Chapter 14
Easton was pacing in the hallway, waiting for the Parliamentary session to conclude.
Today was the vote on his father’s anti-slavery bill.
He hoped it would pass, but he had his doubts.
Too many gentlemen counted on the funds from their Caribbean investments to stay solvent.
They wouldn’t want to risk their income.
The moment his father walked out of the chamber with Fletcher, he knew the bill hadn’t passed.
“Easton, there was no need for you to wait around. I would have informed you how the vote went,” Lord Devon said.
“I know, but I wanted to lend my support in either case.”
“Well, as you predicted, the bill did not pass, but I refuse to give up.”
“I concur,” Fletcher said. “We need to garner more support, and then we’ll try again.”
“Thank you for supporting my father,” Easton said to him.
“It’s the right thing to do.”
“Father, on a different topic, I’ve been making arrangements for a group trip to Vauxhall Gardens. Would you and Mother care to be included?”
“Who are you inviting?” Lord Devon asked.
“The Fletchers, Sir Samuel and Lady Clifford, Ludlow, and Chandler will bring Lady Arabella as company for Miss Parker.”
“If the Gardners attend, we will as well,” Lord Devon said. “Otherwise, you young people should make a night of it.”
“Of course. I will make inquiries,” Easton said. “Fletcher, how does Saturday next sound? Have you already committed to another engagement?”
Fletcher shook his head. “No, I have not. Saturday sounds perfect.”
“Good. I know Chandler and Ludlow are free that evening as well.”
“Thank you. Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I’m headed home to have tea with my wife.”
“Good-bye. I’ll be in touch soon,” Easton said before turning to his father. “Are you headed back to Devon House or the club?”
Lord Devon chuckled. “I think I’ve heard enough debate from my esteemed colleagues for one day. Fletcher has the right idea. Care to join the family for tea?”
“Absolutely.”
The two men left the Parliament building and walked toward Devon House. Jeffers had the door open when they walked up the stairs.
“Is my wife in the drawing room?” Lord Devon asked.
“Yes, my lord, along with Sir Samuel and Lady Clifford,” Jeffers said.
“Excellent. Come, Easton. Let’s partake in a more enjoyable conversation.”
Easton nodded and followed his father into the drawing room.
Lady Devon looked up when they walked in. “My dear, what a lovely surprise. I didn’t expect you home so early, but I’m delighted you’re here.”
Lord Devon walked over to his wife and kissed her cheek. “I’ve missed you.”
Easton saw his mother’s reaction and knew she understood that the debate in Parliament had not gone well. His parents had such an intuitive marriage, each seemingly knowing when the other needed more support than usual. He hoped that one day he’d have the same kind of relationship with his wife.
Wife.
It was a word he no longer cringed at or felt the need to ignore.
He was ready to take on a wife, but he wasn’t sure the woman he loved was ready to marry.
She was young, but many young women married in their debut year and went on to have successful marriages.
He just needed to convince Miss Parker that their marriage could be one of those success stories.
“Easton, my darling. So nice of you to join us,” Lady Devon said.
Easton went over and kissed his mother’s cheek before greeting Kathryn and Sam.
It wasn’t long before the maid brought in a tea tray, and Kathryn poured out.
“So, Easton, what brings you around today?” she asked, handing him a cup. “Not that I’m not delighted to see my brother.”
“I’m trying to find a suitable date for the outing to Vauxhall Gardens.” He turned toward his mother. “Father says he’ll attend if the Gardners also attend. Do you know if that’s something they would enjoy? I do know that Chandler will be bringing Lady Arabella.”
“I honestly don’t know. Would you like me to visit Lady Gardner and find out? What’s the date of the proposed outing?”
“Saturday next.”
“I shall send a note around and go see Lady Gardner.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
“I think it’s a marvelous idea,” Kathryn said. “I haven’t been to Vauxhall Gardens in years.” She turned to Sam. “Darling, have you ever been?”
He nodded. “Once. My brother was in London and invited me to tag along with his friends.”
“There will be fireworks,” Easton said. “I thought everyone would enjoy that.”
“Absolutely,” Kathryn said. “If the group keeps growing, we’ll have to reserve two supper boxes.”
“The more, the merrier,” Sam said.
Easton inwardly groaned. He didn’t want too many people attending or he’d never have a moment alone with Miss Parker, but he smiled through his frustration, especially when he saw how excited his sister was about attending. It was good to see her smile.
Mia was in the drawing room with Audrey when Fletcher returned from Parliament.
“There are my two favorite girls,” he said, kissing his wife’s cheek.
“How did the vote go?” Audrey asked.
He shook his head. “Unfortunately, it did not go as Lord Devon hoped. He, Lord Easton, and I will just have to work up more support for it and try again.”
“You saw Lord Easton? Did he mention a date yet for the outing to Vauxhall Gardens?” Mia asked.
“As a matter of fact, he did. It’s scheduled for Saturday next.”
