Chapter 6
Easton was sorry he hadn’t asked his mother whether she’d invited anyone else to the dinner. At least if he’d known Miss Parker would be attending, he could have better concealed his shock at seeing her.
She took his breath away.
She was a vision this evening in a pale lavender gown with a low-cut neckline that highlighted her full bosom to perfection.
The dark-purple ribbon beneath her breasts, along with the sheer, puffed sleeves, enhanced her figure.
Her blond hair was piled high on her head, with a few wisps framing her oval face.
He was convinced she was an angel come down from heaven because no mortal woman had the right to be so beautiful.
She looked flawless, and he ached to touch her skin to see if it was as soft as it looked.
He stood beside his mother and father as Lady Devon greeted her guests. His mother bussed the women’s cheeks after greeting Lord Fletcher, and then his father chimed in with his own greeting.
“Fletcher! Good to see you,” Lord Devon said, holding out his hand.
Fletcher grasped it in a firm grip of his own. “Devon, good to see you again.”
Lord Devon turned to greet the ladies. “Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker, glad you could attend this evening. You’re both looking exceedingly lovely.”
They curtseyed to the earl. “Thank you, my lord. We’re so very pleased to be here,” Lady Fletcher said.
Finally, there was a lull in the conversation, allowing Easton to greet everyone. “Fletcher, Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker, a pleasure to see you all again.”
“Easton, you’re looking well,” Fletcher said. “Been training at Gentlemen Jack’s lately?”
“I try, usually once or twice a week if I can.”
“Perhaps we can spar together. I could use the exercise after too many meetings and lavish dinners here in London,” Fletcher said.
“Of course. If you want some good exercise though, you should spar with either Chandler or Ludlow. They’re much better than I, although I would never admit that to them,” Easton said.
“Oh? I haven’t met them. Friends of yours?”
Easton nodded. “Good friends who are always looking for good sparring partners.”
“Then absolutely, I would love to meet and spar with them.”
“Sounds good. We’re usually there on Tuesday mornings.”
“Excellent. I shall see you then,” Fletcher said.
Lord Devon placed a hand on Easton’s sleeve, stopping the men’s conversation for a moment while he looked over at the ladies. “Where are my manners? Would any of you ladies care for a sherry?” he asked.
“Thank you. That would be lovely,” Lady Fletcher said.
“I’d like one as well, my dear,” Lady Devon said.
“Miss Parker? Lady Kathryn?” Devon asked.
“No, thank you. I’m fine,” Miss Parker said.
“Thank you, Papa. I’d like one as well.”
Devon nodded and walked to the sideboard. Both Easton and Fletcher joined him while Kathryn chatted with Miss Parker.
“Nothing better than having family and good friends around,” the earl said. “Fletcher, I wanted to talk with you about the bill I’m working on. I’d welcome your support.”
“Of course. I’d be happy to lend my support. What bill are we talking about?”
“An anti-slavery bill is going to take quite an effort to get it passed,” Easton chimed in.
Fletcher turned to him. “You’ve read it?”
Easton nodded. “I have, and it’s eye-opening. However, I fear it will be a hard sell for some of the lords in Parliament.”
“Well then, I’m anxious to read it myself. Shall we say one day next week? Does that suit, Devon?”
The earl nodded. “Excellent. Easton, would you care to join us?”
“Of course. It will be my pleasure.”
The gentleman carried the drinks back to the ladies.
Miss Parker and Kathryn were carrying on a lively conversation, and Easton had to smile at the enthusiasm with which the young woman explained her progress in riding to his sister.
“Lady Kathryn, you’d be so surprised at how well I’m doing now.”
“I knew you’d do well once you got over your initial fear,” Kathryn said. “Perhaps we can take a ride in Hyde Park before we leave London. My father has a few mares that would be suitable for you.”
“I’d love that. Thank you.”
