eyes. She fell into step with him behind Miss Truax and Mr. Collier.
Mr. Collier cut a fine figure in his buckskins and jacket. His bulging calves reminded her of Luke’s glorious body and the way he had touched her their last night at the cottage. How she would love to steal away for another assignation, but Luke had warned her that he wouldn’t have much leisure time until he had a handle on the books.
Vivi tipped her head to the side, intrigued by the movement of Mr. Collier’s calves as he sauntered along the path. There was an odd shifting back and forth like a clock pendulum. She opened her mouth to ask Lord Brookhaven if he thought the gentleman padded his calves, but snapped it shut again.
Sweet strawberry jam. Maybe she did require a keeper.
Mr. Collier glanced over his shoulder as if sensing he was being watched. She looked away quickly. He stopped and spun around with a wide grin. He had nice teeth and full lips that were better suited for a lady. For that matter, his lushly curled eyelashes combined with his rosy cheeks made him much too pretty for a man. She might think him handsome if his smile ever reached his pale blue eyes.
“I am told there will be dancing this evening. Perhaps you ladies will allow me to sign your dance cards.”
Miss Truax pursed her lips and glanced between Mr. Collier and Vivi.
Lord Brookhaven gestured to the path with his stick. “The ladies are expected, Mr. Collier. Let’s not detain them.”
The gentleman laughed and offered his escort to Miss Truax again.
Vivi didn’t see what he found humorous. He was an odd fellow to be sure.
She breathed a sigh of relief when they emerged from the gardens.
“How lovely to see you again, my lord. Mr. Collier.” Vivi’s smile didn’t reach her eyes either. “Miss Truax, thank you for the kind invitation to join you this afternoon. Now, if you will excuse me, I should begin preparations to attend dinner this evening.”
She dashed for the house without waiting for a reply. When she passed into the darker interior of the castle, light footsteps sounded on the stone floor behind her.
“Lady Vivian, please wait.”
She bit back a curse. It was Miss Truax. Vivi stopped and tried to appear patient when she turned to face the woman. “Yes, Miss Truax? How may I help you?”
Miss Truax slumped over, resting her hands on her knees, breathing heavily. “Mr. Collier,” she said, panting hard.
“What about him?”
“H-how do…you…know him?”
Vivi crossed her arms. “His Grace introduced us the first night of our journey. He and Lord Brookhaven joined our party for dinner.”
Miss Truax frowned. “Oh.”
“Why do you ask how I know him?”
“I thought—”
When she didn’t finish speaking, Vivi waved for her to continue. “Tell me what you thought, Miss Truax, so I may put your mind at ease before I retire to my chambers.”
The lady straightened, having caught her breath. “Lady Vivian, I am sorry for my harsh words earlier. The Forests have been through a trying time this past year.”
Miss Truax held a hand out to her in offering. “Please understand I only want to save them from further heartache. Mr. Collier seems to hold you in high esteem. If you return his regard, you shouldn’t allow Luke to believe your affections are his to win.”
Vivi’s smile was tight. “His Grace is well aware of where my affections lie.”
“Of course.” Her hand dropped by her side. “Others may wonder too, my lady, if they see you in Mr. Collier’s company. This family does not need any more problems. They are good people.”
“Thank you for your concern, Miss Truax. I can assure you I have no intentions of causing any trouble.” Vivi wheeled around and marched for the staircase.
Miss Truax’s words repeated in her head all the way to her chambers. When she closed the door, she leaned against it with a defeated sigh.
How long would it be before she embarrassed Luke and made his family a source of ridicule? It hadn’t taken long at all when she had moved in with her cousin. The village had already been gossiping about her unladylike behaviors long before Mrs. Honeywell spread the rumor about her being ruined. Her past actions had probably made the gossip easier to believe.
Luke’s family didn’t need any more problems, and that was all Vivi had been most of her life.
One giant problem.
Twenty-one
Vivi’s heartbeat sped up as Luke offered his escort to the ballroom. Her mood had improved upon seeing