Kathryn had tears in her eyes. “Audrey, I’ve never heardanything so beautiful in my life. You were magnificent.”
“Thank you, Kathryn. That’s very kind of you to say.”
“Believe me, it’s not merely kindness. It is the truth. You’re truly talented.”
The room erupted in applause, startling the two young women. “Oh my, I forgot anyone else was here,” Kathryn said with a chuckle.
Audrey stood and curtseyed. “Thank you, everyone.”
Lady Devon patted the cushion next to her on the sofa. “Miss Parker, come sit with me for a moment.
Audrey walked over and took a seat beside her while Kathryn took a seat opposite them.
“My dear, I’ve never heard anything so beautiful. You have the voice of an angel,” Lady Devon said. “I’ve listened to a lot of young ladies play over the years, but I’ve never heard anyone quite as skilled as you.”
“I hardly think that’s true, Lady Devon.”
“I agree with Lady Devon,” Jacob said. “Every time I hear Miss Parker sing, I’m amazed at her talent.”
Audrey glanced at Jacob, his words filling her heart with happiness. It was the first time she’d seen him smile all evening. Perhaps his iciness towards her was thawing, and they could finally talk about what had happened in the garden on the carriage ride home.
After enjoying a bit more conversation, Jacob and Audrey were ready to leave and thanked their hosts for a lovely and enjoyable evening.
“I look forward to seeing you tomorrow,” Kathryn said.
“As do I.” Audrey turned to Lady Devon. “I will think about all you’ve told me, my lady. I appreciate you sharing your wise counsel.”
“Tomorrow’s musicale will be a good test of whethertonactivities are to your liking, my dear,” Lady Devon said. “Until tomorrow, then.”
Jacob shook hands with Devon and Easton before escorting Audrey out to Lord Devon’s carriage, which the earl had graciously offered the use of to take them home. It would be more comfortable and smell much better than a hired hackney.
Audrey hoped that during the ride, she and Jacob could discuss their kiss; however, if she’d expected him to acknowledge it, she was mistaken. She wished he had not been interrupted when they first arrived at the Devons’ townhome because she was sure he was going to talk about their kiss, but now he remained silent and looked out the window. Tears blurred her eyes, but she managed to blink them back. She did not want Jacob to see her cry.
When they arrived home, Jacob handed her down. Her disappointment was so great, she fled into the house and up to her bedchamber without even saying goodnight. She couldn’t bear to look at him one moment longer, knowing there was a good chance that he didn’t care for her as she cared for him. Devastation threatened to engulf her.
It broke her heart, but she would persevere, just like she’d done every other time something dreadfulhappened. However, there wasn’t anything she could do to fix the situation. Jacob—no, Lord Fletcher, as she must think of him now—had made it clear to her that he regretted kissing her, and all she could do was keep moving forward.
222
Jacob watched Miss Parkerflee up the grand staircase as he followed her into the house. He had worked up the courage to talk about the kiss, but his timing had been terrible, and he was interrupted. He never should have waited so long. Now he felt even more embarrassed. Was it too late to try to rectify the situation? During the ride home, he’d tried to think of the perfect words without stammering to convey his growing admiration for her. But, for the first time in his life, words had failed him. He’d never been tongue-tied before, so why would the words not come to him when the most important woman in his life sat on the opposite seat?
He suspected Miss Parker had wanted to discuss their shared kiss, but he didn’t know how to tell her that it was the most memorable kiss of his life after having told her his actions were inexcusable. He should just tell her how he felt, but men didn’t go around sputtering such things. That was best left to the poets, and a poet he certainly was not.
He’d made a mess of things again, and he hated seeing the hurt look on her face.
He walked down the hall to his study and pouredhimself a generous portion of brandy before taking a seat in the wing chair by the fireplace. He thought about everything that had happened this evening—Miss Parker’s easy rapport with Easton, the smiles she gave him, and how gracious she was with Lady Kathryn.
However, whenever he’d caught her glancing at him, her smile had disappeared, and she’d turned away. He’d thought asking her to play the pianoforte would somehow reveal to her how much he admired her and enjoyed her company, but even that gesture had apparently missed the mark. She was brilliant, of course, as he’d known she would be, but she’d had no welcoming smile for him when she finished.
It was another dagger to his heart.
He downed his brandy in one gulp before heading up to his bedchamber. He readily admitted, as he climbed the stairs, that jealousy had reared its ugly head this evening when Easton paid attention to her. Was that what had stifled the right words to convince her she was becoming more important to him than just his ward?
He vowed to do better. He couldn’t lose the most incredible woman he’d ever met.
Chapter22
“How was the dinner lastevening? Was it everything you hoped it would be?” Grace asked Audrey the next morning at breakfast.
