Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

“ I think everyone is looking at me,” Ciara whispered to her friend, Adeline Middleton, who stood next to her in the middle of the garden party.

Although the sprawling gardens, meticulously manicured with vibrant blooms, offered a respite from the hustle and bustle of busy London streets, Ciara could not rest easy. She could feel the weight of countless eyes upon her. She took a deep breath in an effort to steady her nerves.

“How could they not?” Adeline replied reassuringly as she always did. “You look lovelier than a rose in full bloom.”

Ciara chuckled. Her gown truly was the color of a red rose, a daring choice she would not have chosen if Adeline had not persuaded her into it, and now, she felt awkward and out of place. “Did you read that in a book?”

“Actually, yes,” Adeline replied, and both girls laughed melodiously.

Adeline’s presence had always been a balm to Ciara’s frayed nerves, a constant source of comfort and stability. Social events such as this one always felt overwhelming, especially the constant whispers and furtive glances which unsettled her more than she was willing to admit. She felt as if everyone could see right through her into her very soul and pick apart everything she had been so desperately trying to keep together ever since she had been rescued from the nunnery by Penelope, Adeline’s sister, and her husband, James.

“I feel like everyone seems eager to catch a glimpse of the infamous Miss Everton,” Ciara said mockingly. “I feel as if I am under severe scrutiny.”

Adeline nodded sympathetically. “I can imagine. But remember, most of these people are just curious. Their lives are infinitely dull, and when someone has had… as many adventures as you have, it is natural for them to want to know all about it.”

“Adventures?” Ciara laughed, appreciating the word her friend used. “That is the last thing I would call my life, but I suppose that is one way to look at it.”

“It is all about perspective, my dear Ciara,” Adeline chirped, looking about. “And curiosity is an omnipresent human condition.”

Ciara glanced around, noticing the subtle stares and whispers among the guests. She could feel their scrutiny like a physical presence, making her skin prickle with discomfort. “Curiosity or gossip, it’s all the same to me. I just want to get through this without making a spectacle of myself.

Adeline reached out and squeezed her hand. “You are doing wonderfully, Ciara. And if anyone dares to say otherwise, they will have to answer to me.”

Ciara could not help but laugh softly at that. “Thank you, Addie. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“Thankfully, you will never have to find out,” Adeline said with a wink. “Now, how about we go find something to drink? A glass of lemonade should help take the edge off. Or maybe something a bit stronger?”

“No, lemonade will be fine,” Ciara shook her head, wondering how that might look, served on top of the tales that had already been spinning about her in the ton.

As they walked towards the refreshment table, Ciara felt a bit of her tension ease. With Adeline by her side, she could face the whispers and the stares. For the first time that afternoon, she allowed herself to enjoy the beauty of the garden, the warmth of the sun on her skin, and the simple pleasure of a friend’s company. However, that moment of serenity didn’t last long.

Ciara immediately noticed her coming. Miss Sarah Danforth, the daughter of the Viscount of Hartford, was in the company of two of her friends, whom Ciara did not know by name. Sarah was known for her unforgiving tongue and penchant for gossip, and Ciara could immediately notice the flicker of malice in the young woman’s eyes as she approached them, leading her two friends with her.

“Oh, Miss Everton!” Sarah began, her voice laden with false sweetness, the likes of which Ciara could immediately recognize. “Fancy meeting you here!”

“Miss Danforth,” Ciara nodded curtly at her then nodded one more time in the direction of her friends, who seemed equally amused by what was happening as Sarah herself was.

“Hello, Miss Danforth,” Adeline shot her own cold greeting, but Sarah gave her a dismissive smile, focusing once again on Ciara.

“I didn’t know whether to believe the rumors or not when I heard you were back home,” Sarah launched her barrage of prying questions. “There is just so much we don’t know!”

“Isn’t that an omnipresent human condition?” Ciara threw an amused glance in Adeline’s direction, but it flew over Sarah’s head.

“Is it really true that you lived in a nunnery? My goodness! I can only imagine what that must have felt like. Did you ever consider taking vows? It must have been so different over there. Do you find all this,” she gestured at the bustling garden, “overwhelming? I mean, even a… rebel such as yourself might not find it so easy to readjust to life in the ton, especially after everything you have done. People do make terrible mistakes, but I suppose some are not that easily forgotten, are they?”

“I—”

“No,” Adeline interfered immediately, taking a step in front of Ciara. “What she does find overwhelming are foolish questions asked by people who have no business asking them.”

