A Family Affair Read Free Page B

myself, if it’s all right with you. I do need to sit down for a little while, as I am feeling quite warm. As I understand, the dancing is about to begin, and I need to cool down a little first.”
    “You go ahead, my dear.” Caroline patted her daughter’s curly hair, and with a last loving look Fanny went eagerly away.
    She tried to walk in a ladylike manner through the ballroom and not skip or run as the hellion her mother accused her of being, but her heart sang with joy. Finally she was here, taking part in the social life her family had attended without her every year during her childhood.
    Her grandparents had always made sure she had a wonderful time during those short months of the Season while the rest of the family danced in London, but she had still missed them immensely.
    Listening to her family’s colorful stories about life among the ton, she had been desperate to see it for herself, and now she finally was here.
    And even though she didn’t want to admit it, not even to herself, she couldn’t help feeling a little extra excited over Devlin being in town during her first season. She knew his promise to her thirteen years ago wasn’t something he was about to keep, as it had been made to a small child out of kindness.
    But still.
    He was in town. She was eighteen. Something was bound to happen. And even if it didn’t, she was just the person to stir the pot a little.

Chapter 2
    She could hardly believe such rotten luck.
    When Fanny arrived at the plush ladies’ restroom, she had to her relief found it empty. With a deep sigh, she sank down into one of the red chairs and rescued her aching feet from their temporary prisons.
    But the chatter of voices approaching disrupted her solitude, and Fanny groaned aloud as she realized she knew one of those voices too well.
    Just the thought of having to spend time listening to Charmaine and her evil drivel seemed a fate worse than death to Fanny, and without hesitation she grabbed her shoes and dashed out through the open balcony door. Hidden behind one of the Roman pillars gracing the terrace, she watched as Charmaine floated into the restroom, closely followed by her two worshipers, Lady Victoria Knightley and Miss Emma Archer.
    The two friends fussed about Charmaine, helping her with her hair, giving her cool wet towels, and acting more as maids than as best friends.
    Fanny cursed as she stood there in the darkness of the terrace. What stroke of bad luck had hit her? The threesome in the restroom showed no need of hurrying with their business. Instead they sat down and sipped the lemonade they’d brought with them.
    She didn’t know what to do. She was in a really awkward position. Young ladies didn’t go out on the terrace alone; it was against all good etiquette. She knew her mother would be vexed if she ever heard of her daughter’s outrageous behavior.
    But the other scenario was even worse: joining the threesome in the restroom.
    To face Charmaine and her worshipers, to be forced to answer their questions about what she had been doing out on the terrace, of all places, wasn’t the best idea. Fanny knew the threesome wouldn’t rest until they had dragged the truth out of her, and although she knew she hadn’t done anything wrong, it would be too easy for Charmaine to sow a little seed of doubt about Fanny’s actions in any conversation thereafter.
    In the end, her choice wasn’t too difficult. She decided to stay put behind the pillar, trying not to breathe too loudly.
    There were others strolling slowly on the terrace, and some even went down into the darkness of the lawn. But they were all outside the ballroom, where lights were lit. No one seemed to notice her standing in the shadows farther along, and she could only hope she would be safe.
    At first, being occupied with her thoughts, she didn’t listen to the conversation inside the restroom. It wasn’t until she heard her own name mentioned that her interest was caught.
    “Lady