Chapter 7
Two days after the dinner at Devon House, Easton was getting ready to leave his rooms at the Albany when a note with the Fletcher seal was delivered. He tore it open.
Come meet me at Gentlemen Jack’s. I could use a good workout. F.
He was surprised that Fletcher had taken him up on his offer so quickly, but it was probably for the best. He wanted to dispel some of his own nervous energy.
That dinner had been a test of patience.
He’d tried to engage Miss Parker in a more serious conversation about her hopes and dreams for her future, but the young woman answered almost every question with, “I want to have the most fun ever.”
That had unexpectedly gutted him.
Although he knew she could be quite frivolous at times, he was hoping she also had a serious side—one that would enjoy sharing ideas with him.
Did she envision herself with a family? Did she prefer London or the country?
Of course, he knew the answer to that last question.
She adored London and all its activities.
He doubted she would ever crave the quiet of the countryside.
Alas, he hadn’t learned anything new about her at that dinner.
However, Easton couldn’t really fault Miss Parker.
She was young and experiencing her first taste of London with the ton.
He understood that her childhood hadn’t been the most pleasant after her mother died.
London had not been a fun place back then, as the three Parker sisters tried to survive.
They’d barely scraped up enough food to eat because of their now-departed father’s gambling habits.
He’d noticed that the two older Parker sisters seemed to have weathered their unhappy childhoods in different ways.
Lady Fletcher had thrown herself into supporting charities that helped children, especially girls.
She spent time at the foundling house, organizing training sessions for the older girls so they could have better options for their future.
She worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for as many children as possible, and he admired her a great deal.
The middle sister, Grace, had married his dear friend, Mr. Peter Wallings.
Peter had been installed as the new vicar to the parish in Reading, near the Fletcher country seat, Dandridge Manor, and the two of them had fallen madly in love.
Both were now thriving in their new roles, and Easton wished them all the happiness in the world.
He was saddened when they’d declined to come to London for a visit, but he understood that Peter had responsibilities to his parishioners.
That left the youngest sister, Miss Mia Parker.
She had a decidedly different personality from either of her sisters, and at the moment, she didn’t seem concerned with the plight of those less fortunate, even though she’d experienced that life for a time.
He surmised that her older sisters had sheltered Miss Parker as much as possible from the harshness of their plight.
He couldn’t really blame her, for he hadn’t given much thought to the harsh circumstances of children and orphans either.
Easton’s eyes were now opened to the plight of so many others less fortunate than he.
It began when he read his father’s bill against slavery in the Caribbean, and was advanced further when he heard about Lady Fletcher’s work with orphans.
He wanted to do more than eat, drink, and enjoy a merry bachelor life.
He wanted his life to have meaning beyond being a viscount and heir to an earldom, so he’d begun researching how he could help the most people.
The last thing he needed was a new jacket or waistcoat.
That money could be better spent buying warm coats and mittens for orphaned children or supporting the training Lady Fletcher had instituted at the foundling home she supported.
Perhaps he could even convince Miss Parker to accompany him when he visited.
While he wasn’t willing to shrug off his bachelor life completely, it was time for some major changes in how he viewed the world.
He shrugged on his coat, looking forward to meeting Fletcher at the club.
Today was usually the day Chandler and Ludlow boxed, so he should be able to get a workout in with them too if he felt up to it.
He left his rooms and decided to walk to Gentlemen Jack’s to enjoy the balmy April day, perfect for being outside.
It was a far cry from the blustery winds of the other evening.
It didn’t take long for Easton to reach the boxing club, and when he walked inside, he was surprised to see Fletcher already in the ring with Ludlow. Chandler was watching ringside, and Easton strolled over to his friend.
“Morning, Chandler. I see you’ve met Fletcher.”
“Yes, earlier. I’m surprised we never crossed paths before. I like him. He’s not pretentious in the least.”
“Fletcher is a good man, even though he’s American,” Easton said with a chuckle. “He’s been at his country estate for most of the last year after the birth of his son, but he’s here in London for his sister-in-law’s Season.”
“Oh? And who is that? Have I met her?”
“It’s Miss Parker. Have you been introduced yet?”
“No, I don’t believe so. I’ll have my mother extend an invitation to him so I’ll be able to meet her at the ball.”
