Verity did not dare believe that this was the end of it. She was sure that she would be forced to see Ambrose again before the soiree was over, but she was relieved to have a moment to herself for the time being.
She got herself a drink and stood by the wall, trying to catch her breath before the next drama came her way. However, her moment of solace was short lived, as was the relief that she had just been feeling.
In fact, she would have preferred to stay close to Ambrose rather than face this.
“Well hello there, Lady Sinclair. It has been far too long.”
Daphne.
Now this was the worst thing that had happened to her in a very long time.
It was bad enough that she had to see Daphne again, but now her old best friend was going to talk to her as well?
“Good afternoon, Lady Fitzwilliam.”
It was so strange to call Daphne by that name. But if she did not wish to draw any eyes her way, then she had to pretend to be unbothered. Even if she wanted to scream and lose her mind.
“I have just seen you talking with Lord Aldford, which is lovely to see.” A smugness radiated through Daphne. “It’s good to see you seeking out a suitable match. Someone who may offer you just some of the love that my darling husband offers me. Oh, I cannot imagine life without Cedric now. It would not be worth living.”
Anger bundled up inside of Verity.
How could she ever have trusted Daphne and thought of her as a friend? Was she always this cruel? Or did the fact that she knew she had done something wrong turn her in to someone else? Because it seemed very strange that she did not seem to have even a scrap of guilt when they truly were the best of friends.
“Do you think you will marry this one, Verity? Or are you planning on being a spinster forever? Because it would be such a shame for you not to find love… or at the very least, a husband.”
Verity’s pulse quickened as she fought to maintain her composure. Daphne’s satisfaction at her discomfort was palpable, and it was taking everything within Verity not to let her emotions show.
“Thank you, Lady Fitzwilliam. Your concern is noted,” Verity responded coolly, hoping to end the conversation.
“Oh, but Verity,” Daphne continued, leaning in conspiratorially, “I do worry about you. It must be so difficult, being of a certain age and still unwed. The pressure to find someone suitable must be immense.”
Verity’s grip tightened around her glass. “I assure you, Daphne, I am perfectly capable of managing my own affairs.”
“Are you really, though?” Daphne’s voice dripped with false sweetness. “I mean, with your reputation in tatters…”
Because of you!
Verity wanted to scream.
A hot flush spread across her cheeks. “I have no desire to relive the past, Daphne. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from bringing it up.”
Daphne’s eyes glittered maliciously. “Oh, of course. It must hurt so much. Especially seeing my happiness now….”
Verity’s hands trembled with barely suppressed rage. “I see no need to discuss this further. I have moved on, and I suggest you do the same.”
“Moved on?” Daphne laughed lightly, the sound grating on Verity’s nerves. “Well, I suppose that is one way to put it. But tell me, how does one move on from such public disgrace? It must be terribly lonely.”
Verity’s chest tightened with a mix of anger and sadness.
“I find solace in my passions and my friends,” she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. “True friends, which is.”
Daphne’s smile faltered for a moment before she recovered her composure. “Oh, Verity, ever the noble soul. Well, I do hope you find some measure of happiness. It must be quite the challenge.”
Verity felt a surge of defiance. “I assure you, Daphne, I am content with my life as it is. And as for challenges, I believe I am more than capable of overcoming them.”
Daphne’s eyes narrowed, sensing the steel beneath Verity’s words. “Well, I must be going. Cedric is waiting for me, and you know how impatient he can be.” She offered a final, condescending smile. “Do take care, Verity.”
As Daphne walked away, her head held high, Verity felt a mix of relief and lingering anger. Just as she was about to let her emotions overwhelm her, Faye appeared at her side, sensing Verity’s frayed nerves.
