“Oh dear, I do hope she’s feeling better soon.” She hated to hear that her friend was unwell and would send a note around inviting her to tea soon.
“Miss Parker, will you walk with me?” he asked, holding out his arm.
“Of course, I’d be delighted.” She placed her hand on his sleeve, hoping that she’d feel the same delicious shivers she had once enjoyed with Lord Fletcher, but she felt nothing except pleasure in being out in nature on such a fine day.
Grace and Mia walked on either side of Fletcher as they fell into step behind them.
“Do you think the swans are here today?” Mia asked.
“I don’t know, but I suggest that you do not try to feed any of the birds today—it would not do to ruin your new gloves,” Grace said.
“I know. I won’t feed them.”
Audrey glanced back, glad her sisters had another opportunity to walk in the park. She would have preferred to be on the arm of Lord Fletcher, but he was chatting with her. Just as well. Lord Easton was delightful company, and while she didn’t have any romantic feelings toward him, she thoroughly enjoyed their conversation.
As they walked along the Serpentine, Audrey spied Mr. Wallings coming their way. When he saw them, he quickened his pace.
“Good day, Miss Parker, Easton,” he said.
“Mr. Wallings, so nice to see you again,” Audrey said. “My sisters are with me today,” she said. She spotted the moment his eyes fell on Grace, walking behind her, and was neither surprised nor put out when he mumbled something agreeable, tipped his hat, and walked on.
Audrey stopped walking and turned to watch Grace’s face light up when she saw Mr. Wallings.
“Fletcher, Miss Grace,” Mr. Wallings said with a tip of his hat.
“Mr. Wallings, what a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon,” Grace exclaimed. “Oh, where are my manners? Mr. Wallings, my younger sister, Miss Mia. Miss Mia, this is Mr. Wallings. ”
Wallings bowed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Mia.”
Mia curtseyed. “Mr. Wallings.”
“May I walk with you for a bit?” he asked.
Grace looked at Fletcher, who nodded his approval and stepped back to allow Wallings to take his place. Mia also stepped back and walked with Fletcher.
“I think my sister is enjoying herself talking with Mr. Wallings,” Audrey said quietly to Easton as the group moved forward again.
“Wallings is a decent fellow. I went to university with him. He’s intelligent and has a deep affinity for nature. He was the only reason I made it through biology,” Easton said with a chuckle. “He’s usually quite reserved. This is the most animated I’ve ever seen him.”
“That’s good to know. My sister also enjoys nature. Perhaps that’s why their conversations seem so animated.Thank you for sharing your insights with me.”
“My pleasure, Miss Parker. You should know you can count on me if you have questions about any of the gentlemen who approach you.”
“That’s very kind of you. Thank you. Lady Kathryn has been very helpful in guiding me as well, and I’m very appreciative of her assistance.”
“You’re good for my sister, Miss Parker. I see her gaining confidence when she’s around you. I try to bolster her spirits as much as I can, but I’m not blind to the way most of the gentlemen, and even other debutantes, treat her.”
“She’s a lovely young woman, and I value her friendship a great deal.”
“I’m glad you’ve found each other. Lady Kathryn seems happier these days, although I’m afraid it won’t last, given that my mother is still determined to secure a good match for her.”
“Well, mothers only wish the best for their daughters,” Audrey said, not wanting to reveal to him the depth of the unhappiness Kathryn had shared with her.
“Indeed. Has my mother convinced you to join in the Season as well, then?”
“I’m still thinking about it. Lord Davies has invited Fletcher and me to attend the opera.”
“The Davies are quite respectable and have never had any scandals attached to their name. Do you enjoy opera?”