Mia squealed. “I can hardly wait. I’m so excited!”
“I agree. It should be a very enjoyable evening,” Audrey said.
A maid brought in the tea tray. “Lady Fletcher, will there be anything else?”
“No, thank you, Audrey said.
The maid curtseyed and exited the room.
“Shall I pour?” Mia asked.
Audrey nodded. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”
Mia prepared the tea for her sister and Fletcher before making a cup for herself. “Are you excited to see the fireworks, Audrey?”
“I am. It’s not every day one gets to experience something entirely new.”
“You’ve never seen fireworks before?” Fletcher asked.
“No. Papa didn’t believe in wasting coin on frivolous things, and going to Vauxhall Gardens fell into that category.”
“Well, then, I’m glad you’ll both have a chance to see them.”
Mia let her mind wander while her sister and Fletcher talked.
Would Lord Easton finally give her an indication of how he felt about her?
She wasn’t sure if she still thought of him as merely a family friend or if he was becoming so much more.
Since she’d been in London and had the opportunity to spend more time with him, she’d noticed how handsome he was, how kind, and how very polite.
He might not be as witty as Lord Berkeley, but there was a quiet strength about him that she admired.
Dancing the waltz with him had been an eye-opening experience.
The way he made her feel protected and safe in his arms…
.she had never enjoyed a dance more. None of the other gentlemen she’d danced with had made her feel that way.
These new feelings were all so puzzling.
Was she beginning to fall in love with him? She’d never been in love before, so how would she know?
Without any indication of how he felt, she decided it would be best to keep her feelings a secret for now, although she couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel to be kissed by him.
When Fletcher had interrupted her “almost” first kiss at the Thompson ball, she’d been quite angry, but now she realized she wanted to save that experience to share with Lord Easton.
What was happening to her?
“Mia,” Audrey said.
It wasn’t until Audrey said her name a second time that she looked up. “What? I’m sorry. I was wool-gathering.”
“Think nothing of it. I wanted to let you know that I’ve heard from Lady Gardner. She and Lady Arabella would be delighted to come for tea the day after tomorrow.”
“That’s wonderful.”
Now that the date has been set, I sent a note to Lady Wright and Lady Victoria.”
“Have they accepted the invitation?” Mia asked.
“They have.”
“I do like Lady Arabella and Lady Victoria ever so much. Both of them have been so kind to me, and I would like to spend more time with them.”
“I will send a note around to Lady Wright, but I can’t promise they will be free. It is rather short notice.”
“Thank you, Audrey. You’re the best sister!”
Two days later, Mia couldn’t stop pacing in front of the two large windows facing the street, waiting for their guests to arrive for tea.
“Mia, please sit down. You’re making me dizzy with all your pacing,” Audrey said.
Before Mia could say anything more, Beckwith announced, “Lady Wright, Lady Gardner, Lady Victoria, and Lady Arabella.”
Mia rushed over to them and curtseyed. “Good day. I’m so happy you came!”
Lady Victoria and Lady Arabella both smiled. “We are too.”
The three young women shared a hug before heading for the sofa, their heads together.
Audrey curtseyed. “Good day, Lady Wright, Lady Gardner. Welcome to Fletcher House.”
“Good day, Lady Fletcher,” the two women said.
“Please come and take a seat. The tea tray will be delivered momentarily.”
“This is a lovely room,” Lady Wright said, looking around. “May I ask who your designer is? I feel our townhouse needs a bit of renovation as well, and this room is quite delightful.”
“Um…that would be me. I didn’t hire a designer,” Audrey said.
“Well, my dear, you have excellent taste,” Lady Gardner chimed in.
“Thank you, my lady. That’s very kind of you to say.”
“Mama,” Lady Victoria said.
Lady Wright turned to her daughter. “What is it, dear?”
“Lady Arabella and Miss Parker are going to Vauxhall Gardens on Saturday. Might we attend as well?”
“Oh, please say yes,” Mia said before Lady Victoria’s mother had a chance to answer. “It would be so much fun if we could all see the fireworks together.”
Lady Wright turned back to Audrey. “Is this so? Has an outing been planned?”
Audrey nodded, and Lady Gardner added, “Oh, do come, we haven’t enjoyed a night out together in quite some time.”
“Shouldn’t we check with whoever is hosting the group?” Lady Wright asked. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“Lord Easton has planned the whole thing. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind two more joining our party,” Audrey said. “Lord and Lady Devon are also attending.”
“Well, I guess we could join you,” Lady Wright said. “If it’s no bother.”
“No bother at all, Lady Wright,” Audrey said. “Two supper boxes have already been reserved, so there’s plenty of room for everyone.”
“Thank you, Mama,” Lady Victoria said.
The three young women on the sofa could barely contain their excitement. None of them had ever been to Vauxhall Gardens, and they were all keen to enjoy the sights and see the fireworks.