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Lady Leticia made eye contact with her mother from across the table. They seemed to share a significant look, even though Thomas was sure they thought they were being subtle.
It was flattering, to be sure, but he knew better than to believe Lady Leticia was particularly interested in him for more than his title.
The rest of dinner passed grievously slowly. It wasn’t that the conversation was poor, or that he did not enjoy the company. Rather, both in the East and at their country estate, Thomas had grown used to spending the majority of his time alone. He was still re-acclimating to the social pressures of high society.
Thankfully, when the meal concluded and the gentlemen excused themselves for drinks in the study, Gerard took the lead in the conversation. Thomas was allowed to take a moment to collect himself on the sidelines.
I am fortunate to have my brother as an ally in this, he thought.
* * *
Evelina awoke the next morning thoroughly exhausted. Her sleep had been fitful and agitated, and her morning disposition was not helped by the reminder that she was meant to go dress shopping again this afternoon.
She took a light breakfast, alone, then retreated to the drawing room with a book of poetry.
I’ll simply read for a spell, and then I’ll feel better, Evelina lied to herself, as though all her fears over the beginning of the Season could be assuaged by a few lines of pretty verse.
Still, she did succeed in losing herself in the words. When she looked up from the page again, the light streaming through the window had taken on a more golden hue, and the shadows cast by the furniture stretched far longer.
Evelina’s father stood in the doorway, studying her.
“Father,” she said, her heart skipping a beat. “I did not see you there—you gave me quite a fright.”
Father smiled apologetically. “Forgive me, my girl. I was merely lost in thought. You’re grown up a great deal this past year—how am I not to dwell on the pride I feel on behalf of my eldest?”
Fondness filled Evelina’s heart. She set aside her book of poetry and patted the seat beside her. “Would you care for me to read to you?”
He came over and gingerly took the seat she had motioned to. Evelina couldn’t help but notice the care he took with the motions—she knew his joints had begun to bother him. “I always enjoy when you read to me, Evelina, but I’m afraid today is not the time. I came to discuss a different matter with you.”
Evelina turned her eyes to her lap. Perhaps her apathy at last night’s dinner had not gone as unnoticed as she’d thought. “I apologize if my actions have painted me as ungrateful or rude.”
“No, My Dear,” Father said, and took her hand. His palms were warm and smooth, with bits of ink in the creases, undoubtedly leftover from a morning spent maintaining his numerous business correspondences. “I could never think you rude. But your Mother and I do worry. What is behind this ongoing hesitation toward finding a husband?”
Only now did it occur to Evelina that no one had ever actually asked her such a question. Well, Diana had, but Evelina hadn’t known how to talk to her sister about these feelings without becoming a burden.
“I fear I will never meet a man who will truly make me happy,” she admitted quietly, tears pricking at her eyes.
“Oh, Evelina,” Father said, sounding as sad as she felt.
It would not do to show such frivolous emotion. Evelina shook off the negative feelings as best as she could. How had this day turned so sad?
“I know it may not seem like it now,” Father said, squeezing her hand. “But these feelings are common for girls of your age. It was the same for both your Mother and I.”
This piqued Evelina’s attention. She sniffled. “Was it?”
“It was. But over time, we came to learn the truth of things—a strong relationship is built, not merely had. The goal of the Season is not to find your one true love, as those romantics like to suggest. It is to seek out a strong foundation, from which love might be constructed.” He looked her in the eyes, imploring. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Evelina nodded, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. “I suppose so, Father.”
“Then you will give this Season a true chance?”
“I…yes. I promise.”
Father sat back, looking pleased. “Good. In that case, it is my sincere hope you will look forward to the event I have planned for this evening,”
