“I did. Lady Castor was delighted to add you to the program when I told her of your skill.”
Jacob wanted to reach out and comfort her, as he knew Miss Parker must be nervous at this turn of events, but before he could move to her side, Easton picked up her hand and said, “Miss Parker, you’re a shining star, and it’s about time Society had the pleasure of hearing you perform.”
Fletcher couldn’t blame Easton for wanting Audrey to perform. Easton had witnessed her skill at their dinner, but he could not have known how nervous she got performing for others. When it was her turn to take the stage, Fletcher went to her and escorted her to the stage.
“I don’t believe I can do this,” she whispered. “There are too many people here.”
Fletcher leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Miss Parker, I wholeheartedly believe in you. You are indeed a shining star. Let the music fill you with joy.”
“Thank you, my lord,” she said, nodding and taking a seat on the bench.
Jacob squeezed her hand and walked away.
Audrey’s fingers began to fly over the keys. There was no denying her skill, as everyone’s attention was focused on her.
Fletcher listened in rapture and felt jealous that everyone else had the pleasure of listening to her play. When she finished her piece, their eyes met again. When she smiled, his heart swelled.
Of course, Easton was correct. Miss Parker was the belle of the evening.
After they returned home and said their goodbyes to Lady Devon and Lady Kathryn, she merely wished Jacob a good night and once again fled his company. He didn’t have a chance to ask her to stay and talk with him before she disappeared up the stairs.
Another chance lost. He thought they had a real connection tonight, but obviously he was wrong. This couldn’t go on if he ever wanted to win Miss Parker’s heart.
Chapter24
The next day, while Audreywas enjoying breakfast with everyone, the door knocker banged down multiple times.
“Who could be calling this early?” Jacob asked, looking up from the paper.
“I have no idea,” Audrey said.
A few minutes later, Beckwith walked into the dining room holding three bouquets of flowers. “Miss Parker, these have arrived for you.”
“For me?” she asked.
Beckwith nodded, bringing the bouquets to her so she could take the calling cards.
“From Lord Easton, Lord Davies, and Mr. Wallings.”
“Oh my. How exciting,” Grace said. “Do you think they’ll pay you a morning call? Isn’t that the usual protocol after meeting new people at an event?”
“Morning call? What does that mean?” Jacob asked.
“There are a few hours in the early afternoon when members of Society may call upon you. Generally, they’reshort visits, and I must say, it’s been years since anyone has called upon us.” Audrey turned to Grace. “Sister, will you attend the calls with me?”
“Of course,” Grace said. “I’d be happy to.”
“I shall attend as well,” Jacob said. “As your guardian, it’s my duty to oversee these things, is it not?”
“It is, but with Grace by my side, you don’t have to attend if you have other important matters to take care of,” Audrey said.
“I can’t think of anything more important than looking out for you, Miss Parker.”
Audrey looked at him and could detect no insincerity in his eyes. What did he mean by “nothing more important”? If she was so important to him, why couldn’t he talk to her about their shared kiss? Or was he merely trying to follow society’s dictates? She had to admit that she had not made it easy for them to speak privately. She had been so hurt by his actions in the garden that she now realized that she was the one who had been putting unnecessary obstacles in their way of a conversation. She had to stop running away, but part of her was scared that he would tell her he was leaving to go back to America. Before she could think further about the situation, Mia spoke up.
“What about me? May I attend?”
Audrey shook her head. “No, dearest. You’re too young, and most likely, you’d be bored with the conversations.”
