Page 6 of Her Unsuitable Match

She turned away from Myles and the conversation, allowing her partner to lead her to the row of dancers already assembling.

“Mr. Cobbett, what more do you think we could do for our fighting men?” one of the matronly women asked, drawing his attention back to the people he’d already been introduced to. The woman had more pearls around her neck than a single oyster bed could produce in a decade, but her expression indicated her question was in earnest.

The man who had been smug only minutes before had stepped back, his shoulder tucked just behind the lady who now addressed Myles.

“Many a man returns from war to uncertainty, madam. They do not know where to go to gain new employment. Even if they find a place to work, the adjustment from the life of a soldier to a civilian is difficult. I think what we might need most is more compassion from those who have remained at home. More patience and understanding.”

Nearly an hour later, after fervent conversations with men and women introduced by Moreton, Myles needed a moment away. Desperately. Though he maintained a composed expression, his head pounded as though a gunner resided within, firing shots off at a steady pace. Myles wanted nothing more than to slip out a door at the back of the ballroom and make his way to the gardens. The cool night air might clear his head sufficiently, making it possible to last another hour among the perfumed upper classes.

A deep voice intercepted Myles before he took more than two steps in the direction of his escape. “Ah, Mr. Cobbett. Here you are.”

Myles turned to greet this new social assault—but immediately relaxed. The host and hostess of the evening had found him. They’d only had a brief introduction in the hotel’s entry, and in those few seconds, Myles had felt they were earnest in their cause.

“Mr. and Mrs. Gillensford.” He bowed. “I hope the evening is proving successful for you both.”

“Thank you, Mr. Cobbett. I do think we are headed in the direction of success.” Mrs. Gillensford’s gentle smile turned more enthusiastic as she spoke. “The conversations we have heard are most encouraging. Several of our guests are thinking on the fates of our nation’s soldiers for the first time. I am exceedingly pleased.”

Her husband watched her speak with open admiration before adding, “We are receiving promises and pledges of patronage for our hospital from a few surprising sources, too. With members of Society finally addressing this issue, we hope to help many former soldiers find their way.”

The lady stepped closer to Myles, clasping her hands before her. “Thank you for coming tonight, Mr. Cobbett. I know that speaking to you, and our other former soldiers present, has made all the difference.”

“It is an honor to be of service, madam.” His headache abated somewhat under the praise. If his presence had helped even the slightest, the evening’s discomfort had been worth it.

“Mr. Cobbett, would you ever consider taking a more active role in an endeavor such as ours?” Mr. Gillensford asked the question with raised eyebrows and a thoughtful glint in his eye. “We are, of course, looking for people with experience as well as interest in what we hope to accomplish.”

Mrs. Gillensford nodded along with her husband’s words, then added her soft entreaty. “Yes, it’s true. We need all manner of advisors, committees, and eventually a full staff for the hospital once it’s built.”

Myles shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His mind swam with doubts too numerous to name. “That is a most interesting prospect, madam. I am not sure what help I could be.”

“Think on it,” Mr. Gillensford urged him. “And if you ever wish to discuss the possibility, come and speak to me. Our London house is always open to those who support such causes.”

Nothing need be decided, or discussed further, at present. Myles relaxed somewhat. “Thank you, Mr. Gillensford. I will take that under consideration.”

The music changed, and couples drifted away from the center of the ballroom. Myles noted Mrs. Gillensford’s gaze dart in that direction, and he suddenly wondered if anyone had asked the hostess of the evening to dance.

Her husband could not, of course, in such a public setting.

“Mrs. Gillensford, do you dance this evening?” He gestured toward the orchestra. “I would be honored to stand up for a set with you.” The woman had done much for his fellow soldiers. He could happily escort her down a row of couples.

Her lovely features showed surprise, but then immediately changed to express pleasure. “I would like that, if my husband will excuse me.”

“Of course, my dear. Perhaps I’ll find a lady in want of some exercise and join you.” Mr. Gillensford bowed and swept away in search of his own partner.

Myles took Mrs. Gillensford by the hand and led her to the head of the dancers. The handsome lady he had seen earlier that evening, Lady Philippa, was in the principal location and had already called out the next dance. His gaze lingered upon her for a moment, though she did not glance in his direction. Despite the lateness of the hour, she appeared as vibrant and energetic as when he’d first cast his eye upon her.

“Have you met my sister-in-law?” his dance partner asked.

Myles turned his attention back to Mrs. Gillensford. “The lady in pink?”

Mrs. Gillensford nodded.

“I heard her name in passing. We have not been formally introduced.”

“I will remedy that after our dance, if you like.” Mrs. Gillensford arched her strawberry-colored eyebrows at him, and a gleam of speculation came into her eyes.

Any desire she had toward matchmaking would die the moment she knew how little his life was worth. Myles forced himself to sound neutral. Uninterested. “You needn’t go to the trouble, madam. I am certain your evening is taken up with a great deal of work already. Would you tell me, Mrs. Gillensford, where you propose to place the hospital?”

She allowed him to switch topics, though a small tilt to her smile told Myles that Mrs. Gillensford was well aware of the abrupt change. She spoke at length of their plans, whenever the steps of the dance allowed them near enough to converse.