Free Lucy Muir by Highland Rivalry

from Lord Murray. He could not know her invitation was motivated by a plan to outshine the two in his presence.
    When Lord Murray and the Atwoods collected Phoebe and Celeste that afternoon, Olivia’s spirits rose upon viewing her friends’ attire. Phoebe and Celeste’s matching frocks of spotted yellow cambric could not begin to compare to her new pink muslin with its huge puffed sleeves and intricately embroidered skirt. Olivia welcomed the two friends with her sunniest smile, and it was a gay party that drew up to Gunther’s in Berkeley Square. They stopped under the shade of one of the many plane trees, and a waiter appeared immediately to take their order.
    As they greedily consumed their refreshing ices, Lord Murray watched Miss Hartwell and Atwood closely, his observations convincing him there could be no secret understanding between the two. Miss Hartwell hardly looked at Atwood, and Wilfred seemed entirely absorbed in his ice. Of course, it could be that they were being cautious because of the presence of Miss Atwood, but somehow Lord Murray did not think that was the case.
    “Simply delicious,” Celeste said, finishing her ice and licking her perfect lips to get every last taste. “I must have another.”
    “Do you think that would be wise, Miss Laurence?” Olivia commented. “You must think of your complexion.”
    Celeste ignored Olivia’s remark, and Lord Murray summoned a waiter to bring Celeste another ice. While she was waiting for it, a barouche halted beside their carriage and an attractive but haughty-looking woman scanned their party.
    “Lord Murray, Mr. Atwood, Miss Atwood, good afternoon,” she said, only recognizing the presence of Phoebe and Celeste with a slight nod.
    “Lady Jersey, good afternoon,” Olivia responded, delighted. This encounter must show Lord Murray that Celeste and Phoebe were not truly accepted in the best society and that he should reconsider his partiality for them. Her idea for the outing had been truly inspired.
    “I hope you plan to attend my rout this evening with the Atwoods, Lord Murray?” Lady Jersey enquired. Upon receiving a reply in the affirmative, she instructed her driver to move on.
    “Snooty old cat,” Celeste muttered.
    Phoebe said nothing, but she could tell by Olivia’s smug expression that she felt her superiority had been established beyond dispute. She wondered how Olivia could be so blind. Surely it was obvious that Lord Murray was not so shallow a gentleman as to base his friendships on rank alone. She glanced at him and he smiled at her reassuringly. Phoebe felt her heart give an odd little jump.
    Since coming to recognize her growing affection for Lord Murray, Phoebe was experiencing a new kind of excitement and awareness whenever he was present. Also a new kind of pain when she saw other women behave in a coquettish manner towards him. Even to see Celeste so openly trying to gain his attention disturbed her. She considered confiding in Celeste, but fought doing so quite yet. Celeste would likely tease, and her feelings were too new and dear to expose to even the most gentle jest.
    Another carriage, this one containing Miss Markham and her mother, stopped next to theirs and Mrs. Markham invited them all, but Lord Murray in particular, to her musicale. Phoebe sighed softly. Lord Murray was so greatly in demand. Did she really have any chance of being the one to win his affections? Perhaps Olivia had the right of it, and a plain Miss Hartwell of no fortune, little beauty, and worst of all, red hair, had no chance at all.
     

Chapter Five
     
    Phoebe tucked the last strand of her bright hair out of sight under her bonnet and surveyed herself carefully in the glass. Good. With her hair covered and her deepest brimmed bonnet on, no one should be able to identify her, from a distance, at any rate. Although it was not likely anyone would pay much attention to her anyway, it was just as well not to take unnecessary risks. While she did not feel