Ciara almost gasped loudly at her best friend’s comment, which even took her off guard. Sarah and her friends looked shocked, their eyes wide with disbelief. But Adeline stood there, unapologetically staring back at Sarah, who quickly regained composure.

“Oh, come now, Miss Middleton,” Sarah said with mock innocence, as her friends giggled behind her. “We are just curious. It is not every day we stumble upon someone with such an… interesting background. A nunnery, of all places! I must say, it does make one wonder what sort of life led to such an exile. Whispers say it takes quite the scandal to be sent away like that. Secrets always have a way of coming out, don’t they? Especially the sordid ones. Perhaps, Miss Everton, you could enlighten us all with the tawdry details? After all, if one lived through something, one should be bold enough to tell about it.”

Ciara knew what that meant. They probably knew what landed her in the nunnery in the first place. She had a feeling that all of London knew it. Her life was an open book for everyone to see, for everyone to make fun of. It was an unbearable feeling.

She tugged at Adeline’s sleeve, wanting to escape the conversation. “Please, Adeline, let’s just go.”

Adeline hesitated, glaring at Sarah. “You should be ashamed of yourself, Miss Danforth.”

Sarah’s eyes widened in mock innocence. “I didn’t mean to offend her. I was merely asking questions, trying to be friendly. After all, not everyone finds themselves hidden away after such… indiscretions. One must wonder, with such a tainted past, what future can one possibly hope for? A gentleman of good standing would think twice, wouldn’t he?”

“If that is you being friendly, I dread to think how you behave otherwise,” Adeline said with chosen words, but Ciara could hear the rage boiling just underneath the surface.

Ciara could not take it any longer. “Excuse us,” she addressed Sarah and her friends as she tugged Adeline away.

The laughter of the ladies they left behind rang in her ears for a long time afterward. Adeline herself looked frustrated, but she allowed Ciara to lead her away, casting one last scathing look over her shoulder.

Once they were out of earshot, Adeline turned to Ciara, her expression softening. “That was really mean of her, Ciara. I am sorry. I should have thrown a glass of red wine on her gown.”

Ciara’s eyes widened in amusement as she imagined the commotion, but even that was not enough to make her feel better. “It’s not your fault, Adeline. You cannot repair what was once broken or pretend that it never broke in the first place…” She sighed heavily. She felt as if she were a burden to her friend, who instead of having fun had to be her line of defense. A part of her wished she had not come at all. “I… I just need a moment to myself. Do you mind?”

Adeline’s prior frustration now completely melted into concern for her friend. “Of course, Ciara. You take a few moments to yourself; I will be by the refreshments table.”

“All right,” Ciara nodded. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” Adeline smiled, taking her friend by the hand. “I am here for you for whatever you need.”

Ciara gave her a grateful nod and hurried off, weaving through the crowd until she found a secluded spot in the garden. She leaned against a tree, taking deep breaths to calm herself. The interaction with Sarah had rattled her more than she wanted to admit. She closed her eyes, trying to push away the feeling of being scrutinized and judged.

“Trying to hide from everyone, I see?” she suddenly heard a familiar voice.

She opened her eyes, and the sight of her uncle, Brendan Snowley, the Earl of Hopwich, greeted her.

“Is it that obvious?” she asked with a shy smile, feeling a tidal wave of relief upon seeing him.

“I saw what happened,” he admitted, standing by her side.

“It’s just… people being their worst selves,” she said with a dismissive half-shrug.

“Why does it bother you then?” he asked.

“I wish everyone would just leave me alone,” she confessed her deepest desire, one she knew would never come true.

He laughed as if she had said the funniest thing in the world. “Yes, we all wish that sometimes.”

She sighed. “I thought I was ready for this,” she mused. “But… it’s harder than I expected.”

He turned to her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You are doing wonderfully, Ciara. Don’t allow a few thoughtless people to make you doubt yourself.”

She looked up at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Uncle Brendan. I needed to hear that.”

“Shall we go back?” he suggested.

“If you don’t mind, I would like to stay here for a few moments longer,” she said apologetically. “I will return to the party soon.”

He nodded again, his expression gentle. “Of course, take all the time you need.”

As he walked away, Ciara took a deep breath, feeling a bit more grounded. She was grateful for her uncle’s understanding and patience. Although he was also no stranger to letting her know when he didn’t agree with her actions, he was still on her side, no matter what. Knowing she had his support gave her the strength she needed to face the gathering once more.

But not just yet.

