CHAPTER 17

Verity had nervous butterflies flapping away in the pit of her stomach as she reached Lady Maria's Garden with her mother and brother in tow. But this time, it wasn't so much the party that had her anxiety levels rising. It was the thought of seeing him once more.

Lord Philip Easton.

Her brother's words floated through her mind. The harsh words he used when he reminded her that the Marquess of Eilendale would never look her way because of her age and status. She also knew that Cedric wanted to match Philip with his sister. Yet she still could not help herself.

Her eyes wanted to find him, and only him.

They stepped in to the lush gardens which were abuzz with the gentle murmur of conversation as the guests mingled. But soon her eyes found what they were looking for.

There he is. Verity's heart skipped a beat as she found Philip across the lawn looking absolutely dashing in his tailored coat and breeches.

Almost as if he could sense her eyes upon him, Philip glanced up and met her gaze. Verity nearly shuddered with desire as a warm smile spread across his face. The butterflies that had been fluttering in her stomach before grew to the size of birds. She could hardly contain herself as she grinned back. A big part of her wanted to cross the lawn to speak with only him. There was no one else here that would capture her attention in the same way.

But she could not move. She wasn't given the chance to do so.

"Good morning, Lady Sinclair."

Her heart sunk as Ambrose crept up beside her, followed by his daughters, of course. It would not be the same if Amelia and Cordelia were not shooting daggers her way.

But they were not the only ones.

Henry was also glaring at Verity, trying to silently warn her that she had no choice but to engage in polite conversation with Ambrose and his smirking children.

Verity forced herself to smile. "Good morning, Lord Aldford. How are you?"

"Oh, well I am quite well." He let out a misplaced laugh. "The garden is looking rather wonderful for a tea party."

"Yes… it is."

The conversation always felt so formal, so stilted. Verity never quite knew what she was supposed to say to say to him.

It wasn't like when she talked to Philip. With him, she could never stop herself from talking. She never ran out of things to say to him.

If only she did not have her brother staring at her, then she could escape this suffocating presence. He was right there, almost within touching distance, yet Verity was trapped here, unable to go anywhere.

"What lawn games do you think Lady Maria will have for us today?"

"Erm…" Verity's cheeks burned. How could she answer Ambrose when his daughters were making such an effort to laugh nastily at her. "I am not sure. Battledore, probably, and perhaps Shuttlecock as well."

"Yes, well I was always known for my shuttlecock game, so that should be interesting…"

As Ambrose droned on, bragging about his skill when it came to lawn games, Verity desperately sought out an escape. There was no way that she could stand to have this conversation for any longer than she absolutely had to, it was agonizing.

"Oh, my cousin, Faye, is calling me over to the refreshments' table," Verity suddenly declared. "I should go and see what the emergency is."

"Oh, of course." Ambrose nodded, not at all concerned. "I have many people that I need to catch up with as well."

Verity did not dare believe that this was the end of it. She was sure that she would be forced to see Ambrose again before the soiree was over, but she was relieved to have a moment to herself for the time being.

She got herself a drink and stood by the wall, trying to catch her breath before the next drama came her way. However, her moment of solace was short lived, as was the relief that she had just been feeling.

In fact, she would have preferred to stay close to Ambrose rather than face this.

"Well hello there, Lady Sinclair. It has been far too long."

Daphne.

Now this was the worst thing that had happened to her in a very long time.

It was bad enough that she had to see Daphne again, but now her old best friend was going to talk to her as well?

"Good afternoon, Lady Fitzwilliam."

It was so strange to call Daphne by that name. But if she did not wish to draw any eyes her way, then she had to pretend to be unbothered. Even if she wanted to scream and lose her mind.

"I have just seen you talking with Lord Aldford, which is lovely to see." A smugness radiated through Daphne. "It's good to see you seeking out a suitable match. Someone who may offer you just some of the love that my darling husband offers me. Oh, I cannot imagine life without Cedric now. It would not be worth living."

Anger bundled up inside of Verity.

How could she ever have trusted Daphne and thought of her as a friend? Was she always this cruel? Or did the fact that she knew she had done something wrong turn her in to someone else? Because it seemed very strange that she did not seem to have even a scrap of guilt when they truly were the best of friends.

"Do you think you will marry this one, Verity? Or are you planning on being a spinster forever? Because it would be such a shame for you not to find love… or at the very least, a husband."

Verity's pulse quickened as she fought to maintain her composure. Daphne's satisfaction at her discomfort was palpable, and it was taking everything within Verity not to let her emotions show.

"Thank you, Lady Fitzwilliam. Your concern is noted," Verity responded coolly, hoping to end the conversation.

"Oh, but Verity," Daphne continued, leaning in conspiratorially, "I do worry about you. It must be so difficult, being of a certain age and still unwed. The pressure to find someone suitable must be immense."

Verity's grip tightened around her glass. "I assure you, Daphne, I am perfectly capable of managing my own affairs."

"Are you really, though?" Daphne's voice dripped with false sweetness. "I mean, with your reputation in tatters…"

Because of you!

Verity wanted to scream.

A hot flush spread across her cheeks. "I have no desire to relive the past, Daphne. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from bringing it up."

Daphne's eyes glittered maliciously. "Oh, of course. It must hurt so much. Especially seeing my happiness now…."

Verity's hands trembled with barely suppressed rage. "I see no need to discuss this further. I have moved on, and I suggest you do the same."

