Page 36 of A Foolish Endeavor

“Ah, but should I return before I can secure the affections of Miss Wells, I would be forced to endure Mr. Morton’s continued pressure to return home permanently and become his curate. That is a confrontation I would delay as long as possible, believe me. Another reason why I must focus entirely on securing my match with Miss Wells.”

“You seem to see this lady as quite your salvation. May I ask, Gilbert—as a friend—have you considered what your course of action will be if this Miss Wells does not accept you?”

Gilbert set his teacup down and frowned. “Why would you even suggest such a thing, Nancy? Did I not tell you she has been all affability and kindness towards me at every encounter?”

“Forgive me, I do not wish to offend. It is just that if Miss Wells is as lovely as you say, and she has such an impressive dowry, I find it interesting that she is not being pursued by many gentlemen. Is there not a good deal of competition for her affections?”

“Perhaps, however, she has shown no preference for any one gentleman yet. So, Nancy,” he said, patiently, “that is why I must press my suit. I am certain she likes me above all others. No doubt she is only waiting for me to ask to court her, you see?”

Nancy nodded and set her cup down. “I do see. Well, I wish you great luck, Gilbert, and I hope to hear the… happy news of your engagement very soon.” She looked at the long clock against the wall. “I must leave now. I promised to meet my father at the bankers at eleven. I shall have just enough time to walk there.” She rose. “I am happy you are healing well, and am glad to have seen you.” She walked to the door. “Goodbye, Gilbert.”

“Thank you for a fine visit, Nancy. It was good to see you and catch up on all the news. Pray, tell your father hello for me.”

She gave one last smile and departed.

It never occurred to Gilbert, as he finished the last bite of seed cake, that Nancy had shared none of the news of Doddington, for he had spoken only of his great love, and had asked nothing at all of her life.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

When next Carter came to visit, Dorothea was also at home, so the three enjoyed a pleasant visit, chatting about non-consequential matters for the most part. After Dorothea excused herself to go to her favorite dressmakers for a fitting for a new gown, Gilbert asked Carter to join him for a walk about the garden, as he had been cooped up indoors for nearly two weeks and was “longing for some fresh air.” They strolled among the rose bushes in companionable silence for a time, before Gilbert could refrain no longer and asked his friend about Diana.

“Carter, did you tell Miss Wells of my accident when you saw her last? Did you mention how much I desired visitors?”

Carter sighed. “In truth, I had no need to inform her of the incident, as all those of our acquaintance already knew of it—thanks to that wretch, Kirkpatrick. Do you know, I overheard him actually bragging about ‘besting’ you in a race, with not a single word of sympathy or compassion for your injury. He is the worst sort of man.”

“His bragging comes as no surprise to me, and, in fact, only confirms that he likely did it deliberately, despite his protestations. But, did you tell Miss Wells of my desire to see her?”

Carter hesitated a moment. “I did mention it when I saw her with Miss Landry in the refreshment room, but I fear I must dash your hopes of a visit from her. While she expressed great sympathy for your injury and asked me to wish you well, she made no indication that she and her aunt would come to call upon you.”

“I must be well enough to attend the upcoming ball, then. It is my only hope to get her alone and ask permission to court her.”

“Again, I am sad to be the bearer of painful news, but your suit of Miss Wells may be all but over.” Carter stopped and turned a sympathetic face to Gilbert. “For I must inform you that she accepted a second dance with Kirkpatrick at Lady Denton’s ball last week.”

Gilbert gasped. “A second set? But she has steadfastly refused to stand up with any gentleman more than once this entire Season. Her aunt told us quite specifically that she would not do so until she had… had…” His voice trailed off and he stood, staring off into the distance.

“Until she had formed a true attachment to any gentleman, yes, I do remember. Well, old friend, it would seem that she has done so, and the gentleman who has captured her heart is that blasted Kirkpatrick.”

“But… he said he had no desire for her. Indeed, he implied she was not even good enough for him! Oh, Carter—this is wretched news. All my hopes are vanished. She was my great love as well as my only chance to avoid the church. What am I to do?” Gilbert stumbled over to a stone bench and sat, heavily.

Carter joined him on the bench and gave a comforting pat on Gilbert’s leg. “Well, despite that second dance, there may be something that could keep you in the race for the affections of Miss Wells. That is, if the latest rumors are true.”

Gilbert lifted his head to look at Carter. “What rumors?”

“I heard from Mrs. Landry that Kirkpatrick may have set his sights on loftier goals than Miss Wells. At the Dentons’ ball, there was a new entry into the marriage mart—a Lady Marianne Lynton, the daughter of the Earl of Lynton. She is not only exceedingly handsome but boasts a fortune of nearly twenty thousand pounds. Kirkpatrick finagled an introduction and even managed a dance with the lovely creature and has already been seen calling on her home. It would appear that snob of a gentleman wishes to woo the young lady and bring home to his family a lady of gentle breeding, wealth, and higher social standing than your Miss Wells.”

Gilbert nodded, considering the information Carter had imparted. Then he grinned.

“But this is most excellent news, Carter. Clearly all is not lost yet,” he said. “If Kirkpatrick is setting Diana aside for this Lady Lynton, it clears the path for me. What a relief. I feared I may have to lower my standards and select someone like Miss Landry. She is wealthy enough, to be sure, but I should much prefer a prettier wife.”

“For shame, Gilbert! Miss Landry is a gracious and intelligent young lady, who does not deserve your scorn simply because she is not as well-favored as some of the other young ladies. As a gentleman’s son, you should show more courtesy.”

Gilbert started a moment at the harsh tone in his friend’s voice. “Ah, well, I was only joking, Carter, I did not mean to offend you. I know you have been kind enough to dance with her at every ball this Season, and I am still happy to do so, as well, once I may dance again.”

“Do not bother, if it pains you to do so,” Carter said. He abruptly stood. “I must go. Will you attend next week’s ball with Lady Gillingham, or shall I come for you?”

“I believe Dorothea plans to attend, but I shall let you know. She may wish to persuade me to stay at home still, but I vow to be there. I must get back in the game. I will not dance, of course. Therefore, I shall simply stand around in a stupid manner, smiling and chatting with all the pretty ladies in between sets.”

Carter rolled his eyes and shook his head. “With a mind to one pretty lady in particular?”