Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,71
“You will never let me forget that, will you?”
The situation did not deserve a laugh, but Victoria felt like doing so anyway. “Not until you make things right with your lady love.” Taking his arm once more, she pulled him along the path with a smile. “If you must know, I plan on telling them the truth: we do not suit. That is the heart of the issue, and the details of our parting are no one’s business but our own.”
Mr. Kingsley slanted a glance in Victoria’s direction. “You are being far kinder than I deserve.”
“That assumes I am merely a victim of your choices, but we both had a hand in this,” she replied.
Victoria did not know if Mr. Kingsley intended to argue the point, but as they were fast approaching the others, there was nothing more to be said. What was done was done. She repeated that to herself as her parents and friends all turned towards them at their approach. Victoria counted herself lucky that any announcement was expected only after their respective families had been told privately; her friends fairly vibrated with the need to know what had transpired, but none would be so gauche as to ask the couple directly.
Not yet.
But that did not mean they could not ask vague but pointed inquiries. Not wishing to give rise to any hopes, Victoria released Mr. Kingsley’s arm, and the pair drifted off in different directions. That caused some raised brows, but it did little to temper the curiosity and silent congratulations pointed at them.
Pushing it from her thoughts, Victoria feigned indifference and took up a proffered battledore as Hettie and Phyllis skirted the subject. With a smile, Victoria smacked the shuttlecock, sending it flying through the air to Lily.
And though Victoria knew all attention was fixed on her and Mr. Kingsley, she felt the weightiness of a particular set of eyes. Her gaze drifted from her companions to meet Mr. Dixon’s, who watched her with that unflinching regard of his. Fumbling with her battledore, she spun it in her hand and feigned ignorance at the unspoken question radiating from him.
The shuttlecock struck Victoria’s head, eliciting laughter and groans as it fell to the ground. In a flash, she snatched it up and sent it rocketing through the air once more.
But no matter how she tried, she could not put him out of her thoughts. Meeting Mr. Dixon’s eyes, Victoria gave a slow shake of her head. A spark brightened his gaze, lightening his expression, and she gave him a more resounding shake of her head, for her present matrimonial state did not alter their situation; her family’s finances were still in need of assistance, and her sisters’ futures rested on Victoria’s shoulders. Mr. Kingsley may not be a viable option, but he was not the last gentleman of consequence and fortune available to her.
Yet her refusal did not dim the hope gleaming in Mr. Dixon’s eyes. Rather, the rascal dared to wink, his smile growing as he watched her.
Chapter 26
Though many claimed society was the only true source of engaging conversation, most discourses relied on set subjects with little variation. In many ways, it was a kindness, as it allowed those with little wit or intelligence to contribute, and Oliver felt infinitely grateful for it as he struggled with both for the duration of the afternoon. Luckily, gathering clouds did as much to clear the party as did the lateness of the hour, rescuing him from further discussion.
It was a miracle he was able to function in any form after the insanity he’d suffered today.
“The carriage is ready,” said Father, nodding for his son to follow.
Shoulders tightening, Oliver fought not to rake his hands through his hair. Their eyes locked for a moment, but he turned his away, hoping his father wouldn’t see the guilt written in his expression.
“I believe I shall walk,” replied Oliver.
Father gave him a sly smile. “No doubt you wish to have a few more moments with a certain young lady, but don’t take too long. Your mother shan’t forgive you if you are late for the celebratory dinner she is planning.”
Oliver rubbed at the back of his neck and nodded, though he could not meet his father’s gaze again. The older gentleman gave his son a warm pat on the shoulder and turned away. Waiting until Father was safely ensconced in the carriage, Oliver hurried up the front steps to the waiting footman at the door.