Lady Devon, who was standing next to Kathryn and Miss Parker said, “Easton, your father tells me you purchased a new stallion. Would you be so kind as to escort the ladies to Hyde Park one day soon?”
“Hmm…I’m not sure Ares has the temperament for a sedate walk in the park,” Easton said. He saw the immediate disappointment in Miss Parker’s face and added, “Why don’t I take him out for a good gallop beforehand? That way, he won’t be so restless.”
“Truly?” Miss Parker asked. “You’ll accompany us?”
“Of course, it will be my pleasure.” When she gave him a brilliant smile, Easton had a feeling he would never get over his obsession with her, no matter how many young women his mother introduced him to.
It was like Miss Parker had reached inside his chest and captured his heart—his traitorous heart that beat so wildly for her and no one else.
“When can we go?” she asked, her eyes bright with excitement.
Lady Fletcher put a hand on her sister’s arm. “Dearest, I’m sure Lord Easton will send a note around when he’s free.”
Miss Parker nodded, turning her pleading eyes toward him.
Easton was lost.
How could he ever refuse her?
“How about in four days’ time? That will give me some time to exercise Ares and let us get used to each other first. I don’t know his temperament yet, and I wouldn’t want him to be spooked by all the carriages.”
“Thank you, Easton,” Kathryn said. “I appreciate your offer to accompany us. The outing will give us more time to catch up.”
Easton nodded at his sister. “Of course. I’d like that as well.” He was spared making any further promises when Sir Samuel spoke up.
“I’ve arranged a bit of a surprise for the ladies,” Sam said.
At that moment, two young servants walked in, carrying the twins.
“Oh, what a treat,” Lady Devon said, squeezing Sam’s arm. “Thank you. You’re a dear, sweet man for letting them come down for a visit before bed.”
Lady Devon, along with Kathryn and the Fletcher women, walked over to the children. “Oh my goodness, they’ve grown so much since the last time I saw them,” Lady Fletcher said.
Kathryn was beaming. “I know,” she said, kissing each twin’s cheek. “Hello, my darlings.”
The babies cooed at their mother.
“You’ve got a fine family,” Fletcher said to Sam as they watched the women enjoying the children.
“Thank you. I think so too.”
“How’s the estate? Will you implement the new farming technique we discussed?”
Sam nodded. “Yes, it makes a lot of sense to keep some of the land fallow. I met with the tenants before we came to London and let them decide which land needed the rest. They’ve been working it for years and know it better than anyone.”
“That’s a wise choice.”
“Shall we have tea tomorrow?” Kathryn asked Lady Fletcher.
“Perhaps you and Lady Devon would care to come for nuncheon tomorrow instead? At that time of day, William is usually awake, and you’ll be able to see him before he goes down for an afternoon nap.”
Lady Devon clapped her hands. “I’d love that. Thank you, my dear.”
“My pleasure, Lady Devon.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Kathryn said. She kissed the twins one last time before they were taken up to the nursery for bed.
Mia was delighted when they walked into the Devon House drawing room and found Lord Easton standing with his parents. The more time they spent together, the more she looked forward to his company, which was odd because she’d known him for years and never had that reaction before.
What had changed?
She had no idea.
After their visit with the children, Jeffers announced dinner, and Easton held out his arm to escort her to the dining room. “Miss Parker, you’re looking quite beautiful this evening. That color suits you.”
“Do you think so?”
“I do indeed.”
“Thank you. That’s a lovely thing to say.”
“I’m only stating the truth.”
Easton thought she was beautiful. He’d never said anything like that before.
She gave him a brilliant smile as he pulled out her chair for her. She was pleased to see he was seated next to her for the meal.
During the course of the evening, Mia found Easton’s company quite pleasant, although she had to admit he wasn’t as witty as Lord Berkeley.
No one in her acquaintance thus far could compare with Berkeley’s fun, light-hearted conversation and the hilarious stories of his childhood.
Easton had no such fun stories, but she still enjoyed their conversation and was definitely looking forward to riding with him in the park.