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Despite everything, Evelina couldn’t help but look forward to the fireworks at Vauxhall Gardens. As she and her family rode through the city, the light of the evening already dying, she thought of the fine time she’d had last year: the golden lamps overlooking the pathways, the fresh smell of the foliage, and of course, the stunning display of the fireworks themselves, a bright flash of beauty against the dark velvet sky.
It was one of the only events of the Season she knew she would enjoy, primarily because it took place outside. While there were still always plenty of people in attendance, the environment felt far less claustrophobic compared to the packed-full ballrooms of the dances.
“Lady Evelina.” Jerome bowed when they reached the Thames, where they were meant to take a boat to the gardens. “It is a true pleasure to see you again.”
At least now he is addressing you directly.
Immediately after the thought crossed her mind, Evelina remembered her father’s earlier words and reprimanded herself. She would give Jerome a chance.
Father, Mother, and Diana exchanged greetings with Jerome as well. All appeared to be going well until it came time to board the boat.
“I would not have it,” said Jerome, holding up a hand to stop the Duke from paying their transport fees. He offered his own wares to the ferry attendant instead, before piously saying to Father, “You have done more than enough on my behalf by raising the beautiful creature that is Lady Evelina.”
Jerome turned his eyes on Evelina then, obviously quite proud of his self-labeled wit.
“Oh, how kind of you,” Diana managed a little flatly, when Evelina failed to respond altogether. Evelina had to hold back a laugh—though she was better at hiding it, it seemed Diana was also unimpressed by Jerome’s obvious attempt to ingratiate himself to their parents.
When they reached the gardens, it was obvious a substantial number of other members of thetonhad already gathered. Ladies wore their finest evening dresses for this was the first unofficial kickoff event of the Season, while gentlemen spoke to one another with gusto, everyone excited for the forthcoming fireworks display.
Evelina was on the verge of asking Diana if she wanted to stroll the gardens together and enjoy the evening, when Jerome stepped between them and offered his arm. “May I?”
Something withered inside Evelina. She glanced over at Mother and Father, who both gave her hopeful looks of encouragement. She supposed she didn’t have much of a choice.
At least when the fireworks start, then I will have an excuse to just focus on that.
Jerome and Evelina split off from her family and walked together around the garden, with Matilda, her lady’s maid, following behind as their chaperone. Jerome began a monologue on the subject of his—in Evelina’s eyes—somewhat average business accomplishments. She listened politely for as long as she could, though her energy was depleted every time she tried to make a comment and he spoke over her.
He certainly loves to ingratiate himself to Father, but simply assumes I will be impressed by him no matter what, Evelina thought, admittedly a little bitter.
Surely, there had to be a way to end this arduous one-sided conversation?
“Ah,” said Jerome, cutting off his own monologue. “Lady Evelina, if you’ll forgive me—I’ve just caught sight of an important business acquaintance and must excuse myself. Do not worry yourself, of course, as I shall surely circle back to you later this evening.”
He speaks as though he’s doing me a favor by his promise to return, when really, the favor is his decision to leave.
“Of course, My Lord.” Evelina smiled sincerely for the first time since Jerome had met her family by the boats. “I shall be glad of it.”
With a short nod, Jerome broke off from the path and made his way toward a cluster of gentlemen across the green.
Evelina turned to remark on Jerome’s departure to Matilda, only to find that her lady’s maid had stepped to the side to converse with the group of musicians who were taking a break from their most recent set.
A devious option presented itself.
It is not ladylike to run away, and Matilda is sure to worry if you disappear!
Yet her feet were already moving. Walking, at first, but then quickening into something close to a jog. She suddenly wanted nothing more in the entire world than just a few brief moments to herself.
Minutes later, she found herself hidden away behind one of the larger trees, away from the main festivities, out of breath and giddy from her departure. Perhaps it was childish of her, but she couldn’t help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.
“What is it that you find so amusing?” came a warm, deep voice to her left.
