“Verity, are you alright?” Faye asked, her voice full of concern.
Verity took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I am now, thank you, Faye. Daphne… she knows exactly how to reopen old wounds.”
Faye wrapped an arm around her cousin’s shoulders, providing much needed comfort. “Ignore her, Verity. She is just trying to make herself feel superior. She has always been that way.”
Verity nodded, grateful for Faye’s support. “It’s just so difficult, seeing her so happy with Cedric when it should have been me.”
Faye squeezed her shoulder gently. “You deserve so much more than what Cedric could ever offer. And you will find it. Someone who truly appreciates you for who you are.”
Verity managed a small smile. “Thank you, Faye. Although it’s hard to focus on that right now.”
Faye smiled back. “Come on, let us get another drink and enjoy the garden. We are not going to let Daphne ruin our day.”
As they made their way to the refreshment table, Philip’s eyes caught Verity’s once more. This time, there was no mistaking the concern in his gaze. He took a step towards her, but before he could reach her, Lady Rosalind intercepted him again, demanding his attention.
Verity took a sip of her drink, trying to enjoy the moment despite the lingering sting of Daphne’s words.
Faye’s presence was a reminder that she wasn’t alone, and for now, that was enough. As the call to the garden tea table sounded, Verity felt a mix of anticipation and dread. The guests began to make their way over, and Verity found herself led by Faye to a seat next to Ambrose and his daughters.
Across the table, Philip was seated next to Lady Rosalind, who seemed to be relishing every moment of his company. Verity tried to focus on the pleasant chatter around her, but the stifling presence of Ambrose and his daughters made it difficult. Amelia and Cordelia’s snide whispers and disapproving glances were impossible to ignore.
Ambrose, ever the self-important gentleman, seemed oblivious to the discomfort he and his daughters were causing.
“Such a lovely spread, don’t you think, Lady Sinclair?” Ambrose remarked, his tone condescending. “Lady Maria has outdone herself.”
“Yes, it’s quite lovely,” Verity replied, forcing a polite smile.
Verity forced herself to engage in the conversation, but her mind kept drifting to Philip. Across the table, Lady Rosalind leaned in close to him, her hand resting possessively on his arm as she engaged him in animated conversation. Philip appeared polite, but Verity noticed the subtle discomfort in his posture.
“Lady Sinclair, are you listening?” Ambrose’s voice broke through her thoughts, his breath reeking of alcohol fumes, making her feel nauseous.
“Yes, of course,” she replied, trying to focus. “You were saying?”
“I was just mentioning how delightful it’s to see young ladies such as yourself taking an interest in the finer things,” Ambrose drawled, clearly enjoying his own voice more than any response she might offer. Since Verity had no idea what he was drunkenly drawling about, she could hardly fathom a response.
His daughters, Amelia and Cordelia, exchanged smug glances, their eyes filled with derision.
Verity nodded politely, her mind still on Philip. She glanced over again and saw Lady Rosalind laughing, her head thrown back in an exaggerated display of mirth.
A pang of jealousy and longing pierced Verity’s heart, and she silently chastised herself for allowing her emotions to run wild.
Ambrose droned on, oblivious to her distraction. “And of course, it’s important for young women to find suitable matches. Speaking of which, my daughters will have quite the array of suitors, do you not agree, Lady Sinclair?”
Verity bit back a retort, instead forcing a smile. “I am sure they will, Lord Aldford.”
The tea progressed slowly, each minute feeling like an eternity. Verity struggled to maintain her composure, her heartaching with every laugh and touch between Philip and Lady Rosalind.
She could see the way Rosalind clung to him, the way she monopolized his attention, and it hurt more than she cared to admit.
As the tea concluded, Lady Maria rose gracefully from her seat, drawing everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the afternoon’s activities will now commence. You are welcome to explore the gardens, or perhaps participate in a game of battledore and shuttlecock. The choice is yours. Enjoy!"
Verity watched as Ambrose stood up and made his way towards her brother, Henry. Her heart sank as she imagined the conversation they were likely having. No doubt discussing the prospects of a match between herself and Ambrose. The thought of being trapped in a loveless marriage with a gentleman who could barely stay sober made her stomach churn.
Suddenly, just as she was about to lose her mind, a figure appeared beside her.
"Lady Sinclair, would you do me the honor of a stroll through the grounds?"