Page 58 of Bluebell’s Fate

Nathaniel glued his teeth together. Ian always enjoyed toeing the line of impropriety.

Bell smiled brightly. “I believe you will be thrilled with the guest list. I’ve invited the Stones to join us.”

Nathaniel watched as Ian’s flirtatious smile faltered, but he recovered quickly. “How thoughtful of you, Lady Bluebell.” He cast a gaze over Bell’s shoulder and looked Nathaniel straight on. “Are you sure that is a wise choice?”

Shrugging, Nathaniel answered honestly. “I’d love the chance to speak with Miss Stone again. We have been friends for so long, and I’m certain she’ll adore Bell.” The declaration came so easily it shocked Nathaniel. Miss Eliza Stone would love Bell, likely more than she’d ever cared for him. He could already imagine the two women growing to be wonderful friends. Bell had that effect on everyone she was around; his staff was evidence of that already.

“It’s been some time since I’ve seen that smile.” Ian whispered loudly. “Remember, you are a married man now, cousin.”

Bell’s hand fell from Nathaniel’s arm. He missed the contact instantly. He stiffened and felt his jaw clench. If this afternoon going off as planned wasn’t so important for Bell, Nathaniel would be tempted to force Ian to leave. It was no surprise that Ian would look for ways to needle him. “Of course I am.” Nathaniel smiled at Bell. “I know my role, Ian. Do you?”

Ian winked and sauntered toward Nathaniel’s parents. The whisper of what could have been Bell and Miss Stone’s friendship floated away like smoke on the breeze. If Miss Stone married Ian, Nathaniel wouldn’t be able to abide Bell spending large amounts of time with the couple. He could never trust Bell to Ian’s care. It would be too much to hope that Bell would remain unscathed from his cousin’s manipulations.

Bell took a shaky breath beside him. “Why don’t we get the kites?” She walked toward the kites that she’d set out earlier today. Nathaniel swallowed what he wanted to tell Bell about Ian. He’d have to talk to her later about his concerns. Right now, she was a woman on a mission, and he wanted to be her biggest supporter.

When he reached the kites a minute behind Bell, she was chuckling, but it all came out hollow. “This is what I get for coming out here early to get everything ready I guess.” Nathaniel peeked around her shoulder to see the kite strings all in a jumbled knot. His stomach sank. She’d spent so much time making sure everything would go as planned, he was shocked that she was still smiling, even if it was just a shadow of what could be.

“It doesn’t look like we’ll be flying kites anytime soon.” Nathaniel’s mother stated dryly from over his shoulder. “It’s probably for the best. I don’t fancy running around in my dress,” she looked Bell’s fancy gown over from head to toe with distaste. “And you don’t look dressed for the occasion either.”

Nathaniel forced a laugh. “Mother, how can you possibly believe Bell expected you to be the runner.” He puffed out his chest. “I volunteered myself and Ian for that job.”

His mother gave an indiscernible huff. “It clearly doesn’t matter now.”

“I’ll…I’ll see what I can do to get these knots untangled while we take some refreshment,” Bell said as her gaze slid back to the house. Her shoulders snapped back, and she pushed her chin high. “I believe the Stones have arrived.” She turned to Nathaniel. “Would you care to come with me to greet them?”

Nathaniel held out his arm. “Certainly.” He tried to ignore his mother’s whispered remarks about flighty behavior. “Don’t worry about the kites. We can ask Mrs. Carter to work at the knots while we take some refreshment.”

Bell nodded. “Of course. Except…while we eat, Mrs. Carter was supposed to be working on hiding clues for the scavenger hunt I’ve planned. Perhaps we ought to just skip the kite flying.”

Nathaniel didn’t know if Bell was asking for his opinion, or if she was talking more to herself about the plan she’d made, but he answered anyway. “That sounds reasonable to me. Although, I’d like to fly a kite with you soon. It’s been ages since I have done it.”

“I’m sorry. Should I skip the scavenger hunt instead?”

“No.” Nathaniel ran a hand through his hair. “I just want to spend time with you.”

He cut his answer shorter than he would have preferred in order to greet Mr. and Mrs. Stone as they slowly made their way across the lawn. He bowed to the couple and motioned to Bell. “Mr. and Mrs. Stone, allow me to introduce you to my wife, Lady Bluebell Payne. We are so glad you were able to join us. My wife has been anxious to make your acquaintance.”

Bell curtsied. “Good afternoon. Mrs. Stone, I love your shawl, the embroidery has exquisite detail!”

Mrs. Stone leaned on her walking stick and smiled warmly at Bell. “Why thank you, Lady Bluebell. Do you take pleasure in needlepoint?”

Bell’s cheeks pinked. “Not as much as my elder sister. I can only imagine the amount of patience and time it took to create such a masterpiece.”

Mrs. Stone smiled. “I’ve heard tell of her. Is she as fearsome as the rumors imply?”

Bell laughed. “I don’t know what the rumors say, but it is likely that Rose exceeds them all.”

Nathaniel had never known someone to rise above suspicion in Mrs. Stone’s eyes so quickly. Her limp had always made her quite defensive, and she had a reputation for acting callously if she perceived any slight from those around her; but Bell’s honesty was so refreshing, even the stoic Mr. Stone chuckled. “I hope you’re wrong, my dear. They are not all very flattering.”

Nathaniel wished Mr. Stone wasn’t always so abrupt. Nathaniel tried to smooth over his comment. “No one who goes about town comes out completely unscathed from the rumor mills. Lady Rose is quite delightful. She stopped by here just a few weeks ago. I quite appreciate her straightforward nature.”

Mr. Stone nodded. “There is more truth to your words about town than I wish there were. It does make me fear somewhat for Eliza.”

Bell tipped her head to the side. “Why would you fear for Eliza?”

Mrs. Stone’s smile was tight. “She is in London for her first season. My leg doesn’t allow me to be as active as I’d like to, so my sister is sponsoring her.”

“Oh,” Bell looked at Nathaniel before she faced Mrs. Stone again. “I was under the impression that she was at home for the time being.”