“As you should be. You’ll be the prettiest girl there.”
Audrey didn’t know if that was true, and besides, all that mattered to her was what Lord Fletcher thought. Would he do more than merely stare at her tonight?
222
Jacob waited in the parlor, playing checkers with Miss Mia. He could hardly wait to see Miss Parker this evening. When they returned from the modiste’s shop and her sisters went upstairs, he started to tell her, but the words wouldn’t come. Then she’d disappeared into her bedchamber. He’d wanted to assure her that he wouldn’t abandon them as their father had done. Now he’d have to wait for a time when they could speak privately. He didn’t want to embarrass her in front of her sisters if she hadn’t shared her fears with Grace and Mia.
A half-hour later, she walked into the parlor, and he nearly choked as his breath caught in his throat. Wearing a pale pink dress, she looked like a dream come true. She was beyond beautiful, and he jumped to his feet, upsetting the checkerboard and sending the pieces crashing to the floor.
“My apologies, Miss Mia.”
Mia giggled. “It doesn't matter. You were winning anyway.”
He couldn’t stop looking at Miss Parker, who looked positively ravishing. He stared until his jaw finally worked again and he blurted out, “You look beautiful this evening.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
“You’re so pretty,” Mia said. “I wish I were going.”
“Perhaps another time, dearest,” Miss Parker said.
“Miss Parker, may we—”
The knocker banged down.
“That must be Lady Devon and Lady Kathryn,” Miss Parker said, turning around and leaving the parlor.
Jacob quickly followed her into the foyer.
Beckwith handed Jacob his hat and cane and Miss Parker her shawl before they went out to the Devon carriage. The footman had the door open and handed in Miss Parker, and Jacob followed. He was surprised to see Lady Kathryn sitting on the back-facing seat, and not surprisingly, Miss Parker sat beside her, leaving the seat next to Lady Devon as his only option.
“Good evening, Lady Devon, Lady Kathryn,” he said, climbing into the carriage.
“Good evening, my lord, Miss Parker,” Lady Devon said. “You look lovely, my dear.”
“Thank you, Lady Devon,” Audrey said.
“Lord Fletcher, Miss Parker,” Kathryn said in greeting.
It didn’t take long for Miss Parker and Lady Kathryn to put their heads together, deep in conversation. Jacob was pleased they were getting along so well. Miss Parker definitely needed a distraction from worrying over the welfare of her sisters, and with Lady Katherine, she could enjoy the company of a peer.
When they reached the Castor townhouse, there was already a long queue waiting to enter.
“My goodness! Lady Castor must have mentioned you would be attending, Lord Fletcher. The musicale will be a crush to be sure,” Lady Devon said with a chuckle.
Jacob inwardly groaned. He supposed he shouldhave expected this, as it would be his first foray intotonevents. When they finally reached their hosts, Lady Devon introduced them.
“Lord Fletcher, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Lady Castor said.
Lord Castor held out his hand. “Fletcher.”
Jacob bowed to Lady Castor before shaking Lord Castor’s hand. “Thank you for the invitation. I look forward to an enjoyable evening.”
After the introductions were complete, Lady Kathryn linked arms with Miss Parker and led her away.
As he was about to escort Lady Devon into the music room, Easton arrived. The young man was the last person he expected to see. He had hoped to have Miss Parker’s full attention this evening. What a fool he was to think he’d be the only one interested in her.
“Easton,” Lady Devon said with an expansive smile. “What an unexpected surprise.”