"Moved on?" Daphne laughed lightly, the sound grating on Verity's nerves. "Well, I suppose that is one way to put it. But tell me, how does one move on from such public disgrace? It must be terribly lonely."

Verity's chest tightened with a mix of anger and sadness.

"I find solace in my passions and my friends," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "True friends, which is."

Daphne's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered her composure. "Oh, Verity, ever the noble soul. Well, I do hope you find some measure of happiness. It must be quite the challenge."

Verity felt a surge of defiance. "I assure you, Daphne, I am content with my life as it is. And as for challenges, I believe I am more than capable of overcoming them."

Daphne's eyes narrowed, sensing the steel beneath Verity's words. "Well, I must be going. Cedric is waiting for me, and you know how impatient he can be." She offered a final, condescending smile. "Do take care, Verity."

As Daphne walked away, her head held high, Verity felt a mix of relief and lingering anger. Just as she was about to let her emotions overwhelm her, Faye appeared at her side, sensing Verity's frayed nerves.

"Verity, are you alright?" Faye asked, her voice full of concern.

Verity took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I am now, thank you, Faye. Daphne… she knows exactly how to reopen old wounds."

Faye wrapped an arm around her cousin's shoulders, providing much needed comfort. "Ignore her, Verity. She is just trying to make herself feel superior. She has always been that way."

Verity nodded, grateful for Faye's support. "It's just so difficult, seeing her so happy with Cedric when it should have been me."

Faye squeezed her shoulder gently. "You deserve so much more than what Cedric could ever offer. And you will find it. Someone who truly appreciates you for who you are."

Verity managed a small smile. "Thank you, Faye. Although it's hard to focus on that right now."

Faye smiled back. "Come on, let us get another drink and enjoy the garden. We are not going to let Daphne ruin our day."

As they made their way to the refreshment table, Philip's eyes caught Verity's once more. This time, there was no mistaking the concern in his gaze. He took a step towards her, but before he could reach her, Lady Rosalind intercepted him again, demanding his attention.

Verity took a sip of her drink, trying to enjoy the moment despite the lingering sting of Daphne's words.

Faye's presence was a reminder that she wasn't alone, and for now, that was enough. As the call to the garden tea table sounded, Verity felt a mix of anticipation and dread. The guests began to make their way over, and Verity found herself led by Faye to a seat next to Ambrose and his daughters.

Across the table, Philip was seated next to Lady Rosalind, who seemed to be relishing every moment of his company. Verity tried to focus on the pleasant chatter around her, but the stifling presence of Ambrose and his daughters made it difficult. Amelia and Cordelia's snide whispers and disapproving glances were impossible to ignore.

Ambrose, ever the self-important gentleman, seemed oblivious to the discomfort he and his daughters were causing.

"Such a lovely spread, don't you think, Lady Sinclair?" Ambrose remarked, his tone condescending. "Lady Maria has outdone herself."

"Yes, it's quite lovely," Verity replied, forcing a polite smile.

Verity forced herself to engage in the conversation, but her mind kept drifting to Philip. Across the table, Lady Rosalind leaned in close to him, her hand resting possessively on his arm as she engaged him in animated conversation. Philip appeared polite, but Verity noticed the subtle discomfort in his posture.

"Lady Sinclair, are you listening?" Ambrose's voice broke through her thoughts, his breath reeking of alcohol fumes, making her feel nauseous.

"Yes, of course," she replied, trying to focus. "You were saying?"

"I was just mentioning how delightful it's to see young ladies such as yourself taking an interest in the finer things," Ambrose drawled, clearly enjoying his own voice more than any response she might offer. Since Verity had no idea what he was drunkenly drawling about, she could hardly fathom a response.

His daughters, Amelia and Cordelia, exchanged smug glances, their eyes filled with derision.

Verity nodded politely, her mind still on Philip. She glanced over again and saw Lady Rosalind laughing, her head thrown back in an exaggerated display of mirth.

A pang of jealousy and longing pierced Verity's heart, and she silently chastised herself for allowing her emotions to run wild.

Ambrose droned on, oblivious to her distraction. "And of course, it's important for young women to find suitable matches. Speaking of which, my daughters will have quite the array of suitors, do you not agree, Lady Sinclair?"

Verity bit back a retort, instead forcing a smile. "I am sure they will, Lord Aldford."

The tea progressed slowly, each minute feeling like an eternity. Verity struggled to maintain her composure, her heart aching with every laugh and touch between Philip and Lady Rosalind.

She could see the way Rosalind clung to him, the way she monopolized his attention, and it hurt more than she cared to admit.

As the tea concluded, Lady Maria rose gracefully from her seat, drawing everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the afternoon's activities will now commence. You are welcome to explore the gardens, or perhaps participate in a game of battledore and shuttlecock. The choice is yours. Enjoy!"

Verity watched as Ambrose stood up and made his way towards her brother, Henry. Her heart sank as she imagined the conversation they were likely having. No doubt discussing the prospects of a match between herself and Ambrose. The thought of being trapped in a loveless marriage with a gentleman who could barely stay sober made her stomach churn.

Suddenly, just as she was about to lose her mind, a figure appeared beside her.

"Lady Sinclair, would you do me the honor of a stroll through the grounds?"

Philip appeared at her side, offering his arm, like a much-needed angel.

Verity's heart raced at the unexpected invitation. "Of course, Lord Easton," she replied, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

She felt a surge of relief as she took his arm, grateful for the escape from her troubling thoughts about Ambrose. The eyes of the ton as well.