Easton inwardly groaned. “Excuse me while I go change.”
The last thing he wanted was for his dashing friend to be introduced to Miss Parker.
He’d seen the way young ladies looked at Chandler, with his broad shoulders and soulful brown eyes, and he wouldn’t like to see Miss Parker fall under his spell.
Of course, he couldn’t say any of that, or it would mean he was acknowledging his own feelings for her. He wasn’t ready for that yet.
In the dressing room off the main boxing area, Easton stripped off his jacket, waistcoat, and shirt before pulling on a set of mufflers—soft leather covers padded with lamb’s wool that would protect him from black eyes and a swollen face.
If this were an actual bout, it would have been bare-knuckled, but that was not Easton’s preference.
He enjoyed the workout boxing gave him without all the physical injuries.
That wasn’t to say there weren’t many times his jaw or ribs were sore after a bout, but his discomfort usually only lasted a day or two.
Fletcher and Ludlow were finishing their bout when he made his way back to the ringside.
“Thanks for sparring with me,” Fletcher said. “Haven’t had that good a workout in a long time.”
“My pleasure,” Ludlow said. “Chandler and I are usually here on Tuesdays; feel free to join us anytime.”
“Easton, you’re here,” Fletcher said, looking over his shoulder. “I’ve met your friends. Thanks for the suggestion to join you.”
“Good day, Fletcher,” Easton said. “Ready for another bout?”
Fletcher shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Ludlow has worn me out.”
Easton nodded. “Next time then.”
“Absolutely. I look forward to sparring with all of you,” Fletcher said before stepping out of the ring. “I’ll see you gentlemen later,” he added, walking to the dressing room to retrieve his clothes.
“Fletcher, you can expect an invitation from my mother for the Gardner ball if you haven’t already received one,” Chandler called after him.
“Thank you. I look forward to it. Good day.”
Ludlow climbed out of the ring. “You two ready to go a few rounds?”
Easton nodded, and he and Chandler climbed through the ropes.
“Is something amiss?” Chandler asked. “You seem a bit distracted today.”
“Not at all. I’m fine.” The last thing Easton wanted was to admit that he was annoyed the Fletchers would be invited to the Gardner ball.
He had a feeling that Miss Parker would adore Chandler’s easygoing style and witty conversation.
Hostesses always clamored for his attendance at their events.
He always made a point of dancing with the wallflowers, and that alone endeared him to so many of the matrons.
Should he warn his friend off from Miss Parker?
That thought was knocked out of his mind when Chandler’s right hook connected to his jaw, snapping his head back.
“Bollocks, Easton. Are you sure you want to do this today? I expected you to block that punch, or at least duck out of the way,” Chandler asked.
“You’re right—I’m a little distracted today.
I can’t stop thinking about the bill my father’s trying to pass to outlaw slavery in the Caribbean,” he lied.
What else could he say? Oh, by the way, I’m in love with Miss Parker, and I don’t want you to even look at her. No, that was never going to happen.
“Has he talked with my father? I know he also thinks it’s barbaric to own human beings,” Chandler said.
“I don’t know. He did say he had friends who supported the bill but was afraid those with financial interests in the region would oppose it.”
“Why don’t we go to the club and see if there’s any chatter about it?” Chandler said. “That is, if you don’t want me to continue pummeling you.”
Easton chuckled. “You’re lucky I’m a little off today because otherwise, you would never have landed that punch.”
“I know, but I’ll take any opening I can.”
Easton chuckled again. He hated lying to his friend, but it couldn’t be helped. He just needed to push his feelings down deep, where he wouldn’t have to think about them anymore.
“Trust me, I’m going to savor the win. Easiest one I’ve ever had. Come on, let’s get out of here.”
The next day Mia was sitting in the parlor with Audrey, working on her embroidery, when Beckwith knocked and entered the drawing room carrying a silver salver.
“Lady Fletcher, today’s mail.”
“Thank you, Beckwith,” Audrey said, taking the stack of notes.
“More invitations?” Mia asked.
Audrey looked through the stack and pulled one out. “I think this is one,” she said, breaking the seal. “Oh my, we’ve been invited to the Gardner ball.”
Mia dropped her embroidery and rushed over to her sister. “We have? How exciting. We are going, aren’t we?”
