Romancing the Heiress(27)
Author: Darcy Burke

 

Leah didn’t know anything. Just that afternoon, his lips had been locked on hers. But by this evening, he was back to attending Genevieve and was now ignoring Leah. “I don’t know anything for certain,” she answered tightly. “What of the other gentlemen who’ve been paying you attention?” There were at least three or four.

 

“I like them, but I don’t share a bond with any of them the way I do with Phin regarding music. That is all we speak of,” Genevieve said rapturously, her gaze softening.

 

“You don’t discuss his love of horticulture? Or your penchant for reading the papers and sharing all the latest…news?”

 

“No, we haven’t got to those things yet, but I’m sure we will.” Genevieve’s pink lips dipped into a slight frown. “I didn’t realize he loved horticulture.”

 

Leah stared at her and kept her incredulity in check. “He owns and cares for a botanical garden.”

 

Genevieve exhaled. “That doesn’t mean he actually plants things. Or whatever horticulture lovers do.”

 

Their match really wasn’t going to fare well, not as far as Leah could tell. And she hadn’t reached that conclusion because of her jealousy. If she truly wanted Phin’s happiness, and she did, she should tell him. She should also inform Genevieve, for Leah didn’t think she’d be happy either.

 

“I wonder why my mother was hoping for Mr. Mercer,” Genevieve mused. “Do you suppose it’s because he lives in London?”

 

“That could be. Honestly, Genevieve, I wonder if Mr. Mercer might be a better choice for you.” Leah gave her a supportive smile—at least, she hoped it was. “Phin does plant things as well as care for them. He’s quite dedicated to the gardens his grandfather established. He spends a great deal of time in them. Outside. I know that isn’t appealing to you.”

 

Genevieve hesitated, her lips turning down slightly. Finally, she said, “I don’t have to join him.”

 

“No.” Leah drew out the word so that it might have had two syllables.

 

“Does he really spend that much time in the gardens?” Genevieve asked, her brow furrowing. “That sounds so…provincial.”

 

“Yes, he does.” Leah was relieved to see that Genevieve was at least considering the possibility that she and Phin might not be an ideal match. “I am only thinking of your happiness and making the best possible match. I know it’s difficult to truly know someone in such a short amount of time.”

 

“That is certainly true,” Genevieve said with a nod. “But I already know so many important things about Phin, such as the fact that he is the most handsome of my suitors.”

 

Leah couldn’t conceive of how to respond to that, but thankfully Sadie came upon them dressed in an exquisite ball gown of shimmering gold. With her crown set atop her elegant hairstyle, she looked every bit a duchess and the May Queen.

 

Mrs. Selkirk arrived at the same time, her attention immediately drawn to Sadie. “Good evening, Your Grace.”

 

“Good evening, Mrs. Selkirk. I hope you won’t mind if I borrow Leah for a short promenade? I haven’t been able to spend as much time with her as I would like due to my duties as May Queen. And the fact that I am a new mother. Babies, it happens, like to be with their mothers.”

 

“Don’t you have a nurse?” Mrs. Selkirk asked, appearing baffled.

 

“Yes, but I’m sure you’ll agree that a nurse is not a replacement for a baby’s mother.” Sadie turned her head somewhat dismissively—or perhaps that was just Leah’s wishful interpretation—and looked expectantly at Leah. “Shall we visit the refreshment area? I hear Mrs. Browning’s syllabub has finally made an appearance.”

 

Leah leapt at the opportunity to leave and to speak with Sadie. She looked to the Selkirks. “Would you like me to bring you syllabub?”

 

“No, thank you,” Mrs. Selkirk responded. “For either of us.”

 

Leah could see that Genevieve wanted a syllabub and was sorry she wouldn’t be able to bring her one. She sent her charge an apologetic glance.

 

“Don’t be gone long,” Mrs. Selkirk said as Sadie linked her arm with Leah’s, and they went on their way.

 

“She is too demanding,” Sadie said quietly. “I’ll feel much better when you are newly situated. To that end, I’ve learned that Lord Murdock’s mother is looking for a new companion.” Murdock was the earl who’d arrived the other night. “He and Law sit on a committee in the Lords together.”

 

“Did you or Law mention to him that you knew someone?”

 

“We both did, and he’s keen to meet you. I indicated that the final day of the festival would be best. I didn’t think you’d want Mrs. Selkirk knowing you were looking for another position, and by then her daughter ought to be betrothed so it won’t matter.”

 

“That is…wonderful.” Leah should have been overjoyed at this opportunity, but she was still tangled up over Phin.

 

Sadie shot her a worried glance. “You don’t sound as enthusiastic as I anticipated.”

 

“I’m just preoccupied. I have grave doubts that Phin and Genevieve will suit. They’ll both be miserable within five years.” Mayhap sooner.

 

As they neared the refreshment area, Sadie pulled her off the path and took her arm from Leah’s. She faced Leah with a pleated brow. “Are you discouraging their union for their benefit or yours?” She squeezed her eyes shut briefly, then opened them while exhaling. “That wasn’t fair or kind. The truth is that I want you to do it for your benefit, but I fear you aren’t.”

 

Leah bristled even as she felt her friend’s support and love. It should have buoyed her, but it only made her feel worse about Phin’s rejection. Not that he’d rejected her—could one reject something that wasn’t formally offered? She was being willfully obtuse. Ignoring someone after a passionate, life-altering kiss was absolutely rejection.

 

“There is no benefit for me, nor do I want there to be,” she said woodenly. “I told you, my feelings for Phin are in the past.”

 

“I don’t think that’s true. When you’re with him or when you speak of him, there is a special and distinctive light in your eyes. You radiate joy.” Sadie took her hand. “I don’t say this to hurt you. I just want to be sure there is no path to happiness for you—and for him.”

 

Leah noted that Sadie didn’t speak of how Phin appeared around her, whether he might have feelings for her too. “I don’t think that path exists,” Leah whispered, her voice breaking. “I do still love him. I always will.”