Page 10 of A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

She waved aside his polite apology. “My feelings are unimportant, it is Daphne I am concerned about. You would not send a soldier into battle without training. Would you send your new ward into Society unarmed?”

He slowly shook his head. “I would much prefer not to.”

Good. She had gained some ground, Felicity could feel it. “A young lady with too much time unstructured and unsupervised is open to scandal and gossip. Boredom is a dangerous thing for a young person. Daphne must be encouraged to fill her days with worthy pursuits. Music, art, charitable endeavors, friendships with those of her rank and breeding, not idleness nor foolish friendships.”

The Colonel folded his arms across his chest, appearing somewhat skeptical. “You would schedule her into good behavior?”

“Not as such,” Felicity accepted with a shrug. “But I would look after her time, ensure she does not spend it on entertainments of little to no value. If left to her own devices, Daphne—any young woman might gravitate toward anyone who provides her companionship or amusement, regardless of their character.” She leaned forward, hands spread before her. “Her friends will shape her reputation as much as her own conduct. Do you know which ladies of Society she should avoid? Or who will bring her invitations to the right houses?”

Slowly, he shook his head, his gaze never leaving hers. No, of course he did not.

“And that is not a failing on your part, sir,” Felicity said, gaining confidence. She had to win him over, and if that meant giving him excuses to avoid taking a more active role in Daphne’s life, she would do that. “Men do not have to concern themselves with the things women must think of daily.” She moved to the edge of her chair. “Have you ever had to navigate a ballroom where smiling at the wrong person could invite not merely gossip, but a whisper of scandal?”

“No. I have never had to consider such a thing.” The Colonel clasped his hands before him and leaned toward her. “I have not concerned myself overmuch with what Society thinks of me. I did my duty to my country, I conduct myself with as much integrity and honor as I know how. That has been enough.” Here a measure of seriousness came into his tone, as though he thought of a specific thing that weighed on him.

“It may have been enough for a gentleman, but for a lady…” Felicity took a deep breath. “Even if you do not care for Society’s opinion, Colonel Halstead, I assure you that Society cares about you. If Daphne is not properly introduced into Society, it will reflect poorly on you as her guardian. If she stumbles into her Season ill-prepared, she will suffer—perhaps for the rest of her life. But it will not truly be her failing. It will be yours.”

He sat back abruptly, arms moving up again, now crossed against his broad chest. Her brow contracted.

Had she offended him or worried him?

Felicity rushed forward, hoping she had not said the wrong thing. “Even with all of this, above it all, Daphne has lost her father—a child who hardly knew her mother. She needs someone familiar in her life. Someone who knows her, loves her, who can ease this transition for her. You, Colonel Halstead, are a gentleman—but you are also a stranger. If she feels vulnerable or uncertain, do you think she would come to you? If she is unsure as to a course of action, would she seek your counsel…or attempt it alone? Would you truly send her out into this world of judgment with only yourself for guidance?”

Colonel Halstead stared at her for a long, uncomfortable moment. The silence stretched on for an eternity, and the blasted clock on the mantel was the only sound Felicity heard other than the pulse in her own ears.

Why did he not speak? Was he not utterly convinced?

Finally, she dared to prod him one last time. “If you wish for Daphne to thrive, allow me to ensure her success. Let me help you in this responsibility.” There. She gave him the choice, or at least the illusion of it. If he rejected her offer after all she had presented, even obtaining his agreement in some places, it would make no sense.

“And what,” Colonel Halstead said, his words low and unhurried, “if I do not believe I require your assistance?”

Her heart froze. No. After all she had presented, how could he not understand how important she was to her niece’s future? She swallowed her first indignant answer, the temptation to cut with words forced down. She had to think of Daphne. She had to do whatever she could to stay near Daphne.

“Perhaps this is a thing to consider, rather than decide this evening. Any hasty decision can hardly be the correct one.” She forced a smile but felt it wilt immediately under his stare. “Daphne is my last remaining relative, Colonel Halstead. I helped to raise her. She…she is my only family, my darling niece. I love her, I want her to have happiness and success. Please—if you consider nothing else, think on that. You must understand, I want what is best for her.”

Colonel Halstead stood, hands dropping to tuck behind his back. “You make many assumptions about what I do and do not understand…but I suppose we shall see. Thank you for sharing your concerns with me, Miss Price. This has been educational. I look forward to discussing the matter with you again. Perhaps tomorrow.”

It was a dismissal.

Felicity rose slowly to her feet, confusion clouding her thoughts. She had thought he would understand. All her feelings led her to believe he would agree with her; the way he had listened, the way he had respected her arguments, made her think she had succeeded.

Had she miscalculated?

It had happened before. She had believed herself wanted—needed—and had still been set aside. It was a lesson she thought she’d learned well enough not to repeat, but here she was, heart trembling with the old fear that no effort would ever be quite enough to make her essential.

Felicity dropped into a shallow curtsy. “Good evening, Colonel Halstead.”

“Good evening, Miss Price.” He turned his back to her, staring once more into the embers in the hearth.

Felicity withdrew, doubt creeping into her heart and making her far colder than the winter wind ever had.

If she failed Daphne, she would never forgive herself.

Chapter Four

Estate matters and a pile of correspondence took up the better part of Edward’s morning, remaining in his study through the afternoon and taking tea at his desk as he read a report from his steward. Then he went over his financial accounts, checking all was in order. He even wrote a brief note to his man of business regarding an investment opportunity with a contact in Spain.

In his study the world was orderly, structured, and efficient. The man, however, was struggling to maintain his usual focus. His mind remained preoccupied with his new ward and her earnest, concerned aunt.