The Restless Viscountess

Chapter 7

Truth be told she was bored and desired a change of scenery. Moving three steps and talking to a different person every few minutes was not exactly her idea of a good night.

“Stay together,” Emmett instructed. “If you have not returned in twenty minutes I will come looking for you.”

Imogen had no doubt that he would.

Imogen held onto her sister’s arm, though she did not rely on her for much support at all. They walked slowly and at a steady pace, and after five minutes they found themselves outside, breathing in the cool evening air.

“It was starting to get quite stuffy in there,” commented Alexandra as they passed several illuminated carriages. Some were vacant, others were occupied by guests that were still arriving.

Alexandra and Imogen slipped past the crowds and headed towards the garden. Salisbury Hall was gifted with quite an aquatic garden. In addition to their marvellous lake, the Salisbury grounds were dotted with natural ponds inhabited by all sorts of creatures. Imogen knew that James and Simone enjoyed catching frogs when they were not being chased around by their governess.

Alexandra sighed loudly. “These parties are starting to get tedious, are they not, Imogen?” Imogen did not have time to answer as Alexandra continued. “These parties are all the same. The same couples, the same dances, the same music, the same conversation. I long for something different.”

“We all know what you long for, Allie,” murmured Imogen, a wry smile forming on her face.

Alexandra rolled her eyes. “Perhaps that is true, but I still am not enjoying this evening.”

“Do not let Rebecca hear you say that.”

Both girls gasped and spun around, searching for whoever had spoken. They had wandered down to one of the smaller ponds on Salisbury’s land. Imogen could hear the faint croaking of the frogs near the water.

Sitting on a boulder in the shadows, she believed, was Simon. She recognised his tall, muscular frame and his deep voice.

“Show yourself,” cried Alexandra defensively.

He stood up and walked into the moonlight. It was Simon. He was wearing his red coat, probably at Rebecca’s insistence, as well as his many medals. Imogen wondered what they were all for. “Good evening ladies,” said Simon politely, tipping his hat.

“What are you doing outside?” Alexandra demanded to know.

“I could ask you two the same question,” countered Simon. “Rebecca went to a lot of trouble organising this ball. You should be enjoying it.”

“We needed air,” replied Alexandra.

“Why are you not at the ball, Colonel?” asked Imogen curiously.

Simon smiled slightly. “Dances are not enjoyable for me anymore,” he said quietly. “I prefer to stay out of sight, away from prying eyes. It will be over in a few hours and I will emerge from hiding.”

Imogen knew that his hesitance had something to do with his scar, as he had implied at the dinner where they had first met. She could understand him not wanting to be around strangers, strangers who might stare, but would not that make his life terribly dull? While Imogen could not actively participate in balls, she would rather attend them then avoid them. What fun was life if one spent it hiding away?

“That does sound terribly dull, Colonel,” commented Alexandra, stealing the words exactly from Imogen’s head.

“Allie,” hissed Imogen.