Both men took their seats and were attentive, but she noticed Mr. Wallings’ eyes continued to stray toward Grace and wondered at his intentions. Grace was only seven and ten and would not make her debut into Society until next year. As she watched their interactions, she was surprised to see that Grace’s usual reserved personality was not in evidence today. She was smiling and talking animatedly with Mr. Wallings. Did Grace really enjoy his company, or was she merely trying hard to make Audrey’s first morning call a success?
Her attention switched back to Lord Davies when he said, “Fletcher, my family has a box at the theatre. A popular opera is currently being performed there, and if you’re amenable, I’d like to invite you and Miss Parker to a performance.”
Audrey held her breath, waiting for Fletcher’s response. She wanted to attend, as she adored all types ofmusic, but it would be his decision.
“Miss Parker, would you like to attend?” Fletcher asked.
“I’d be delighted.”
“The performance is in two days. Will that suit?”
Audrey nodded. “Yes. I look forward to it.” She glanced at Fletcher, but his face showed no emotion. Did he not care that another man was showing interest in her? It cut her deeply to think so. She’d thought they shared a mutual attraction, especially after the kiss in the garden, but perhaps she’d been mistaken and the kiss meant nothing to him.
After twenty minutes of light-hearted conversation, Mr. Wallings was the first to take his leave. Audrey noticed he lingered slightly as he wished Grace a pleasant day.
Lord Davies stayed for another few minutes before he also took his leave. “Fletcher, Miss Parker, I look forward to seeing you at the theatre,” he said with a bow.
“And I you, my lord.”
When no other callers appeared in the next hour or so, Fletcher left the parlor.
As soon as he closed the door behind him, Grace asked. “So, what did you think? Did you enjoy the visit?”
“I did. I noticed you spoke with Mr. Wallings quite a bit. Did you enjoy your conversation?”
“I did. He’s quite the nature enthusiast.”
“Ah, no wonder you seemed so engrossed talking with him.”
“Audrey, I didn’t mean to monopolize his attention.This was your special time. Please forgive me.”
“Grace, dearest, there’s no need for you to apologize. I’m glad you’re gaining experience talking with gentlemen. After all, you’ll be eight and ten in June and fully capable of making your own decisions about who you’d like to converse with.”
“Thank you, Audrey. Would you care for a quick stroll in the garden? I find I’m in need of some fresh air.”
“Of course,” Audrey said, linking her arm with her sister’s.
222
Jacob stalked down thehallway, entered his study, and began pacing. He’d thought he’d be fine watching other men court his ward, but he’d been wrong. He wanted her for himself. When Davies asked them to attend the opera, his first instinct had been to decline the invitation…that was, until he saw Miss Parker’s face. He knew her passion for music, so how could he deny her the privilege of attending the opera? Of course he agreed, although it was the last place he wanted to be. He’d never been to the opera before. While he could appreciate fine music, he had no idea if he liked opera. But even if he didn’t care for it, he would endure it for her, as he’d endured Lady Castor’s musical evening. He would endure anything for her.
Back and forth he paced as he ran his hand through his thick, dark hair. What else could he do to win her heart, or even just a smile? She was generous with her smiles for many others, but when she looked at him, sheeither frowned or looked away. He knew she was upset with him, and he desperately needed to speak with her, but every time he attempted to speak to her, they were interrupted. Even though he was a journalist and very good with words, when it came to expressing himself, he tended to be a man of few words. He hadn’t had time for many social interactions in New York because he was so busy with the paper, and that had left him lacking when it came to how to speak the language of romance. But he’d better learn, and quickly. He needed to do better to convey what he was feeling because the thought of Miss Parker being engaged to someone else was untenable.
222
It was the fashionablehour, and Audrey’s stomach was in knots as they approached the gate to Hyde Park. Would they run into more vicious gossipmongers today? She sincerely hoped not. Her lips curled up in a smile when she saw Lord Easton waiting just inside the gate, although she was disappointed that Kathryn wasn’t with him.
“Good day, ladies,” Easton said, tipping his hat to her, Grace, and Mia. “Fletcher, fine day for a promenade, is it not?”
“It is indeed,” Fletcher said. He turned to Mia. “Miss Mia, this fellow is Lord Easton. Lord Easton, Miss Mia.”
Mia curtseyed. “A pleasure to meet you, my lord.”
“The pleasure is mine, Miss Mia,” Easton said.
“I thought Lady Kathryn was joining us today?” Audrey asked.
“She’d planned to, but unfortunately developed a megrim after luncheon. She sends her apologies.”
