Page 23 of Venus in Disguise

“That’s not very complimentary,” she chided, though she knew what he was saying.

“Narcissa,” he said, and his voice was grave now. “It would be best for you, for both of us if we did not see each other again.”

“I know,” she said in a small voice, desperately disappointed but determined to be brave, knowing she had no right to ask more of him. She’d had more than she ever expected, a few moments of his time that were hers alone, and that no one could take from her.

“Is that what you want?” he asked, a flat note to his voice that struck her as odd, that made her gaze fly to his as her heart lifted.

“No,” she admitted, holding his gaze. “No, it isn’t.”

He searched her face, his expression unreadable. “Well,” he said, the words a little softer now. “You’d best go now, before you’re missed, and be careful my sister doesn’t see you. She can be trusted, but I’d rather not have her scolding me all night if you can manage it. Your father is not one of my greatest admirers, which I am certain you have figured out.”

She nodded gravely, knowing all too well what her father would say if he knew where she was. The idea was too terrifying to contemplate, so she pushed it away, turning her attention back to Ash.

He stroked her cheek, his expression serious. “When you find Mrs Chandler, an excuse about a torn hem is probably your best bet if you’re questioned. Hardly surprising after a dance with Wishen,” he added with a smile. “Now, you’d best run along.”

Narcissa nodded and waited while he cracked open the door and looked outside.

“It’s safe,” he told her.

“When will I see you again?” she asked, not wanting to leave him without having something to hope for.

“I’ll think of something,” he promised.

Narcissa smiled back at him, uncertain now, and went to let go of his hand but he tightened his grasp, lifting her hand to his mouth. He closed his eyes as he kissed her fingers.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” she whispered as he let her hand go, and slipped quietly out of the door.

Chapter 7

Dear Diary,

Tonight was dreadful and wonderful, and I am terrified and yet so ridiculously happy. Oh, what I tangle I am making of everything, and yet I cannot be sensible, not now, not when I have been given a glimpse of a life I never dared dream of before.

―Excerpt of a diary entry by The Lady Narcissa Ponsonby.

5th February 1850, Linford House, Hyde Park, London.

“Bloody hell,” Ash muttered, once Narcissa had gone. “You are out of your tiny mind.”

He paced the room, his nerves all on end, heart thudding.

“Beresford’s daughter,” he said faintly, his voice disbelieving. He took another turn about the room, trying to make sense of what the devil had happened, at precisely what point he had realised he had fallen into a trap entirely of his own making. “Well, you don’t do things by half, I’ll say that much for you.”

“Talking to yourself is the first sign of madness,” said a dry voice.

Ash started and then let out a breath as he saw Vivien in the doorway.

“I take it your intriguing rendezvous is over,” she asked mildly. “And were you considering letting me know at any point this evening?”

“Sorry,” he replied, shaking his head. “I was a little distracted.”

“So I see.” Viv narrowed her eyes at him. “Who was it?”

Ash relaxed a fraction, relieved that Narcissa had returned to the ballroom without Viv seeing her. “None of your business, Viv,” he replied mildly.

Vivien stared at him, and Ash prayed she wouldn’t take it into her head to get the truth from him. It was impossible to keep a secret from Viv if she had decided she wished to know about it. “You’re not getting yourself into trouble, are you, Ash?” she asked, and then threw up her hands. “What am I saying? Of course you are.”