“I did not despise it,” Victoria admitted.“But some of the guests were insufferable.I blame the rain.We could not do any of the planned outdoor activities, which had everyone on edge.At a Christmastide house party, guests are generally prepared for indoor amusements.”
“Except the hunting for a yule log,” David reminded her.
Victoria waved her hand dismissively.“That is simply an excuse for the gentlemen to indulge too much, traipse through the snow, and engage in silliness to find the ‘ideal’ log to cut down and burn.We ladies shall remain inside like sensible beings.We do not need a yule log.”
David laughed.“As you can tell, my wife has rather strong opinions about yule logs.”
She narrowed her gaze at her husband.“They are unnecessary,” Victoria retorted.
“Very little in life is truly necessary, my love,” he said, then kissed her quickly.“But that does not mean we should not enjoy anything.You may not see the point, but there is no need to scorn those who do.”
“Very well,” she replied in a reluctant tone.“Since I do not have to participate, I shall keep my peace on the matter.”
Selena sighed.She did not care one way or the other if the men hunted for a yule log.She cared for very little of it, in fact.Yet, she had to endure conversations like these.She adored David and Victoria—they were dear to her.Still, their love could be suffocating at times, particularly when she could not escape the confines of a carriage.She was genuinely glad they had found happiness together, but as someone whom love had forsaken, it was sometimes difficult to bear.
“It seems we are about to turn down the drive to Harcrest Manor,” she announced, having stared out the window for some time now.Relief washed over her as they neared the manor; soon, she would be free of the carriage.
“Emma will want to meet with us,” Victoria said.“Since we are arriving a day before the other guests, I suspect she has a specific purpose in mind.”
“I assumed as much,” Selena replied.
“Do I want to know what you ladies are planning?”David asked, lifting a brow.
“I would not ask too many questions,” Victoria told him.“It is best if you remain uninformed.”
David had some inkling about the revenge pact, though neither Selena nor Victoria had given him many details.All he knew was that they had resolved to help each other succeed in society.However, they had omitted just what sort of ‘success’ they were each after, and how they intended to achieve it.
“Very well,” he said.“But do let me know if I can be of service.I would be more than willing to assist you in your endeavors.”
Selena almost laughed aloud.He might not be so eager to help if he had any inkling that their pursuits involved a touch of vengeance.
“You are very kind to offer, but it is unnecessary.”Victoria smiled at her husband.“Just enjoy yourself with your friends.”
The carriage came to a halt, and Selena nearly bolted from her seat the moment a footman opened the door.She did not wait for David or Victoria.She had her own plans, and all of them involved some solitude, far from anyone’s interference.
Selena sighedas she entered the sitting room.Victoria, Lilah, and Cora were already there.Where on earth was Emma?She wished this little meeting would be over quickly so she could return to her solitude.“Hello,” she greeted the other ladies.
“Hello, Selena,” Lilah said.“Come, pour yourself a cup of tea.Emma should be here shortly.”
Selena walked over to the tea cart, prepared her cup, and selected a couple of biscuits on a plate.She carried her tea and biscuits to the settee and settled in to wait for Emma.Nothing about this house party made her feel comfortable—even with the other wallflowers in attendance to ease her discomfort.At least after Emma’s scheme, and then Selena’s eventual revenge they could be done with their pact and just stay good friends.
Emma finally strolled into the sitting room, a broad grin on her face.Selena nibbled on her biscuit as she watched her friend.“Hello,” Emma greeted, joining them.“I am so happy to see everyone.”
Victoria grinned.“We are glad to be here.”She patted the settee beside her.“Come, sit and tell us everything.I am eager to hear your plans.”
Emma took the seat next to Victoria, walking right past the tea cart without a glance.Selena took a sip of her own tea, waiting for Emma to begin.Perhaps she should be thrilled to hear about Emma’s plans for revenge, yet she could muster no enthusiasm.She simply did not want to be here.
“We are all curious,” Cora said, taking a sip of her tea.“I was thrilled when the invitation arrived.I suspected you were up to something.Especially since Lilah despises socializing.”She wrinkled her nose.“And bravo for having her host.You know all those harpies are relishing the chance to see if Viscount Harcrest is still besotted with her.”
Lilah rolled her eyes.“That man adores me,” she said with a contented sigh.“I am truly fortunate to have won his heart.Though, if you had asked me before that house party, I would have thought you all mad.”
“Indeed,” Emma agreed.“But truly, my brother is the fortunate one.He could have ended up married to the likes of Lady Daisy Allen.”
“Sheisdreadful,” Selena agreed.“He is indeed lucky she did not sink her claws into him.”She took another sip of tea.“Has anyone heard what has become of her?”
“As far as I know,” Emma replied, flashing a wicked grin, “she is still at that finishing school her father sent her to.”
Selena was curious about that finishing school.Perhaps she would inquire later, though Emma did not seem inclined to share too many details just now.Tilting her head, Selena mostly listened.
