“Just needed a breath of fresh air. Do you know the men who just left the terrace?”
Barrington looked toward where Rockford gestured. The men had already been absorbed into the crowd. “No, I didn’t get a clear look at them.” Barrington glanced at him. “Why do you ask?”
They walked into the ballroom. “They had some interesting information.”
“Here?” Barrington’s eyes widened in surprise, and then slowly, his expression turned into an approving glance. “We can’t talk here, obviously. Meet me tomorrow at my club. We can talk there.”
Rockford nodded as they made their way to the refreshment table.
*
“Lady Dorset’s questionwas simple enough to answer. Of course, the project is going forward.” Lora stood with Harriet, the others dancing or at the refreshment table.
“You’re to have a rest from the clinic and all its happenings tonight. At least pretend you’re having a good time.” Harriet paused. She wasn’t fooled. She stepped closer, lowering her voice. “You seem preoccupied. What are you chewing on?”
Lora sighed, glancing around to make certain no one else was within earshot. “Father spoke to me before our guests arrived.”
Harriet raised an eyebrow. “There is more to this story. What did he tell you?”
Lora, who had been looking out at the dance floor turned to Harriet. “He’s leaving for Brighton in the morning, and he made it quite clear that when he returns, he expects to know the name of my suitor.”
Harriet’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, Lora. I feared this would happen.”
“Yes, I know. You have tried to spare me this embarrassment.” He let out a deep sigh.
“The first thing we are going to do is let him see you having a good time dancing the night away.”
Lora laughed. “You’re right. Get him wondering who I’m going to choose.”
Harriet smilid, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Exactly. Now, I haven’t seen you on the dance floor all night. There are several eligible gentlemen here tonight,” Harriet said as she scanned the room. “Shall we find you a charming dance partner or two?”
Lora smiled politely, though her thoughts were still on Rockford. “Who do you have in mind, Harriet?”
Harriet’s gaze landed on two gentlemen engaged in conversation. “There’s Lord Penton. He seems to be wherever you are. And there is Mr. Whitfield. He comes from quite a charming and excellent family. You should get on the dance floor unless you want your father to take action. Would you like me to introduce you?”
Lora hesitated, her gaze drifting back to where she had last seen Rockford. “Lord Penton can travel all he wants. He is still as dull as dishwater. He came up to me earlier. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to meet Mr. Whitfield. I understand he is the owner of one of the new mills on the Sommer River.”
Harriet beamed and quickly led Lora over to him.
“Lady Lora, may I introduce Mr. Whitfield. He is new to Sommer-by-the-Sea, most recently from Royston.” Harriet turned to the gentleman. “Mr. Whitfield, this is Lady Lora Preston.”
Mr. Whitfield bowed respectfully as the music started. “It is an honor to meet you, Lady Lora.”
“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Whitfield. Welcome to Fallsmith.” Lora inclined her head gracefully.
“Lady Lora, I hoped you would honor me with a dance.” He held out his hand.
Lora put her hand in his. “Excuse us, Lady Harriet.”
“By all means,” Harriet said with a satisfied smile as Lora and Mr. Whitfield took to the dance floor.
“Lady Lora,” Mr. Whitfield began, “have you had the chance to visit the new botanical gardens in town? They’ve recently added some rare orchids that are quite stunning.”
Lora’s eyes lit up with interest. “I haven’t had the pleasure yet, but I’ve heard wonderful things about the gardens. I passedby when a shipment of flowers and exotic plants arrived for the new hothouse. Do you enjoy botany, Mr. Whitfield?”
“I do, indeed,” he replied. “There’s something quite peaceful about spending time among the flowers. It’s a welcome respite from the busyness of daily life.”
“I can imagine,” Lora nodded. “I’ve always found nature to be very calming. Do you have a favorite bloom?”