“Ah, there you are,” Jonathan approached his cousin, who was gracefully mingling with the other guests at the garden party. His tall, well-built frame stood out among the crowd, and despite his unkempt appearance from that morning, he still managed to exude a certain rugged charm. “You owe me for this favor, you know.”

She turned to him, laughing. “Need I remind you that I used my own favor to drag you here?”

“Yes, and now you owe me a favor back,” he said much to the amusement of them both. “Everyone around here is so dreadfully dull, Becky. And what’s worse, there is hardly any real alcohol to make it bearable.”

“Thank goodness for that,” she rolled her eyes playfully. “Who knows what alcohol would make you do?”

He smirked, his dark blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “And here I am, so very well-behaved.”

She could not suppress a smile. “Just try not to cause any scandals this time, for my sake?”

Jonathan sighed dramatically but acquiesced, “I will do my best, but don’t expect any miracles.”

Rebecca laughed softly, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Just try not to corrupt anyone too much.”

Jonathan gave a mock salute, his grin widening. “I will be on my best behavior, then. No promises, though.”

Just as he was about to suggest they take a walk away from the crowd, a young lady approached them.

“Lady Kirdale!” the lady gushed upon reaching them. “How lovely to see you!”

“Miss Danforth,” Rebecca smiled back. She turned to her cousin. “You do remember my cousin, Jonathan Whitlock, the Duke of Silverbrook?”

“Of course, how do you do, Your Grace?” Sarah smiled, curtsying. There was nothing outstanding about the girl or her persona. She blended so easily into the sea of other equally charming and lovely young ladies who had nothing spectacular about them.

Jonathan smiled back, suppressing a yawn. “Lovely to see you again, Miss Danforth.”

“Such a lovely gathering, isn’t it?” she asked cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with obvious interest.

Rebecca nodded politely. “Indeed, Miss Danforth. How are you enjoying the party?”

“Oh, it’s splendid,” Sarah replied, her gaze shifting immediately to Jonathan. “Your Grace, I heard you recently returned from a trip to Italy. How was it?”

Jonathan stifled a sigh, forcing a polite smile. “It was just business-related. Nothing too exciting, I am afraid.”

But her curiosity was far from satiated. “Business trips can be quite interesting, though. Did you meet any fascinating people? Learn any new customs? Surely there must be so many intriguing stories to share.”

Jonathan usually had very little patience for questions and people who did not hold his interest, especially after the sort of night he had had. However, he maintained his composure. “Nothing intriguing, Miss Danforth. Just… business.”

Rebecca could obviously sense Jonathan’s lack of interest and tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. “Miss Danforth, have you had a chance to explore the gardens yet?”

“Oh, yes!” Miss Danforth said enthusiastically but quickly returned to Jonathan. “Your Grace, you must tell me more about your trip to Italy. I have always been fascinated by that place. Did you encounter any unexpected adventures?”

“I am afraid not. It was just… routine,” he said with a shrug, looking about and trying to come up with an excuse to leave.

Miss Danforth seemed undeterred. “Well, perhaps you can share your thoughts on the latest book you’ve read? I, personally, have read a ton and simply cannot find anything new to titillate me.”

Jonathan’s interest was barely masked by his polite fa?ade, despite the word she had used. “I’m afraid I have very little time to read. If you need a recommendation, Miss Danforth, I am not the source you need.”

“Have you seen Lady Miranda?” Rebecca asked, seizing the chance to try and change the topic once again.

At that point, Jonathan was not listening any longer. He had spotted a familiar face in the crowd, Lady Elizabeth Finnegan, a striking beauty with whom he had shared more than just flirtation in the past. She locked eyes with him, giving him a subtle yet unmistakable signal to follow her.

His blood boiled at the thought of making this garden party a little more interesting. He didn’t need to be asked twice. He watched her disappear through a small, garden path, her fiery red dress trailing behind her, like a passionate invitation. A mischievous smile crept across his lips as he turned to his cousin, already crafting an excuse in his mind.

“My Ladies, I have just remembered that I need to discuss something with Lord Fitzwilliam. Urgent business, you know.”

His cousin raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical at this sudden realization. “Really? Right now?”

He nodded, trying to appear honest. “Yes, right now. I will be back shortly. I promise.”

Before she could protest, he slipped away, weaving through the guests with practiced ease. He knew that she was probably watching him go, shaking her head in exasperation. But he didn’t care about that right now. He navigated the throng of guests with a sense of anticipation as he followed Lady Elizabeth’s trail, expecting something illicit.

Now where could she have gone?