He headed towards the coach that Anette had pointed out, knocked, and opened the door, revealing Miss Sutherland.
Fredrick held his hand out and asked, “May I assist you out of the coach?”
Miss Sutherland stared at his hand. “Do you think this is wise?” she asked. “I can’t help but feel that this is a terrible mistake.”
“I have learned that the hardest journey begins with taking the first step,” Fredrick advised.
“That is easy for you to say because you are a lord. I am just…” she sighed, “… a nobody.”
Fredrick could hear the pain in her voice and he knew that she was struggling. “That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. You are a magnificent somebody.”
“I am only a ‘somebody’ because of what my father did for me.”
He dropped his hand to his side as he said, “You owe no one anything. You don’t have to justify your past, or your future. Embrace that you have different experiences than most members of high Society and use that to your advantage.”
Miss Sutherland was quiet for a moment before asking, “I know I have no right to ask this of you, but will you remain by my side, at least until I find my own strength?”
Fredrick nodded. “I will,” he replied, extending his hand towards her. “But I can’t help you if you don’t leave your coach.”
He watched Miss Sutherland square her shoulders. And that gesture went to his heart, more than any words she had spoken.
After he assisted her onto the pavement, he moved her hand to the crook of his arm and asked, “Are you ready?”
“I am,” she replied.
He briefly perused the length of her and admired her pale pink gown. He wasn’t one to notice women’s fashions, but he thought Miss Sutherland looked rather lovely this evening. Shedefinitely looked the part of a lady, but now she had to act the part of one.
Fredrick led her towards the townhouse and saw that his brother and Anette were waiting for them in the entry hall.
Anette gave them both an approving nod. “Just remember to hold your head high and ignore any whisperings that you might hear.”
Miss Sutherland smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I do hope I won’t embarrass any of you this evening.”
“Just you being here is enough for us,” Anette encouraged.
Fredrick patted her hand. “We will all walk in together,” he declared. “Just breathe.”
“I can do that,” Miss Sutherland said.
As he guided her towards the parlor, he couldn’t help but notice- and sense- the palpable tension that enveloped Miss Sutherland. Not that he blamed her. She was about to be put on display, with the members of high Society poised to engage in their customary gossip. Yet, she was going through with it, facing her fears and insecurities head-on. He found that act of courage to be truly admirable.
The moment they stepped into the parlor, a hush fell over the room. Men and women turned to face them, their faces revealing a complex mixture of curiosity and disapproval. Several women swiftly unfurled their fans and shielded their expressions behind them as they vehemently whispered with their companions.
Fredrick paid little heed to theton’s reactions, but he worried about Miss Sutherland. She didn’t deserve the harsh treatment she was receiving. After all, she had committed no wrong.
A quick glance at her revealed that she was maintaining her composure, holding her head high with a resolute demeanor. The fear in her eyes had transformed into determination, and some of the initial tension seemed to dissipate.
“You are doing remarkably well,” he whispered to her.
“Don’t be deceived by my calm demeanor. I am shaking in my slippers.”
As they navigated through the crowd, it felt as though the hordes of people willingly cleared a path for them, allowing them to reach the back wall. He couldn’t help but notice a few young women batting their eyelashes at him and offering him coy smiles. It never failed to happen. Being an eligible bachelor was rather bothersome.
There was only one real solution, but he refused to fall prey to the parson’s mousetrap.
Fredrick dropped his arm and said, “Well, we did it.”
“Yes, but what exactly did we do?” Miss Sutherland questioned. “Everyone is still staring at me and I can practically hear their displeasure.”
