Chapter 31
CHAPTER 31
ONE MONTH LATER
A month had passed in excruciating loneliness. But Alice could no longer summon in her heart anything except apathy at the events of the last weeks.
Humming an old tune from childhood while tying her bonnet, she silently readied herself to go on another solitary run to the apothecary and haberdashery, early morning before her relatives had awoken. Though being barred from seeing her sister these past weeks as part of her punishment while her aunt and uncle hastened to come up with some plan—or more euphemistically known as a husband who would turn a blind eye to her burden for a few coin—Alice had made sure to visit her sister in the early mornings and late nights and continue supplying her medicine to hide her worsening symptoms.
In a bitter twist of fate, everything had worked out for the positive, as the truth of Penelope’s condition was willingly being ignored by all now, for they simply chose to put it down to her nervousness and sadness concerning Alice.
Leaving her rooms, she quietly tiptoed down the stairs for the front door of the townhouse, when she spotted a familiar signature letterhead on a card lying on the silver tray in the hallway.
With trepidation, she plucked the card up and opened it, and read an invitation to Vauxhall, a celebration of Benedict’s graduation.
Should I go? I do not really wish to see Edward, but I know Elly will be hellbent on attending and she won’t go without me. That is if Aunt and Uncle countenance it at all. I suppose I could slip away without them knowing…
Sliding it back into the envelope and tucking it into her reticule, she donned her coat and leghorn before stepping out to board the waiting carriage. During the two-hour walk back and forth, she still weighed her mind about attending Vauxhall.
“Why have they chosen such a licentious place, anyway?” she wondered while stepping back into the townhome.
The Grand Walk was particularly delightful and close to it was the Rotunda where many entertainments were flaunted, but not far from there were the many secret lovers’ niches that made Vauxhall infamous.
“They should have started in the afternoon,” Alice muttered quietly as she snuck back into her room. “But no, the celebrations start at eight, when the place is pitch black and the moon is out,” she scoffed.
Penelope cleared her throat as she entered the room. “What do you mean when the moon is out ?”
Alice immediately spun, then went to embrace her little sister. “How are you feeling, Elly?”
“I’m here, aren’t I? Thus, I’ve had noticeably worse mornings. As I was saying, what do you mean when the moon is out?”
Plucking the invitation from her reticule, she handed it to her sister, “Lord Brampton is celebrating his graduation in a very spectacular way. We’re invited to Vauxhall for the celebration.”
“The pleasure gardens?” Penelope’s voice rose octaves as she took the invitation. “Gadz. I have never been there.”
“Neither have I, but we know the whispers,” Alice replied while rifling through her wardrobe, looking for a suitable walking dress. “I know you are set on going, so I will attend with you.”
Coming around to perch on the edge of Alice’s bed, Penelope asked, “Even with His Grace attending? Wouldn’t it—wouldn’t it be a bit…”
“Awkward? Yes, I suppose it will,” Alice heaved out a dark blue walking dress embroidered with a pattern of flowering vines along the hem. She had an ivory one, yet felt this was more appropriate. “But what we might have once had is over. We are all adults here. Surely, we can get along for one night.”
“Do you think His Grace will try to convince you to marry him still?” Penelope asked. “Considering what Aunt is threatening you with, wouldn’t a cordial marriage with a man you do care for be better than a marriage with a man you do not know and will possibly give you more pain? If they do succeed in finding a willing match for you that is to say.”
Stalled, Alice found herself considering the situation; would she take Edward up on his offer, just to save herself from a worse fate? Was that fair to him and was that morally righteous of her?
The answer is no, to both situations.
Besides, it was coming on two months since they had last seen each other, let alone spoken. There was no certainty the offer still stood—no assurance he even thought of her at all.
That notion sent a strange, unwelcome ache curling in her chest. But she pushed it aside for now, those divulgences were strictly reserved for her nights.
“We’ll see,” she replied evasively, forcing a brittle smile. “I’d prefer if Aunt and Eliza do not catch wind of this, however. I am not entirely certain they will countenance my leaving, and frankly… nor do I want them with us on the night.”
“Not a word shall leave my lips,” Penelope bounced on her seat. “Now, let’s find my dress!”
While awaiting Benedict's arrival, Edward reached into the inner pocket of his coat and withdrew a small box, its surface wrapped in rich velvet. With a flick of his thumb, the lid sprang open to reveal a ring nestled within. The delicate white-gold setting cradled a teardrop-shaped diamond, not too dissimilar to the necklace he had gifted Alice earlier. Every facet seemed to capture and refract the light, a testament to the jewel’s singular beauty—exquisite, rare, and utterly captivating, much like the woman for whom it was destined.
If she accepts, my plans will all change tonight.
Snapping the box shut, he slipped it back as Benedict opened the door to the carriage and stepped inside, settling into the seat opposite while casting his hat away. “Apologies for the delay. I couldn’t seem to locate the cufflinks you gifted me last year.”
“I am surprised,” Edward murmured, staring out of the window. “Of all the places you want to celebrate, you chose the most disreputable place in London. Are you planning on showing the woman you love all the secret nooks you have frequented over the years?”
“Good god no,” Benedict shuddered as he wrapped on the roof. “I’ve found new ones.”
Rolling his eyes, Edward replied, “I could have taken you to Whites, you know. A final brotherly celebration before I leave.”
“I do,” his brother nodded. “But where is the fun in that? There is no dancing, no mysterious walks to wander down, and certainly no fireworks. After all, the fireworks are the perfect metaphor for my incandescent brilliance.”
“If I roll my eyes any harder, they are liable to be stuck at the back of my head.”
“You are leaving England on the morrow, no? What you should be doing is finding Miss Alice, dropping to your knees and groveling for forgiveness,” Benedict pronounced.
Shifting his legs, Edward gazed at the buildings passing by through the window. “Please don’t you start this too.”
“I won’t, but I hope it ends well.”