sitting in the House of Commons?” replied Mr. Dosett in a dry tone. “I find that harder to believe than Mr. Kingsley’s claims.”

Mr. Flemming gave another bark of laughter and the others joined in. But as it died, Mr. Flemming turned his gaze to Oliver. “Have you given any thought to pursuing politics?”

“I fear I am ill-suited for that life,” replied Oliver.

“Nonsense,” said Miss Caswell, her elegant brows pulling together. “You have a keen intellect and a passion for the issues rife in our day and age. You would be a boon to the government and the people whom you represent. Think of the good you could do.”

“Well said, Miss Caswell,” echoed Mr. Flemming. “Logical idealists are a rare breed, and together, you will go far in politics.”

That was a thought. Not one that Oliver had given much credence before, but there was an appeal to the possibilities it outlined. For a moment, Oliver cast his mind to that future, picturing effecting change beyond Bristow’s small borders.

“I will consider it,” said Oliver, and Miss Caswell’s smile widened, lightening her whole face as she squeezed his arm.

Ducking closer, Miss Caswell whispered, “I adore seeing you speak with such conviction.”

And with her cheering him on, Oliver could well believe he was destined for a life in public service.

*

Relaxing her cheeks, Mina Ashbrook forced her smile to soften. The silly thing kept shifting into a grimace, and Mina knew better than to allow gossipmongers and harpies to see her distraught. Like predators scenting weak prey, they could not be trusted; they circled round, waiting for the moment to strike in a savage dance as old as time.

But that was a tad harsh.

Mina gave herself a silent admonition for that uncharitable comparison. Mrs. Nelson was nothing but a product of too much money and time. Like many of their class, boredom filled her days, leaving her to seek creative means of entertainment. Unfortunately for Mina, Mrs. Nelson preferred gossip and drama.

That said, Mina felt not a shred of guilt over her thoughts for Mrs. Susannah Banfield. Snake. Harpy. Whether real or mythical, there were plenty of creatures that reminded Mina of that woman.

“We needn’t stay, dearest,” whispered Simon, as Mina clutched his arm closer. The pair strolled around the edge of the drawing room as others gathered around card tables.

“I shan’t flee like a child,” replied Mina. “Oliver is on the brink of marrying Miss Caswell, and Lily is so pleased to be with her friends once more. I will not ruin this for them, nor will I abandon my children to be unsupervised while the Banfields are about.”

“But I cannot stand the thought of you forced into such an intolerable situation. I shan’t allow you to be hurt by her venom again.”

Pulling Simon to a halt, Mina turned to face him, and how she wished they were alone so she could kiss that dear, sweet man. His gaze met hers, and the words she’d meant to speak were swept from her mind by what she examined in those dark depths. Fate had repaid all the long, lonely years of her youth with an overabundance of happiness and love. Simon had feet of clay—as all do—but how she adored him, and when he looked at her with such devotion and concern, it was impossible to remember his shortcomings.

“I love you, Simon Kingsley,” she whispered, shifting her hold on his arm until their gloved hands were covertly clasped together.

“I still find that difficult to believe.” His thumb brushed over the back of her hand, and Mina leaned into his side, longing for privacy.

“Do not fret, my love,” said Mina. “I wished never to set eyes on the Banfields again, but much has changed since our last interaction, and I am not afraid of her.”

Simon nodded, though he looked ready to flee.

“Besides,” she added, “as of yet, she has not approached or given any hint that she wishes to acknowledge us.”

But even as she said that Mina knew better. Susannah Banfield was a cunning huntress. And if summoned by her vain hope, Mrs. Banfield and Mrs. Nelson strode over arm-in-arm.

“Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley, I am so pleased you’ve joined us for the evening,” said Mrs. Nelson, giving