Free Miss Quinn's Quandary by Shirley Marks Page B

drawing it
downward to stop at the low neckline of her gown. Randall’s eyes followed the
fan and lingered at her revealing décolletage.
    Two evenings later, Aunt Ivy and Larissa readied themselves for
an outing to Vauxhall Gardens. Of course, they would never have ventured there
without male escort. Aunt Ivy considered the place “an alfresco adventure.”
    “You look charming, my dear,” Ivy praised with maternal pride.
“Is it Sir Randall who has put that delicate bloom on you cheek?”
    “Oh, Aunt,” Larissa sighed, wondering if she should tell her aunt
the truth. “I do not care for Sir Randall. In fact I can honestly say we do not
rub along well together at all.”
    “That is very strange, indeed.” Ivy placed her hand on her cheek
and gave Larissa a puzzled look. “I was under the distinct impression you two
got along tolerably.”
    “Do not mistake my intentions, Aunt. All we can do is tolerate
each other.”
    “Oh, I see,” Aunt Ivy contemplated. “Well then, if you and Sir
Randall are not amiable, there is no reason to torture you with his company. I
shall send a note to Rushton, to cancel.”
    “Oh no, Aunt, you cannot. The earl will be brokenhearted. He is
so very taken with you. I do not think he could bear to be without your company
for an entire evening.” Larissa saw the glint in her aunt’s eyes at the mention
of Rushton. “And I cannot say you would be pleased, either.”
    Aunt Ivy gave a surrendering smile.
    “Aunt, you have been everything kind to me. I cannot ask you to
forsake your own happiness because of my discomfort.”
    “But what about you, my dear?” Ivy took Larissa’s hand in hers.
“I cannot ask you to endure Sir Randall’s presence if you do not wish it.”
    “Sir Randall and I may not like one another, but we find our
mutual disharmony an acceptable state and we contrive.”
    “Do you? How practical of you both.”
    “I plan on meeting Lord Fenton Harding once we arrive, and Sir
Randall, Lady Dorothea Brookhurst .”
    “How clever of you,” Ivy gasped. “Do you find Lord Fenton
agreeable, dear?”
    Larissa smiled knowingly. “Let’s just say I am very interested in
furthering our relationship.”
    Colored lanterns strung from the trees swayed in the gentle
breeze, dotting the gardens at Vauxhall. Music with no apparent source laced
the air. Larissa felt a sense of excitement drawing her in. When Larissa looked
up, Sir Randall had gone and in his place stood Lord Fenton.
    Lord Fenton wore a light blue jacket and light-colored
pantaloons, a conservative selection. Sir Randall had chosen to wear a
fawn-colored jacket with velvet lapels, cream breeches, and Hessians.
    “Would you mind if we abandoned you, so I could take your aunt to
my box for refreshment?” Rushton asked.
    “Not at all,” Larissa answered. In fact, she was looking forward
to wandering the park at the side of Lord Fenton.
    “You are, of course, welcome to join us,” the earl added in
equitable tones.
    “Perhaps later, then.” Larissa looked with longing toward Lord
Fenton. “It is such a lovely night. I do wish to see the gardens.”
    “I shall keep a keen eye on Miss Larissa,” Lord Fenton promised,
placing a protective hand over hers. Ivy nodded, giving her approval. “She
shall be quite safe with me.”
    Larissa flashed a smile at Lord Fenton. Of that, she was quite
sure. Lord Fenton had not gone so far as to try to press her hand.
    Tonight this would change. If Lord Fenton would not be brought to
kiss her, she would kiss him. She knew there were many men who stole kisses
from unsuspecting maidens. She would be the first she knew of to steal a kiss
from an unsuspecting man.
    “What would you like to see?” Lord Fenton gave one of his
dazzling smiles. “What about the rotunda? It’s very beautiful. Music, mirrors,
crystal chandeliers and paintings. It is a delight for the eyes and ears.”
    Larissa returned his smile with mischievous intent. “I think it’s
a nice place to