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My feet were tired, but I remained standing beside James, impressed by his ability to diplomatically navigate the many different conversations. Most of the people who approached us were hardly better than acquaintances to me, but James seemed to know them all. Charisma emanated from him in waves, and I was able to remain quietly beside him as he bore the burden of carrying the conversations.
The blonde woman—who I’d seen with James the evening before at the refreshment table—approached and dipped in a curtsy, her wide eyes trained on my betrothed. “Good evening, Mr. Bradwell.”
James bowed. “Good evening, Miss Norland. Are you familiar with Miss Thurston?”
“I am afraid not,” Miss Norland said. She gave an uncomfortable titter. “In fact, I had never before heard her name prior to last night. Tell me, sir, where have you been hiding her?”
James stepped just a little closer to me, and I was grateful that he did not move the opposite direction. “She is a rather well-kept secret, is she not? Now forgive me, Miss Norland, but I promised Mrs. Thurston I would return Felicity to her by the end of the evening. If you will excuse us.” He dipped a nod of acknowledgement and led me away from the young woman.
“That wasn’t polite to so quickly extricate us from her side,” I said softly. “But I believe I must thank you all the same.”
He shot me a small smile.
I cleared my throat, allowing him to lead me through the crush. “Was she a good friend of yours?”
“No. In fact, all Miss Norland did was help me realize how little I know of you, Miss Thurston. For example, how long you have lived in London, or if it is not your primary residence.”
“Felicity will do just fine,” I said. We were to be married, after all. “And we have time to discover those things.”
Though, I knew what he meant by the discovery. I had wondered the same things about him.
James nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He deposited me on a chair near my parents.
“We have much to discuss, Mr. Thurston. I will call on you in the next few days.”
Papa nodded. “Thank you. We look forward to your visit.”
“I will write to my family and ask them to prepare the house for our arrival.”
“Your family?” I asked, hoping to know who all that entailed.
James flashed me a brief smile. “Everyone will be delighted to meet you. And you will love my brothers, I promise.”
I looked down, unable to hold his steady gaze. I had no doubt that I would love at least one of his brothers. The problem was that I already did.
