Chapter11
Audrey was stunned by LordFletcher’s question.
A Season.
She hadn’t thought about having a Season in four years, ever since her mother’s passing had made it impossible. To be offered the opportunity now seemed far-fetched at best, but the baron seemed quite sincere in his commitment, as their guardian, to do everything he could to support them, including funding a Season for her.
Had she misjudged him? She didn’t know yet. And more importantly, did she even want a Season?
That was the question. Being presented to the queen seemed quite daunting at best, never mind facing theton. Now that the opportunity had presented itself, she wasn’t sure that having a Season was what she wanted to do. She didn’t know any of this year’s debutantes or even last year’s crop of young ladies. She wasn’t afraid to admit that alone made her nervous, not to mention being wary of doing something that could cause a scandal. Thetonwas full of mean gossipers who seemed to enjoy beingcruel. The last thing she wanted was to run afoul of them and ruin her sisters’ chances at a good match.
“Um…I don’t know if I actually want a Season,” Audrey said. “Do you realize everything involved in participating in one?” She thought it better to focus on the exorbitant expenses involved instead of her nervousness about facing the queen and theton.
“I can honestly say I do not, but that doesn’t mean I cannot learn. Mr. Haggerty has given me a brief outline of what is involved, so I have a little understanding of the process.”
“Do you know anyone in London who can act as my chaperone?”
“I do not, although Mr. Haggerty has offered to find someone, an older lady or widow, who can guide you.”
“I see.”
“Does that mean yes, you’d like to participate?”
“May I have some time to think about it?”
“Of course. Whatever you decide will be fine with me. As I understand it, the Season has just begun, so you won’t miss too many activities should you decide in favor of one.”
Lord Fletcher was being too accommodating. She was certain he didn’t understand things as clearly as he claimed to. She decided to ask again. “My lord, after you’ve so generously added to our allowance, I’m not sure you realize how expensive a Season will be. The modiste bill alone will be quite substantial. I certainly would not want to be the cause of any financial hardship for you.”
“Miss Parker, thank you for your thoughtfulness. As I said before, my finances will be fine, and I am well prepared to fund a Season if that’s what you wish. You only need to make a decision.”
“Thank you, Lord Fletcher. I will give it serious thought.”
“Good.”
Audrey didn’t know what else to say. On the one hand, she should be thrilled to be able to participate intonactivities, but on the other hand, she was loath to admit that she was terrified. While her late mother had taught her and her sisters proper etiquette and had given them dance and music lessons, she knew one misstep could cause a scandal that would derail the rest of her life. How could she ask the baron to bear the financial burden of paying for her Season, only to have her retreat from Society in scandal? That wouldn’t help any of them, especially not Grace and Mia, find suitable matches in the future.
She’d never had anyone besides her mother care about what happened to her. Certainly not her father. After her mother’s death, Papa only cared about where his next drink came from. The new baron was exactly the opposite of her father, and truth be told, it was more of a shock than his being American.
Lord Fletcher was caring and devastatingly handsome, and though she tried to keep her emotions in check, whenever she looked at him, her heart did a little flip-flop. It didn’t seem fair that a man could beso beautiful, but he was the epitome of the perfect male form carved in marble, except he wasn’t hard stone. Far from it. She wanted to dislike him and be immune to his charm, but if she was being honest with herself, she liked him more than she should.
She’d been surprised by his appearance when they met yesterday, and there was no denying how good-looking he was. Every female in the Mivart’s dining room seemed to take notice of him. It made her wonder what it would be like to be kissed by such a man. She’d never had any desire to kiss anyone before, but Lord Fletcher was different and very desirable indeed.
Before she had a chance to say anything more, Grace and Mia walked into the parlor.
“Lord Fletcher, would you care to promenade today? It’s such a lovely day outside,” Mia said. “Seems a shame to waste it sitting indoors.”
Audrey stifled a gasp. “Sister, don’t be so forward. I’m sure Lord Fletcher has far more important matters to attend to than promenading in Hyde Park,” Audrey said, lightly scolding Mia.
Lord Fletcher chuckled. “As a matter of fact, I have no other appointments today, so that’s a fine idea, Miss Mia. What do you say, Miss Parker? Shall we all promenade? It doesn’t make sense to waste a beautiful sunny day like this.”
Audrey knew she couldn’t refuse if she wanted any peace in the household. Mia would pout and complain for the rest of the day if she didn’t agree to go to HydePark. “If that would please you, Lord Fletcher, then I’d be delighted.”
“Excellent.”
His smile of beautiful white teeth nearly undid her, and she jumped up before she could do something foolish. “Excuse me while I fetch my bonnet and gloves,” Audrey said. “Come along, sisters. Don’t tarry.”
Lord Fletcher stood while the sisters filed out of the parlor.