“Dearest, I must speak to Fletcher before I send our reply. I don’t know Lord and Lady Gardner, but he may. I want to make sure he approves before we accept.”
“Why wouldn’t he approve? It’s a ball, after all. What could happen at a ball?” Audrey gave Mia a stern look, prompting her to return to her seat and resume her embroidery. “Oh, I see your point. You’re right, but I promise I’ll never be reckless again. Please say we can attend.”
“I’ll discuss it with Fletcher.”
Mia tried to concentrate on her embroidery, but she was too excited at the prospect of attending another ball.
She was afraid Fletcher would forbid her from attending any more balls after her misstep and was determined to show him and Audrey that she could be trusted to act the proper young lady from now on.
Another knock on the door interrupted her thinking.
Beckwith opened the door and announced, “Lord Berkeley, my lady.”
The earl walked in looking as dapper as ever, and Mia smiled when she saw him. He looked especially handsome in his dark-green jacket, buff breeches, and highly polished boots. She jumped up and curtseyed. “Lord Berkeley, what an unexpected pleasure. I’m so pleased to see you today.”
Audrey stood and curtseyed. “Good day, Lord Berkeley.”
Berkeley bowed to them both. “Good day to my two favorite ladies.”
“Such a flatterer,” Audrey said. “Would you care for tea?”
“No, thank you. I was wondering if you two would care to stroll with me in the park today. It’s a beautiful, warm day, and it would be a shame to waste such a day by staying inside.”
Audrey shook her head. “I’m sorry, I cannot accept your kind invitation. I’m expecting Lady Clifford and Lady Devon for nuncheon. Perhaps another time?”
“I’ll go,” Mia blurted out. She looked at Audrey. “I mean, may I?”
Audrey looked between Mia and the earl. Berkeley had always been a gentleman whenever he was around them, so she nodded her consent. “Of course. You may go, dearest.”
“Excellent,” Berkeley said, flashing her a radiant smile. “Thank you, Lady Fletcher.”
“Please excuse me while I fetch my bonnet and gloves,” Mia said.
“Ask Beatrice to go with you,” Audrey said.
“Of course,” Mia said, rushing out of the room to find her maid.
“You’re looking well, Lord Berkeley,” Audrey said.
“Thank you. London has a way of keeping a man busy.”
“That’s true, although I do miss the quiet at Dandridge Manor.”
“The country is quiet, but my childhood home holds too many memories for me at the moment. I keep expecting to see my father walk into the drawing room. Being away from there for a bit is helping me cope with him being gone.”
“Lord Berkeley, I do apologize. I did not mean to be insensitive,” Audrey said. “Of course you miss him.”
“You haven’t been insensitive at all, Lady Fletcher. I will eventually go back, and hopefully one day, I’ll enjoy the peace and quiet once again. Maybe even raise a family there.”
“I understand. Grief takes time to process, and it’s different for everyone. We will be heading there for the summer, so if you decide to come back, you have friends nearby. You’re always welcome at Dandridge Manor.”
“Thank you. You’re too kind,” Berkeley said.
It didn’t take long for Mia to return with their newly hired lady’s maid, Beatrice, in tow. “I’m ready. Shall we go?”
Berkeley bowed to Audrey. “Good day, Lady Fletcher. We won’t be long.”
“Enjoy yourselves.”
Berkeley held out his arm for Mia. “You’re looking particularly lovely today, Miss Parker.”
“Thank you. What have you been doing lately? I haven’t seen you since the musicale.”
“Still trying to get my bearings around London.”
“Will you be going to the Gardner ball? We received our invitation today.”
“Yes. I shall attend. Will you save a dance for me?”
“Of course, on one condition.”
“A condition? Come now, Miss Parker, what could I possibly give you?”
Mia chuckled and playfully squeezed his arm while looking deep into his eyes. “You know exactly what I want—more childhood stories. You tell the best ones, and I’ve never laughed so hard before. Please?”
“My lady, your wish is my command,” Berkeley said, leaning over to whisper in her ear, and as expected, Mia couldn’t contain her laughter.
What she didn’t notice was that Easton and Chandler were walking on the opposite side of the street. Nor did she see the frown on Easton’s face as he stared at her.