“Helena, as much as I’d love it, I don’t think it would be a good idea,” Lydia said. “You know I’ll never be able to marry him, and being seen in my presence won’t win him any favors with theton.I certainly don’t wish to see him ostracized because of his association with me. I love him too much to cause him distress.”
“I’m afraid Miss Weston is correct, my dear,” Evans said. “The difference in their stations is a major obstacle—one I don’t know how to overcome. It’s one thing for her to accompany us to atonevent, and quite another if we all went as a foursome. I believe that it would cause them both more harm than good.”
Helena sighed. “It just isn’t fair. They love each other. There must be a way for them to be together.”
“Your husband is right. I’ve had to let go of that dream, I’m afraid,” Lydia said, bussing Helena’s cheek when the carriage stopped outside the Weston townhouse. “Please don’t fret on my behalf. I shall be fine. Thank you for letting me accompany you this evening.”
Helena nodded. “I shall see you soon, my dear.”
The driver opened the door and helped Lydia down. “Good evening, Lord Evans,” she said over her shoulder before walking to the front door.
“Good evening, Miss Weston,” Lord Evans called after her.
Prescott opened the door. “Miss Weston, I hope you had a pleasant evening.”
Lydia nodded. “Yes, it was lovely. Good night, Prescott.”
“Good night, Miss Weston.”
Lydia walked up the stairs and down the hall to her bedchamber. When she passed her aunt’s room, she noticed a light coming from under the door. Why was her aunt still awake? It was unusual for Agnes to still be up at this hour, especially since she hadn’t attended the ball. Lydia knocked, hoping that there was nothing wrong.
“Come.”
“Aunt Agnes, are you well?” Lydia asked, opening the door and walking inside.
“Yes, my dear. A little bit of restlessness, that’s all. How was your evening?”
“It was fine.”
Agnes looked at her closely. “My dear, I can tell by your face that the evening was not fine. What happened?”
“Nothing really.”
“Oh? Care to explain?” Agnes said, patting the seat next to her on the sofa.
Lydia sat and took a deep breath. “Very well. Baron Oakley insulted me while trying to force me to dance with him.”
Agnes’s eyes widened in disbelief. “My dear, that is beyond the pale. He insulted you?”
Lydia nodded. “He did indeed, although he said it in a whisper so no one would overhear.”
“What did he say?”
“He said he didn’t mind the stink of trade on me.”
“That odious man! How dare he say such a hurtful thing?”
“I know it’s the truth, but the way he said it was so vulgar. Luckily, Lord Hutchinson stepped in and claimed the dance, forcing him to step aside. I must say I did enjoy the look of outrage on the baron’s face.”
“Lord Hutchinson was there?”
“Yes. He came but didn’t stay long.”
“But he danced with you. Anyone else?”
Lydia shook her head. “No. Miss Darvey tried to corner him for a dance to no avail.”
“Well, that’s an interesting turn of events.”
