Free Once She Was Tempted by Anne Barton

subterfuge and didn’t like the idea of the earl going to such lengths and such expense. She would prefer not to be beholden to him—or any man. But that was the problem with secrets.
    Lord Foxburn had invited Anabelle and Owen as well, but her sister had confessed she was quite possibly expecting—if her violent nausea of the past few days was any indication. Owen, ever the doting husband, had been simultaneously horrified and elated and insisted on calling for the doctor at once. Doctor Loxton confirmed the happy diagnosis and prescribed plenty of rest for the duchess.
    Olivia turned her attention back to her reflection and pulled out the pink ribbon that Rose had painstakingly woven into her curls just a half hour before. “I think I should use the gold instead.” She held up a length of shimmery silk. “Will you help me?”
    “Of course.” Daphne plucked the ribbon from herfingers and plotted out a course through Olivia’s chestnut tresses.
    “It’s a bit more sophisticated, don’t you think? I want James to see me as a woman—not as the adoring girl who tirelessly dug up worms for him to use as bait.”
    “I should think he’d owe you a debt of gratitude after that.”
    “I don’t want his gratitude, Daph. I want his admiration, his devotion… his love.”
    “I know.” Inviting Mr. Averill had been a brilliant move on the earl’s part. Olivia would be unable to focus on anyone but the handsome solicitor, and Rose would be busy keeping watch over her sister. That left just Lord Biltmore to occupy, and Daphne felt sure that Lord Foxburn would have a plan.
    All she had to concern herself with was how much to reveal to him.
    His carriage arrived at eight sharp. Dressed in a claret evening jacket, black breeches, and gleaming Hessians, he looked breathlessly dashing. He’d offered to escort Daphne, Olivia, and Rose. Mr. Averill and Lord Biltmore would meet them at the private supper box that the earl had reserved for the evening.
    They took the Westminster Bridge route, and if Daphne was the tiniest bit disappointed that they didn’t use the water entrance, well, that was absurd. The point of this excursion was to initiate their search; any fun that she gleaned from the evening’s amusements was purely incidental.
    And yet, the atmosphere at Vauxhall Gardens was too festive and exciting for Daphne to remain unaffected. The other gentlemen joined them and the party dined on ham, chicken, and hearty salads.
    After supper, they ventured onto the promenade and enjoyed the many sights. Mr. Averill was drawn to the artificial ruins, and Olivia was drawn to Mr. Averill. Rather than chase after the pair, the remaining four chose to sit on a couple of benches where they could observe the amusements and hear the orchestra playing. Daphne was so caught up in the merry music that she was startled by the sound of the earl’s voice.
    “My leg is in need of a stretch,” he said, standing. “Might I prevail upon one of you lovely ladies to stroll through the gardens with me?”
    This was her chance, and yet she didn’t wish to appear too eager.
    “I should stay close by and wait for Olivia,” Rose said.
    Daphne let out the breath she’d been holding. “I’d be delighted to see more of the beautiful scenery, if you’re sure you don’t mind, Rose.”
    “Not at all. I could listen to this orchestra all night.”
    “I’m sure Averill and Lady Olivia will return soon,” said Lord Biltmore. “We shall join you on the trails then. We’ll want to secure a prime spot for watching the fireworks later.”
    “Quite right. Shall we, Miss Honeycote?”
    Lord Foxburn might have been a little less abrupt, but Lord Biltmore was no doubt used to the earl’s abrasive manner. Daphne took the arm he offered and gave Rose a reassuring smile as they wandered down a pebbled path, away from the music and the crowds.
    When they were relatively alone, Daphne said, “Thank you for arranging this. You must have gone to a great