“I am so pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Grace, and wish to offer my sincere felicitations on your marriage.” Imogen’s voice was as musical as bells, her curtsy a masterpiece of grace. “And I must apologize for calling at this unfashionable hour. I was running an errand in the neighborhood and thought I would stop by for a quick visit. Knighton being an old family friend, he and I do not usually stand on formality.”
“You are welcome to visit whene’er you wish, my lady.” Fancy forced the words out. “And it’s a pleasure to meet any friend o’ my ’usband.”
“You are too kind.” Imogen smiled as if Fancy had done her the greatest favor. “I understand that this is your first trip to London?”
Fancy looked at Knight, wondering how much information he’d shared about their marriage with his former love. His expression was impassive, but the tense line of his shoulders betrayed his discomfort. In her heart, she trusted him not to betray her: he’d promised to be true, and he was a man of his word. Yet now that he was seeing her and Imogen together, was he comparing them…and finding Fancy lacking? Despair and hot humiliation welled in Fancy’s breast. Why couldn’t she have had some warning, maybe a week or two to prepare?
What difference would it make? You’ll ne’er match the perfection o’ Lady Imogen Cardiff.
“Yes, it’s my first time ’ere,” she said dully.
“Please, call me Imogen. It would be so lovely for us to be friends.”
For some reason, which could very well be her own jealous heart, Fancy didn’t find the other’s smile convincing. “Then…I’m Fancy.”
She sounded awkward and ungracious, but Imogen seemed to take no notice.
“If you need my help with anything at all, Fancy, do not hesitate to ask. I can recommend the most fashionable establishments for ladies of quality,” Imogen said. “Some of these places do have a waiting list, but I would be happy to speak on your behalf. In light of your, ahem, circumstances.”
Fancy found herself gritting her teeth. Although she wasn’t cultured, she was plenty experienced when it came to being patronized. She would rather wear her pink dress forever than accept the lady’s help.
“Aunt Esther ’as a plan,” she said curtly. “I’m sure she’ll take care o’ me.”
“How delightful. Well, I mustn’t take up more of your time,” Imogen said smoothly. “I hope to see you soon?”
The last was clearly directed at Knight, who gave a short bow. “Thank you for stopping by, my lady.”
After Imogen departed, leaving a trail of Attar of Roses in her wake, silence blanketed the room. Emotions roiled in Fancy’s breast. They were too confusing and too terrifying to share when her husband had that distant look in his eyes, his jaw taut and body braced. Her passionate, tender lover of the night before had vanished, and she wasn’t sure who the stranger was before her.
No, she had seen him this way before. That night at the pond. Had he been brooding over Imogen then?
Unable to bear the silent agony, she said, “I wanted to ask you something.”
His eyes were wary. “Yes?”
“You said you would take me to see Bea today. Could we go now?”
“Of course.” Relief spread over his rugged features. “Will leaving in ten minutes suit you?”
She nodded.
“I’ll see you then.” He left the room as if the hounds of hell were at his heels.
Alone, she stared after him, torn between her deepest yearning and the realization of what she was up against if she wanted to win her husband’s heart.
20
“I want all the details, my dear,” Bea said the instant Knight and Mr. Murray left the room. “I leave you alone for less than a month, and you become a duchess!”
Fancy was seated with her bosom chum in the drawing room of Mr. Murray’s townhouse. The carriage ride over had been strained, with Knight continuing to be remote and lost in thought. Upon their arrival, they’d received a surprised but delighted welcome from Bea and Mr. Murray. The pair had wonderful news to share: the villain who’d masterminded the attacks on Bea—and Fancy’s kidnapping—had been defeated and could cause no further trouble.
The problem with the mobs blaming Bea for the crashing railways stocks was also over. After her harrowing adventures, Bea had discovered that true security lay in the love between her and Mr. Murray and not in a piece of land. She’d decided to sell her property to Great London National Railway; using