Surrender Your Grace Read Free

forearm. Elizabeth glared at her for her inattention stating, “His Lordship asked you a question, Cici.”
    “I beg your pardon, My Lord. My mind had wandered.”
    “Think nothing of it Lady Richards. I just asked if you had toured the Marquess’ gardens before. They are quite impressive.” He shot Cici an amused look. This younger Edward’s girl was a beauty, although not of the classical style of her sister. Her vivid features and nicely rounded figure warranted a second glance. But, he had already committed his attentions to the elder sister so he turned and took Elizabeth’s arm. They walked a few steps on the walking stones to the edge of the sculpted gardens. Lanterns illuminated the triangular flower beds and stone walkways. At the far end of the garden a fully lit pavilion could be seen, tempting strollers to sit or partake of the extraordinary natural beauty that surrounded them.
    “I haven’t had the pleasure, My Lord but I can tell already that they are quite magnificent”
    “Shall we stroll then?” he asked as Elizabeth instantly nodded her agreement while Cici immediately expressed her concern.
    “Oh, well… perhaps we should wait for mama. She was meeting us here to chaperone, isn’t that right sister?”
    “Yes, I wonder what is keeping her.” Elizabeth appeared to be scanning the garden for her missing parent. “She was heading this way before I went to find you, sister. She may have wandered to the pavilion. Shall we check, My Lord?”
    “As you wish, My Lady. How could I deny two such beautiful ladies the pleasure of a moonlit stroll tonight?” He then stepped onto the garden path with Elizabeth in tow, missing the infuriated glare that was her response to his comment. Cici noticed and despite her nervousness, stifled a giggle. The Viscount would have to learn quickly that Elizabeth didn’t like to be compared or grouped with anyone when it came to compliments. As the couple moved off into the garden, Cici had no choice but to follow closely behind.
    After a short stroll they found the pavilion calm and inviting, but empty. Cici was beginning to feel excessively warm despite the coolness of the evening. She opened her fan and began to fan herself furiously. “Sister, I am not feeling at all well. I think I need to sit down.” She staggered to a nearby bench but her knees gave way before she reached it. The Viscount became alarmed when he turned to see the little redhead collapse on the grass. Rushing to her aid he quickly swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bench allowing her to rest weakly on its surface.
    An unusually attentive Elizabeth cooed in concern as Cici continued to suffer from an unknown but rapidly intensifying illness. She felt her lips begin to tingle and she was having a bit of trouble catching her breath. Elizabeth took note of this immediately and expressed her concern. “She can’t breathe, My Lord. I’ll go get mama. She always keeps salts in her reticule.” Before Lord Arrandale could utter another word she was off through the garden. Andrew watched in concern as a groggy and flustered Cecelia struggled to sit up from the concrete bench. He frowned down at her as he laid a hand against her heated brow. This didn’t look like a typical female swoon from a too tight corset.
    Cici muttered disjointedly. She felt hot and her skin was literally crawling with sensation. She felt like bugs were creeping all over her especially in her hair and began to panic. “Get them off. I can’t bear it.” Her hands rose to her elaborately styled hair and she began pulling at it, destroying her artful coiffure in her distress. Soon she had many of the pins out and her long, red mane fell in a disheveled mess about her shoulders.
    “What is going on here?” Lord Benton demanded in an affronted voice. He stood in the garden pathway flanked by his wife, Marquess Berkeley and his Marchioness. Lady Benton rushed to her daughter’s side.
    “She felt faint so I