Chapter 15
Easton braced himself before joining his mother in the drawing room, giving his reflection in the hallway mirror a quick check to verify his expression was cheerful.
This whole excursion to Vauxhall had gotten away from him and grown much larger than he’d intended—he’d groaned inwardly when she told him that Lady Wright and Lady Victoria would be joining the party.
He only hoped he’d still be able to find some time alone with Miss Parker. ”
“It will be a delightful night for everyone,” Lady Devon said.
“Of course, Mother. I’m glad the Gardners and Lady Wright can attend. I know you don’t get to see them as much as you’d like. Good thing I’ve already reserved two supper boxes. There’s room enough for everyone.”
“You’re such a good son. I must say, I’m very much looking forward to it. Thank you for planning this,” Lady Devon said.
“It’s my pleasure.”
“So, have you thought any more about Miss Parker?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, Vauxhall Gardens are beautiful, and a stroll along the paths with all the lanterns displaying a myriad of colors can be very romantic. If you want the young lady to know you’re interested in her, you need to give her a hint.”
“Mother, that’s what I was trying to do when I suggested the outing, but now the other two young ladies will most likely take up most of her time.”
“Easton, you mustn’t let that defeat you. If you want Miss Parker, you must pursue her more openly. The poor young woman isn’t a mind reader. She may not have any idea you care for her.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Of course, dear. Forgive me for intruding on your privacy.”
Easton went to his mother, kissing her on the cheek. “Nothing to forgive. Your counsel is always welcome.”
“What’s this? My brother showing affection?” Kathryn said with a chuckle, walking into the drawing room.
Easton straightened and smiled at his sister. He went to Kathryn and pulled her in for a hug. “I’m always affectionate,” he said.
“I know. I was merely teasing you.”
“Are the children settled?” Lady Devon asked.
“Yes, they’re tucked in their cribs for the night,” Sam chimed in, entering the room behind Kathryn.
“Happy to hear that. I can’t tell you how wonderful it’s been to have you all here,” Lady Devon said. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Kathryn went to her mother and gave her a hug. “I know, Mama. We miss you too.”
Lord Devon joined them, and soon it was time to leave for the docks.
Easton had hired two wherries to take them to Vauxhall Gardens, as there were too many in their group to fit in one boat.
After everyone got settled in their seats, the ride down the Thames was uneventful.
The men were the first to leave the boat and then helped the ladies disembark.
When they reached the entrance to Vauxhall Gardens, Easton paid the entrance fee for all of them, and they walked in.
“Look at all the lanterns. They’re so beautiful,” Miss Parker said.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Lady Arabella said with wide eyes.
“Neither have I,” Lady Victoria chimed in.
The three young women walked arm in arm as the group made their way to the supper boxes.
Lord Ludlow was walking with Lord Gardner, talking about an investment idea.
Ludlow had been advising Gardner for a number of years, and Lord Gardner had reaped the benefit of Ludlow’s counsel and insight.
There weren’t many who knew about Ludlow’s success in choosing wise investment opportunities, but Easton, Devon, Chandler, and Gardner were among the lucky few to profit.
“I’ll send around some more information once I have it all together,” Lord Ludlow said.
“Thank you, Ludlow. I appreciate that,” Gardner said.
As everyone started toward the supper boxes, Chandler tapped Easton’s arm, signaling him to hang back a step.
As the group trudged on ahead, Easton asked, “Is something amiss?”
Chandler shook his head. “Not at all. I want to make sure you do not hold any affection toward Lady Victoria.”
“Lady Victoria?”
“Yes, the young lady walking just ahead. You do recall the dark-haired beauty, do you not?”
Easton chuckled. “Yes, of course. I’m merely surprised you asked about her. Why is that?”
“I want to make sure you still hope to court Miss Parker and not Lady Victoria. I’ve seen you dance with Lady Victoria, and frankly, even as your best friend, I can’t tell if you’ve switched your desires to her.”
Easton shook his head. “No, I have no plans to court Lady Victoria. Has the young lady caught your eye?”
Chandler shrugged. “Perhaps.”
“Well then, let’s catch up with everyone so you can position yourself near the lady for supper, shall we?”
“Absolutely.”
After they reached their supper boxes, Easton spoke with the waiter. “I hope you’re all pleased with the dinner selections. I’ve ordered a variety of dishes.”
