She took a cleansing, reassuring breath. “You had best go fetch us plates before people take too much notice.”
His hand released hers. She mourned the loss on the instant. When would they ever be permitted such a simple touch again? And what kind of miracle could possibly bring about the seemingly impossible dream they shared?
***
Now this was an interesting development. Odette and young Mr. Hewitt were quite good at giving the impression of mere acquaintance, friendship at most; Adelaide gave them full credit for that. But she knew people well. She’d learned long ago to see what they attempted to keep hidden.
The truth of the connection between these two showed in every quick glance, in the easing of tension in their faces and postures when the other was nearby, in the way they sat just alittle closer to each other than was necessary. They were in love. Why, then, were they hiding it? Why was Odette pretending to be such a haughty and miserable person? Why was Mr. Hewitt pretending to have no interest in her?
Helping people piece together their futures meant delving into the chaotic corners of their lives. Something stood in the way of these two simply claiming their happiness. In Adelaide’s experience, the culprit was usually family, status, or money—sometimes all three.
My dear Princess Pompous, it is time to discover just how much you are hiding.
Chapter Six
Mother flew into the informal sitting room with all the excitement of a child who had just learned she was to have her very own pony. Dread settled heavy in Odette’s chest.
“It is working,” Mother declared, eying Odette and Mrs. Northrop in turn. “I know I should not have doubted, considering your success in the past.” This last was directed at the matchmaker. “Yet, how very exciting to see progress is already being made.”
“Would you be so good as to elaborate?” Mrs. Northrop’s question did not emerge as anything short of a gentle demand.
Mother took a seat nearby, though she did not hold still in the least. “I have been speaking with my dear friend Mrs. Hewitt.”
Jack’s mother. Odette held her breath.
“She spoke at length about the difference everyone is seeing in Odette these past days, that she is softer and less pompous.” Mother turned an apologetic gaze on Odette. “You have given the impression of unpleasant arrogance, dear.”
“I am well aware.” Her dry comment inspired the usual consternation in Mother and utter lack of response from Mrs. Northrop.
Mother pressed onward. “I do not know what has led to this recently improved opinion, but it is quite real, I assure you. Mrs. Hewitt was beyond pleased that you were more the Odette she has known all these years.”
Jack’s mother thought well of her, it seemed. That was encouraging. It wasn’t enough, but it was encouraging.
“And she could not stop speaking of you and a certain young gentleman we all know and her belief that he has developed a keen interest in you.”
Odette hoped she kept her expression adequately unconcerned even as her lungs froze. Had Mrs. Hewitt realized the affection between her and Jack? Had they been unable to fully hide their feelings? At least Mother’s recounting didn’t indicate the realization was an unwelcome one on Mrs. Hewitt’s part.
Mrs. Northrop was as utterly detached from the topic as ever. It was decidedly odd that a lady who spent her life making matches never seemed overly concerned about the subject of her efforts.
“How do you feel about this young gentleman?” Mother asked the marriage broker.
“I would happily offer my opinion if I knew to whom Mrs. Hewitt referred.”
Mrs. Northrop, then, had not noticed any particular shows of affection between her and Jack. That set Odette’s mind a little at ease.
“Why, young Mr. Lexington, of course.”
Odette made a very unladylike sound, something between a snort and a choke.
“He is quite eligible,” Mother insisted. “He is near to you in age—you specifically objected early in the Season to gentlemen more than fifteen years your senior.”
“A reasonable objection,” Mrs. Northrop said. “One of my rules, in fact.” She looked at Odette. “Rule two: both halves of any potential couple must be fully comfortable with each other’s age, life experiences, and character.”
Odette knew young ladies who had been married off to gentlemen of an age with their grandfathers and others joined to rakes of such profligate appetites that no hope existed of them being faithful or conscientious husbands.
“Surely,” Mother replied, “if the young lady’s parents do not object to a suitor’s age or habits—”
“The parents do not have to build a life with their daughter’s husband.Shedoes.” Mrs. Northrop met Odette’s eye once more. “Her wishes will not be ignored.”
