He was shaken from his thoughts by the sound of a female voice calling out to them.
“Miss Parker, is that you?” asked an older woman in a deep-purple day dress and bonnet to match.
“Someone you know?” Jacob asked before the woman closed the distance between them.
“Yes. She was an acquaintance of my late mother. Lady Whitestone, lovely to see you today,” Audrey said with a slight grin.
“My dear girl, how much you’ve grown. You’re the image of your dear departed Mama.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say.”
Neither Lady Whitestone nor her friend Lady Nestle moved on down the path as Audrey had hoped. She and Lady Nestle were notorious gossipers and the last people she’d hoped to see today in the park. She had a bad feeling about this, although courtesy dictated that she introduce the baron. “Lord Fletcher, may I make known to you Lady Whitestone and Lady Nestle. Ladies, may I introduce Lord Fletcher?”
Lord Fletcher bowed to the women. “Lady Whitestone, Lady Nestle, a pleasure to meet you both.”
“So you’re the new Lord Fletcher,” Lady Whitestone said, looking him over from head to toe. “I’ve never seen you before, my lord. Are you new to London?”
“Indeed. I only arrived a few days ago.”
A couple of the other strolling matrons paused a few steps away to listen to the conversation. It seemed that the new Lord Fletcher had already become a hot topic among the aristocracy.
“Oh, that’s interesting. Where do you hail from, my lord?” Lady Whitestone asked. “I can’t quite place your accent.”
“New York City.”
Jacob felt Audrey stiffen beside him. Had he said something wrong? He glanced at her, but she kept hereyes facing forward.
Lady Whitestone frowned. “Oh, I see. You’re American.”
“I am indeed.”
Lady Whitestone looked like she’d smelled a pile of manure. She grabbed her friend’s arm and began to move away. “ Good day, Lord Fletcher, Miss Parker.”
Once the ladies had moved on, Jacob asked, “What has you upset? Did I say something wrong, Miss Parker?”
Audrey shook her head. “No. You were the perfect gentleman, but those two ladies love to gossip. The fact that you’re an American will be all over thetonwithin the hour.”
“Well, I cannot hide the fact that I’m American. Is that such a bad thing?”
“Of course not, my lord. It’s only that I’m sure most of thetonexpected an Englishman to inherit the title. As you can imagine, there’s quite a bias in Society regarding Americans.”
“It’s foolish to be biased against a whole nation, and I would hope they should take each man on his merits. I certainly try to be a good person and treat everyone with respect. I work hard and pay my workers a good wage.”
“That’s it exactly. You work. That’s what will be frowned upon, as well as the fact that you’re an American. The aristocracy does not work, and more than likely, you will be shunned.”
“Well, it seems unreasonable to dislike someone because they work hard and are fair-minded.”
“Lord Fletcher, I’m afraid I cannot explain it to youany clearer. I fear you will never understand what I’m trying to tell you about theton.”
“Miss Parker, I understand fully what you’re saying. I just don’t agree that people should be judged for the simple fact that they work for a living instead of being judged by their character.”
“I never said it was fair, my lord. It is the way of the aristocracy, I’m afraid. Now, shall we go find my sisters?” Audrey asked, walking ahead.
“Of course.” Jacob could feel the difference in Miss Parker’s behavior toward him after the two women moved along. Just when he’d thought he was beginning to connect with her, a gossiping matron had ruined their walk. He could tell by Miss Parker’s blank stare that she worried about what the gossips would say regarding him and how it would affect her and her sisters.
It didn’t take long for them to find Grace and Mia. They could hear Mia’s squeals when the swans made an appearance.
“Lord Fletcher, come here!” Mia called out. “The swans are here.”
