Page 12 of The Reclusive Earl’s Scandal (Vows and Vanity #1)

Guiltily, she thought of Harry again as she gazed out at the sea of suitors.

Some met her eyes shyly; others boldly offered her a raise of their glass, their smiles widening as if they knew they had a chance with her.

Rebecca returned every gesture and nod, feeling penned in and lost amid them all.

She had played her game perhaps a little too well, and now she felt overwhelmed at the prospect of too many people potentially finding out about the Bancrofts’ financial ruin.

She waited for a sign of excitement, or a flush of happiness at the idea of securing her family’s wealth once more through her options, but she only felt a dull ache.

The very idea started to feel so abhorrent she turned away and pressed a fist lightly to her stomach, trying to nudge that uncomfortable feeling aside.

Rebecca was good at looking comfortable right in the center of the ton , beneath the lights and the music and the attention, but deep down she just wished to have a quiet, content life.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she grounded herself with a cool glass of wine in her hand as she thought through her list of more favorable suitors.

Lord Tanner was one, as was Lord Varley whom she had walked away from.

Then there was Lord Mason who had spoken so lengthily of how good their families’ names would be, side by side.

He was favorable for wealth, not character, for Goodness knew she found him as interesting as a white-painted wall.

Her eyes swept the ballroom, giving one last futile search for the Earl of Thornshire with his shifting hands and watchful gaze, his ever-present energy that never seemed to let him relax for a moment.

When she found nothing, Rebecca was faced with her parents’ nod. It was time to go home for the night. They had seen enough of her prospects and must have approved of at least one, or saw enough to hope for her to have a visitor the following day.

But as she passed by Lady Thornshire and Lady Elena to rejoin her family, she overheard the dowager countess, and slowed her steps, intrigued. She moved to linger just out of sight when she heard her name being mentioned. She was hidden by a cluster of people.

“I saw him standing with Lady Rebecca. I must admit I like the thought of them together, do you not agree, Elena? Her connections as a duke’s daughter are very admirable.

The two would make a good, wealthy match.

It would enhance his power, push him back up the ranks of society so he can forget this foolish, nervous business of his. ”

Rebecca hesitated, frowning at the judgement in the dowager countess’s voice.

“A duke’s daughter is indeed the best, Mama, yes, bu...”

“Rebecca.” Her mother’s voice was light and surprising, at her side. “Come, we are going home.”

Still not noticed by the Thornshires, Rebecca followed her mother and father from the ballroom.

“I trust you had a good time tonight making connections with the fine gentry,” her father said once they were in the carriage. “I saw you dancing with many suitors.”

“I did, Father,” she answered, biting back her annoyance.

She would not have to try so hard if he hadn’t been so neglectful.

Composure was hard fought, but Rebecca had long learned to mask her worry and anger towards her father.

He didn’t know that she knew about his debts, but his drinking problems had been a long-standing avoided topic that they were all aware of.

Even now, the scent of brandy rolled off him in a thick wave. Rebecca’s smile was fixed too rigidly on her face, she could feel it.

“Do tell me your favourites, Rebecca,” her mother cut in, leaning forward on her bench to take her hand. Her eyes lit up, hopeful for Rebecca to have what she’d found.

I can only hope my marriage will not end in destitution. Her thought came bitterly and unfairly, for her mother had not known, and it was not as though Rebecca would be able to leave. She had nowhere else to go, but she knew that even if she did, her mother would remain at her father’s side.

Dutifully, Rebecca told her parents of her prospects, watching as her father tried to conceal his hope that she would save them.

All the while, though, an idea formed in the back of her mind.

Her father and Edward’s father had been friends, so he would surely not oppose any connection between the young earl and her.

Perhaps… she thought, even as she continued her list of suitors. Perhaps we can use our families’ desires for us to our own advantage.

Then, testing the waters, she mentioned, “and then there is Lord Thornshire,” and her words had the desired effect: her father straightened in recognition, and her mother smiled broadly. The Thornshires’ wealth was no secret, even if Catherine had put Edward down for only four estates.

Would Edward help me voluntarily? She wondered as their townhouse came back into view.

Or do I have to play him as I have played my other suitors?

The thought left a sour taste in her mouth to do such a calculating thing, but when she entered their home, she found the chaise lounge, that was always in the entrance hall, gone, alongside an old bust of a Roman emperor that one of her younger brothers, Finley, adored.

They have been sold , she realized, but said nothing. Her father muttered something about rearranging the house, attempting to make it look as though both furniture items had been relocated, but she saw the tightness in his face, the way he quickly strode away.

And despite Edward’s kind, nervous smile, Rebecca knew what she had to do, no matter what.