Miss Quinn's Quandary by Shirley Marks Page B

replied, playfully.
    “Please … I have no doubts for myself. However, I do have Larissa
to consider.”
    “What of her? I find her a lovely girl.”
    “I can’t just leave her alone,” Ivy replied.
    “Alone? My dear sweet, your Larissa will be much better off.
Related to an earl, her chances of a match will increase twofold. Oh yes, a
very positive alliance for her. She’ll have a new family … she’ll be far from
alone.”
    Larissa moved back. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop. On the other
hand, she felt relieved she had not intruded upon their privacy. Not that the
earl’s action was unexpected. Sir Randall had warned her of his intentions
earlier that night at the opera. But to marry tomorrow? Aunt Ivy was right, it
was far too soon.
    Stepping farther away from the supper box, Larissa wandered down
one of the paths, which delivered her to the stone bench where she had last
seen Lord Fenton. She moved toward the unoccupied bench and sat. He still stood
there among the very same men. How could that be possible? She was sure he had
seen her at the temple before she left for the dark walk. Why had he not
followed her?
    Not more than a moment after she’d sat, he left his colleagues
and was at her side. “It’s the funniest thing,” he said, raising his quizzing
glass and examining her. “For a moment, I thought I saw you standing by that
far temple.” “
    “Nonsense.” She lied and forced a small laugh. “I haven’t dared
move from this spot.”
    “Just as I suspected,” he replied, laying his glass to rest on
its chain. He offered her his arm. “Shall we join your aunt at the earl’s
supper box?”
    Larissa pulled her shawl tight around her and accepted his arm.
“I imagine they might have some happy news to welcome us when we arrive.”
    “Imagine that,” he commented, leading her away.
    Larissa decided it would take more than a quizzing glass for
Fenton to see what was going on under his own nose. No doubt he would miss Aunt
Ivy and the earl smelling thoroughly of April and May.
    “Our trunks are loaded onto the coach, and Katherine waits below
stairs,” Larissa informed her aunt.
    “Very punctual my Katherine,” Ivy praised. “I am sorry to do this
to you, my dear. I had no intention of marriage when I came to London.”
    “Do not be sorry.” Larissa was very happy for her aunt.
    “How my life has changed since you came. I thought we’d have such
fun coming to Town. Attending all the parties, balls, and such. Little did I
imagine I would be the one to fall in love and marry. ”
She held out her arm and asked, “Fetch my wrap, would you, dear?”
    Larissa lifted the blue Norwich shawl from the bed and handed it
to her aunt. “In love?”
    “Oh yes, my dear.” She covered her shoulders. “I should never
have remarried unless I was.” Her voice grew serious. “I do believe it is time
we leave.”
    Ivy took a last lingering look at her reflection in the pier
glass. Her eyes were radiant, almost glowing. She fingered the folds of her
gown and ran her hand over her hair, admiring the neat chignon. She regarded
the satisfied smile and the high color on her cheeks.
    Obviously, blushing was not limited to the young for her aunt
flushed the most becoming pink. Some things, Larissa thought, never change.
    Arriving at Rushton townhouse, Ivy and Larissa were immediately
greeted by the earl.
    “There she is now,” Rushton announced, rushing to the dowager’s
side. “My lovely bride.” He took both her hands and drew her near, placing a
kiss on each cheek. “Have you ever seen any more beautiful?”
    “Rushton, shame on you,” Ivy sighed. “You put me to the blush,
and I am too old for that nonsense.”
    “Ah, no, my love.” He placed a kiss on her hand. “You shall see.
Life has just begun for us.” Rushton gave an all-encompassing look before
announcing, “Let us not waste a moment longer.” He released one of her hands
and reached out to one side. “Laurie,” he