The Little Wren

The Fourth Chapter

So something happens that changes everything...

The carriage stunk.

With all the money Lord Wagnor had left to Aunt, surely she would have been able to do better.

I’m starting to think Aunt is a little insane. She’s sitting next to me right now, muttering to herself under her breath. Vivian is back at the ball, completely unaware of any of her mother’s plans.

And she’s probably dancing with Andrew Wynter. What a series of unfortunate events.

Let me start from the beginning... Or the beginning of Lady Moreton’s annual summer ball. (The ton jumps at every excuse to host a ball.)

***

When I swept into the ballroom with my ethereal pink gown, I was expecting something monumental. For example, a collective gasp that rippled through the crowd (I probably read too much). I thought I would at least warrant some gossip.

But there was none. At least, none I could hear.

I walked over to Andrew and blithely tapped his shoulder. I had already forgiven him for the previous day, deciding that I could deal with overprotectiveness.

He turned, a half-smile on his lips. I peeked over his shoulder and curled my lip in disgust as I saw Vivian’s eager, pouting face there.

Andrew gave me a polite bow. “And I have the pleasure of meeting you, Miss...?” he murmured, giving me a polite, enquiring glance.

I was appalled. He couldn’t recognise me! The cheek of him!

“Miss Sommer, actually,” I said, pointedly. “The one who answers when you call on her brother, I presume.”

His eyes widened, then, to my utter shock and irritation, he started laughing. “Oh, it’s you, Ren! I could hardly recognise you in that gown. It’s pretty.”

“Really?” I preened myself, basking under his admiration.

“Yes, I think it quite compliments your complexion.”

“Lord Waverly?” came Vivian’s annoyed screech. She glared angrily at me. “You were telling me about your fascinating experience in India?”

“Oh, I am sorry,” he said contritely, but he winked at me. I could feel delight bubbling out from my chest at the wink. What a rogue he was!

Speaking of rogues, where was my brother? He’d said yesterday that he’d be in attendance.

I looked around. “Andrew, have you seen Quinn?”

Andrew peered around as well. “I think he came a few minutes prior to you. He went outside, didn’t he?” He gave me a worried look. “I’ll accompany you outside to find him.”

I thought Vivian would explode, but I ignored her and nodded my head vigorously. “I would love your company, Andrew,” I answered, making it a point to call him by his given name.

We strode over to the doors leading into the garden. It was a clear night, the stars shining brightly. Clouds drifted leisurely across the dark blue sky. A pleasant wind blowed - it cool and refreshing after the stuffy ballroom.

“Where’s your friend tonight?” Andrew said at last, breaking the silence as we walked languidly across the beautiful gardens. Lady Moreton is a wonderful gardener, by the way - she has every exotic plant. Roses, chrysanthemums, lotuses, even orchids. I loved the fragrance of the beautiful blooms that manifested all around us, but even it could not detract from the question that Andrew had so impudently asked me.