After listening to a couple of speeches, Lord Devon led the way out of the chamber. “Well, I’m done listening today. Those men will talk and debate for hours yet. I’ve heard the same arguments before. What did you think?”
“You were right. There’s a lot of posturing and long-winded speeches,” Jacob said, chuckling. “But I found your friend’s speech quite inspiring. Do you think the bill will pass?
“Maybe. We need to garner more support. Many of our peers don’t care if the poor’s living conditions are improved.”
“Some things never change. It’s the same in New York. There are the rich and the poor, but at least in America, the less fortunate can work hard on changing their condition without being criticized for working to better themselves.”
“Well, we do have an emerging middle class, although most of the aristocracy still look down upon them despite their wealth. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of themiddle-class merchants have more wealth than many of the lords seated in Parliament’s gallery.”
As they were leaving the building, Lord Devon said, “By the way, I’ve talked to Lady Devon about your request, and she would like to meet Miss Parker. To that end, you and she are invited to dinner on Friday next.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your help in this matter.”
“You’re welcome. Launching a young debutante into Society is a tricky business best left to the ladies. Lady Devon will be happy to discuss the finer details of a Season with you and Miss Parker so you both get a better picture of what to expect.”
“I’m calling upon Miss Parker for tea today and will be sure to impart this welcome news.”
When Jacob had sent a note to Miss Parker earlier that day, he’d thought he was merely going to ask her to help him choose a house to rent—he didn’t want to stay at Mivart’s forever—but now, he had even more exciting news to relay to her. He hoped she would be thrilled about the dinner invitation and the chance to discuss the finer points of participating in the Season with Lady Devon.
After stopping at his hotel briefly and receiving Miss Parker’s note that he was welcome to join them for tea, he made his way to Gracechurch Street. The timing was perfect, and he was glad that he and Devon had left Parliament when they did.
It took only a moment for the butler to open the door after he knocked. “Good day, Beckwith,” he said.
“Lord Fletcher, good day. Shall I escort you to the parlor?”
Jacob shook his head. “No need, Beckwith. I know the way.” As he entered the foyer, he heard the most angelic voice he’d ever heard in his life. Who was singing? He’d seen the pianoforte in the parlor on his previous visit but had neglected to ask which of the sisters played the instrument.
The parlor door stood open, and as he lingered in the doorway, he was mesmerized by Miss Parker as she sang a melancholy tune. Her eyes were closed, and she swayed with the music as she sang. He couldn’t turn away from her and was afraid to walk into the room for fear of interrupting this unexpected pleasure. Her singing filled his soul with an exhilarating joy—one that he’d never felt before—but it troubled him to hear her sing such a sad song.
Was there more to Miss Parker’s sadness than what he knew already? Could he do anything to lift her spirits?
Chapter15
Audrey had been agitated allday, not knowing what Lord Fletcher was going to tell them. She’d tried to quiet her mind with her tasks, but to no avail. Interesting news could mean so many things. She envisioned the potential scenarios, but each one was worse than the previous. Nothing seemed to help the heavy feeling in her belly, so she turned to the one activity that had always brought her comfort—the pianoforte.
She played song after song, trying to soothe her nerves. Singing a melancholy tune that was one of her favorites finally began to ease her anxiety, and she lost herself to the music while tears leaked from her eyes. She was tired—so very tired of fighting every day to keep her sisters safe, fed, and warm. They had no one else to turn to, and if Lord Fletcher left London, their options would be worse than they’d been before.
She’d have no choice if he left.
She would have to find a husband—a man who would agree to take in her two sisters once they married.It was a tall order, and she wasn’t very confident in her ability to find such a man. She wanted to scream at her father for leaving them so vulnerable. When her mother was alive, the house had been filled with such joy and laughter. However, over the last four years, that joy had leaked away little by little, until there was nothing left but worry.
As she sang the final notes, the sound of clapping made her head whip up. Her eyes widened at the sight of Lord Fletcher leaning against the door frame. He was impeccably dressed in a navy jacket and silver waistcoat, and her heart did its familiar flip-flop at the sight of him. She quickly swiped the tears from her cheeks. “Forgive me, my lord. I didn’t see you standing there.”
“Miss Parker, I’ve never heard anything so beautiful in all my days. I was mesmerized by your singing,” he said, striding to her.
Audrey stood and curtseyed. “That’s very kind of you to say.”
He stopped a foot from her. “Kindness has nothing to do with it. I speak the truth. Your singing is magnificent.”
Heat flooded Audrey’s cheeks at his compliment. She wasn’t used to them, and it took her a moment to compose herself. “Thank you.”
“You seem quite sad. What is troubling you?”
Audrey had no intention of revealing why she was sad, and especially not of telling him he was at the center of her sadness, so she did the only thing she could and changed the subject. “I’m pleased you’ll be joining us fortea today. You said you had interesting news. May I ask what it is?”
Before he had a chance to answer, both Grace and Mia walked into the parlor.
“Good afternoon, Lord Fletcher,” Grace said with a curtsey. “Lovely to see you again.”
