Desperate Measures (A Regency Short Story)

be attracted to such a jaded libertine. But you did give me pause in the supper room, when you flirted with him. You see, your scheme worked after all. I was seething with jealousy! Though I didn't need that ploy to make me notice you. I've been noticing you since you gave up plaits and put your hair up."

  "Truly? I had no idea. I thought you entirely indifferent to me. You never hinted otherwise."

  "Because I was convinced you disliked me. With all Daniel's other friends, you were fun and lively. With me, you always seemed a bit cool. But still, I found you irresistible."

  "Oh no, you resisted me quite easily! If I seemed aloof, it was because I was afraid to reveal how I truly felt."

  "And how is that?"

  "I have loved you forever, I think."

  "And I love you, Lydia. With all my heart."

  "Deeply and completely?" she teased, throwing his words back at him, hoping he had meant them.

  He laughed, took her face in his hands, and stroked his thumbs along the line of her jaw. "Deeply and completely. What fools we have been, eh? Each of us secretly pining after the other. We must name our first child after Hartwell for hatching the scheme that finally brought us together."

  She smiled at the implication of his words, and was tilting her mouth up for another kiss when a shriek from the shrubbery interrupted them.

  "Lydia! What on earth are you about?"

  Dear God, it was her mother. She looked anxiously at Geoffrey, who kissed her hand and rose from the bench.

  "Not to worry, Mrs.Bettridge. Miss Lydia and I have come to an understanding. I trust you will forgive us for behaving improperly, but we were too excited and happy to resist a kiss or two."

  "Well." Her mother frowned, but she did not fool Lydia. She was surely thrilled beyond measure. "I suppose one must forgive high spirits at such a time. You will, naturally, call upon Mr. Bettridge tomorrow."

  "You may tell him to expect me."

  "Good. In the meantime, Lydia, come with me. You must not been seen coming out of the garden with Mr. Danforth, regardless of his intentions. People will talk, you know. Come along, now."

  Her mother linked arms with her and walked toward the house. Lydia cast one last, longing look at Geoffrey before following her mother out of the garden and up the terrace steps.

  "Well, my dear." Her mother gave her arm a fond squeeze. "What an interesting evening you have had. Aren't you glad Philip Hartwell didn’t show up for that first set?"

  "I have never been so glad of anything in all my life."

  And she would thank him for it – for staying inside on a rainy day, for explaining the male psyche, for concocting a most excellent plan, and for giving up his role in it. But mostly, for helping her to achieve her heart's desire. At long last.

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