The Lady Who Saw Too Much. Thomasine Rappold
of the assembly. Landen turned from the woman, then headed in Gia’s direction. Despite her best effort to remain unaffected, her heart hammered as he approached. He looked especially appealing today dressed in his fine clothes with his dark hair brushed back from his handsome face.
“It’s time,” he said, extending a stiff arm to her.
Gia glanced to Alice. “I won’t be long.”
Alice gave a nervous nod.
Gia took Landen’s arm. The firm muscle beneath her fingers tensed as though repelling her touch.
“I hate leaving her alone,” Gia uttered.
“It can’t be helped.” Ushering her briskly through the crowd, he led her toward Clara, who was waving furiously for them to hurry along.
“As you can see, my aunt is eager to bask in the triumph of publicly securing my noose.” He turned to Gia. “Your triumph.”
Gia swallowed hard, fearing she might never acclimate to the loathing in his eyes. Or the strong desire he stirred in her blood.
“If I may have your attention, everyone,” Clara said. “I have an announcement to make.”
The crowd quieted beneath Clara’s request. “Thank you all for coming today. My husband Howard and I have always held a deep fondness for Misty Lake.” Clara pressed a gloved hand to her chest. “Some of the happiest days of my life were spent here, with my family, amid the splendor of the lake and the mountains, and returning each summer to those cherished memories fills my heart with such joy. As does my exciting announcement,” she said, eyes aglow. “It brings me enormous pleasure to announce the engagement of my nephew, Landen, to Miss Gianna York.”
The party lapsed into silence. Stunned faces gaped at the couple as Clara gave her surprised guests a moment to absorb the news before continuing. “Please join me in congratulating them on this joyous occasion.”
Everyone applauded, and to Gia’s surprise, Landen bent to kiss her on the cheek. The brief press of his lips on her flesh lingered long after he turned away from her and into the crowd of well-wishers that surrounded them.
When the din of the excitement faded, Landen left her with the women while he joined the men for a drink. From the corner of her eye, Gia spotted Charlotte Filkins strolling toward her. The dreary-brown mourning color of her gown did nothing to detract from her loveliness. Sunlight glimmered on her auburn hair. Charlotte’s smile faltered as the two women chatting with Gia excused themselves quickly and hurried away. Their abrupt departure left Gia standing awkwardly alone and unsure of what to say.
“My name is Charlotte Filkins, Miss York. I hope you don’t mind my introducing myself, but I feared growing old before Denny got an opportunity to do so.”
Gia’s cheeks flushed at the confirmation Charlotte knew Landen intimately enough to call him by the name his family did. “Of course not,” she said. “It’s nice to make your acquaintance.”
“I wish you and Denny all the happiness in the world.” Charlotte’s brief smile was weighted with sorrow. She tossed a forlorn glance toward Landen, and Gia all but felt the woman’s heart splintering to pieces.
From across the patio, Landen was watching their exchange, looking as miserable as Charlotte. Gia’s status as interloper had never felt as painfully strong as in that moment. Her insides twisted into knots at the fear she was altering the fate of these lovers—interfering with something that was supposed to be.
Charlotte recovered quickly, reclaiming her charm. “He’s a fine man.”
Gia couldn’t help herself. “You care for him.”
Charlotte tilted her head, her defensive expression softening. “Very much.” She lifted her chin. “But I shall get over it.”
With those simple words, Charlotte started away, but the strain in her voice left Gia doubting this would be quite so easy.
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