“I’m sure everything you ordered will be fine,” Lady Devon said.
Easton took his seat in the box with his parents, Kathryn and Sam, Lord and Lady Gardner, and Lady Wright.
Chandler and Lady Arabella joined the other box, along with Mia and Lady Victoria, and Ludlow opted to sit with them.
Throughout the meal, Easton stole glances at Miss Parker, who was obviously enjoying her time with her friends.
Whenever their eyes met, she gave him a shy smile, and it made him happy to see her enjoying herself.
He was glad that he’d arranged the trip.
Perhaps she would realize he could be fun too.
It was a warm, pleasant evening, and many couples were dancing, while others walked along the paths, admiring the lights.
“I’m so happy Lord Easton arranged this outing,” Miss Parker said to her friends.
“It’s so exciting,” Lady Arabella said.
“I can’t wait to see the tightrope walkers,” Lady Victoria said.
“Shall we head over to the tightrope area?” Easton asked after dinner was finished.
Everyone nodded and stood.
Chandler offered his arm to Lady Victoria. “Would you care to walk with me to see the tightrope walkers?” he asked.
“Thank you, Lord Chandler. I’d be delighted.”
Easton could see a spark of interest in Lady Victoria’s eyes. Could Chandler have found the woman he wanted to marry? The couple walked a few steps ahead of the group, oblivious to anyone around them and seeming to have eyes only for each other.
Ludlow had offered his arm to Lady Arabella as the group headed to the area where the tightrope walkers were performing. The rest of their group followed.
“I hear Madame Saqui will be performing this evening,” Easton said to Miss Parker, who was walking on Fletcher’s far side.
“Really? Is she really here?” she asked.
“From what I understand, yes.”
He still hadn’t been able to get a moment alone with her, but hopefully he would find his chance as they watched the performance.
“Easton, will I see you at Gentleman Jack’s this week?” Fletcher asked.
Easton turned his attention to Fletcher while Audrey walked on with Lady Devon. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
“I should be there.”
“Excellent. I need to spend more time there. London is making me soft,” Fletcher said with a chuckle.
“I understand. I’ll make a point of being there Tuesday then.”
“I appreciate that.”
Mia had fallen a step behind as the men talked.
While they chatted, the rest of their group seemed to have been swallowed up by the crush of people all heading to the same area.
It took more than a moment to finally catch sight of their group, and as soon as Easton saw everyone, he inhaled sharply.
Everyone in their group was accounted for except Miss Parker. Where was she?
He immediately turned to Fletcher. “Fletcher, I don’t see Miss Parker. Wasn’t she next to you last?”
Lady Fletcher overheard Easton and turned to look behind her. “Who was she walking with?”
“She was beside me a moment ago,” Fletcher said.
“Lady Victoria, have you seen my sister?” Lady Fletcher asked.
Lady Victoria and Lady Arabella had been whispering together, their eyes fixed on the tightrope walker, and hadn’t noticed that Miss Parker hadn’t joined them.
“She must have gotten separated from us in the crowd,” Fletcher said before turning to his wife. “My darling, stay here. I’ll find her.”
“I’ll go with you,” Easton said.
“As will I,” Chandler chimed in.
“Excellent,” Fletcher said. “Let’s spread out to cover more ground. She can’t be far.”
Easton’s heart was pounding with trepidation as he began searching for Miss Parker. Where could she have gone? Had she deliberately gone off with someone? He didn’t think she would be so careless, but that begged the question, what happened to her?”
Mia was so excited to see Madame Saqui. Coming to the gardens tonight was a dream come true.
The only thing that put a slight damper on the evening was that she’d not had a chance to talk with Lord Easton yet.
He’d dined in the first supper box while she was in the second.
Now that they were leaving the boxes, she decided that if he didn’t talk with her first, she would be bold and approach him.
She needed to know if he held any special regard for her.
She cringed when she thought about how she previously loudly trumpeted the idea that she didn’t wish to marry anytime soon, but now things felt different.
The longer she was in London, the more she craved Lord Easton’s company.
Was this what love felt like? She had no idea, but what she did know was that her feelings toward the viscount had definitely changed.
As she walked beside Fletcher to the area where the tightrope was set up, it seemed like everyone else in the gardens had had the same idea. There was quite a bit of jostling as people vied to get the spots up front for the best view.