In Bed With The Devil | Herophine

Chapter Fourteen - The Exhibition

Josephine had thought it would be fun to bring Amelia's son, Whit, to the Great Exhibition. Amelia had wanted to come along as well. Had insisted on it, actually, convinced that Josephine's reputation would be irrevocably ruined if she were seen out in public without the benefit of a chaperone, and as Amelia was married, she served nicely in the role.

They'd arrived at Hyde Park shortly after breakfast to wait in line. It was the cheap-ticket day, the day when tickets were only a shilling, and common folk more than the elite were about. Amelia's bruise was almost gone, but still she didn't want to meet up with anyone she might know. She thought it less likely if they came today.

The iron and glass building known as the Crystal Palace was an amazing twenty-six acres of exhibits, almost overwhelming with everything it had on display, especially for a child of four. The stunning glass water fountain in the center of the building had caused Whit's eyes to widen, and Josephine had to hold tightly on to his hand to keep him from trying to climb in.

Now, three hours later, Whit was growing weary and grumpy because his legs were tired. Josephine had carried him for some time now, hoping to see more of the exhibits before being forced to leave because her arms were growing as tired as his legs. Josephine understood now why the queen had come five times already. It was impossible to see everything in one go.

"Whit is getting so restless. Do you think we should go?" Amelia asked.

Josephine heard the disappointment in her voice, and she wondered if it was leaving the exhibition or returning home that left Amelia with regret. "Why don't we push on for a little while longer? I'd really like to see the Koh-i-Noor diamond."

"Do you think it's really as spectacular as they say?"

"Everything else we've seen so far has been."

"Even the people," Amelia whispered. "Have you ever seen such an assortment? They're from all over the world. Every time I look around—oh, dear Lord."

Amelia had grown ghastly pale.

"What is it?" Josephine asked.

"Hero, and he's coming this way." She squeezed her eyes shut. "I knew we never should have spoken of him in Lady Charlotte's garden the other day."

Josephine spun around. It was indeed Hero and Mabel. It was quite evident that they were strolling toward them—as though Josephine and her party were themselves an exhibit to be studied. She felt a little shiver of anticipation. She was safe here with people about and Mabel at his side. He'd not tempt her into thoughts of wickedness with a kiss. It would all be very formal, very proper.

"Ignore him," Amelia said, digging her fingers into Josephine's arm.

Ignore him? How could she when he looked so exceedingly handsome in his dark blue jacket and trousers. His cravat was also blue, but his shirt and waistcoat were a gray that almost matched the silver of his eyes. One leather-clad hand held his black top hat and walking stick. She knew what that walking stick was capable of. It was nearly as dangerous as its owner.

"I won't give him a cut directly he hasn't earned." Although she could feel Amelia's horrified gaze on her, Josephine acknowledged Hero with a smile and wondered how to best handle this situation without causing Amelia to suspect that she and Hero shared more than a passing acquaintance. She should have known Hero would have the situation well in hand.

"Lady Josephine Langford, as I recall," he said lazily, a hint of teasing in his eyes that she doubted Amelia would notice. She suspected Amelia feared the man so much that she wouldn't lift her gaze above his neckcloth. "Our paths crossed at a ball once, some years back, but I don't believe we were ever formally introduced." He bowed slightly. "I'm Hero Fiennes Tiffin."