Chapter Eight
“You must be on your very best behavior, Eleanor.” Mother had made the same declaration four times in the ten minutes since they’d arrived at the theater.
“We are safely on the Aimesburys’ guest list for their ball.
Mrs. Harley told me this morning that she will extend an invitation to her musicale in two days’ time.
We have very nearly weathered the storm of Mr. Broadstead’s fall from grace. ”
Mr. Broadstead had, in fact, disappeared from Town.
Rumors were rampant about his whereabouts, with most placing him on a boat for the former colonies.
More likely than not, he was holed up at his country house hoping his many creditors would not seek him there.
To Eleanor’s great relief, her parents only spoke in the vaguest terms about the match they had intended to pursue between the man and Eleanor.
She wished she could tell Peter how well his plan had worked and that she appreciated his efforts on her behalf. More than anything, she simply wanted to see him again. She told herself to be patient.
He had not cut her acquaintance even after her admission of her family’s ill treatment of him.
He’d asked her to dance, had taken a turn about a ballroom with her on his arm, and he’d sought her out in the park, offering his reassurance and his company.
He had helped her tremendously and had done so out of kindness and caring.
He’d even expressed some degree of affection.
She had every hope that he would seek her out again. She simply didn’t know when.
“Why, Mr. Havensham,” Mother said. “What a pleasure to see you again.”
When, as it turned out, was now.
Eleanor could think of no reason to hide her delight at his arrival. His gaze was on her parents, though she felt certain he’d seen her there.
“I hope I can be forgiven for arriving unannounced,” Peter said. “I had such a delightful time with your family when last I was here. I could not resist returning to bid you a good evening and to ask after your health and well-being.”
“We are all quite well, thank you,” Mother said.
Father did not allow himself to be excluded from the conversation.
“I was very appreciative of Mr. Carlton and Lord Permouth seeing to the difficulty with Broadstead.” He spoke as though he had always held a vaguely unfavorable view of the man he’d actively wished to make a part of his family.
“Society has spoken of little else this past week.”
“I had heard he was making life a bit unpleasant for Miss Sherwood,” Peter said. “I hope that was not, or at least is no longer the case.”
Mother waved that off. “We put an end to Mr. Broadstead’s ambitions very quickly, I assure you.”
Peter kept his amusement well hidden, but Eleanor could see it in his eyes. “I am pleased to hear that. I will not disrupt your evening further.”
“Nonsense.” Father motioned him over. “We insist you stay.”
“I thank you for your most welcome offer.” Peter moved directly to where Eleanor stood. “Miss Sherwood. A pleasure.” He bowed.
They sat in adjacent seats facing the stage below, just as they had on their very first meeting.
“I feel as if we’ve done this before,” she teased.
“Then you will likely truly feel that way when I ask your parents if I can take you for a drive tomorrow.” He leaned a touch closer. “A few days after which, I mean to seek you out at a ball and ask if you will dance with me, then take a turn about the room with you. And talk. And laugh.”
“This does sound very familiar indeed.”
He smiled at her. “I mean to start again, this time without Broadstead’s interference and without your parents’ expectations.”
“We could simply make a new beginning?”
He nodded. “If you are willing.”
Her heart leapt at the thought, at the possibilities. “I would like that very much.”