Free His Shadowed Heart ((Books We Love Regency Romance)) by Hazel Statham Page B

hand on his arm, they left the box together.
    Seeing the angry flush that mounted her cousin’s cheeks, Lady Victoria made no effort to contain her amusement and laughing said, “Waverly certainly has your measure. I do so enjoy your encounters, they are most entertaining.”
    Casting her a look of complete dislike, Dent and Massey made their exit from the box, the sound of my lady’s laughter echoing annoyingly in their wake.
     
    *****
     
    “An excellent idea,” cried Lady Christina, “but do you think it will serve?”
    “It cannot fail,” assured Lord Massey refilling his glass from the decanter at his side. “The marriage is too new, too fragile to withstand such revelations.”
    “He may turn to me yet,” she mused, pacing the confines of her boudoir, a cat-like expression marring her classical features. “His new wife’s naivety will soon lose its appeal and he will seek the pleasures of our previous arrangement.”
    “You still hold hopes then of his returning to you? What of our arrangement?”
    “That need not suffer,” she assured. “As before, I will need a diversion, and you, my dear Anthony, are the very one to supply it.”
    Catching her hand as she passed his chair , Lord Massey pulled her deftly onto his lap. “We are very much alike you and I, my dear,” he said, smiling. “Neither have a sentimental turn of mind or the capacity for love, no wonder we deal so well. I will arrange for your introduction to Lady Waverly.”
     
    *****
     
    However, the fates took a hand before formal introductions could be made. Accepting an invitation from Lady Diana to accompany her for a walk in the park, Caroline paced the pathways of Hyde Park arm in arm with her cousin, their maids following at a discreet distance. So engrossed were they in their conversation that they failed to notice the chocolate colored barouche with its matching grays that pulled alongside of them.
    “My dear Lady Waverly,” beamed Christina from the pale blue velvet squabs, “how extremely fortunate to meet you, quite delightful,” and she extended her hand over the carriage door.
    Thoroughly confused, Caroline looked to Diana who extremely reluctantly affected the introduction, fully aware of what would be the earl’s reaction should he know of the meeting.
    Paying no heed whatsoever to the expression on Diana’s annoyed countenance, Christina retained her clasp on Caroline’s hand and patted it reassuringly. “What a propitious meeting, my dear. Could I not persuade you to drive a little way with me?” She smiled defiantly at Diana, relishing her discomfiture at the meeting and firming her hold on Caroline’s hand, drew her closer to the carriage. “I’m sure Diana would be only too happy to relinquish you to my company, would you not, dear Diana? I see you have your maid to accompany you so you need not fear censure if I rob you of Lady Waverly’s company. Ordering her groom to step down , she bade him to open the door for her guest. “I am, after all, a close friend of your husband,” she assured, watching with satisfied amusement the effects her words had on Lady Diana.
    Finding it difficult to resist Christina’s insistence, in some confusion, Caroline reluctantly allowed herself to be handed into the barouche. As they drove away at a brisk trot, she caught only the briefest glimpse of her cousin’s anxious countenance.
     
    *****
     
    “You must allow me to congratulate you on the event of your marriage, my dear,” smiled Lady Christina, patting Caroline’s hand as it rested in her lap. “Though I must admit it came as somewhat of a surprise. I had not expected Waverly to marry again. Quite a turnabout.”
    Unable to find a reply, Caroline smiled abstractedly at her companion. Having no desire to prolong the acquaintance, she wondered how soon she could politely affect her leave-taking without causing offence.
    “You are very quiet?” queried Christina.
    “I am somewhat at a loss, my lady,”