Chapter 9 #3
By the time the guests began moving into the parlor for the program, the twinge of guilt had turned into a full-fledged torrent.
He held out his arm to Miss Bryce, unsurprised when she refused to look at or speak to him, taking his arm in cold silence.
He walked her to the front row of chairs while the realization dawned that he might be at the end of his options for courting her.
Attempting to show his interest through interactions at social events was failing.
That only left Cedar Point, which was also not going well.
Or the ridiculous letters he’d been trying to compose for weeks.
But what if he admitted to knowing she was the lady archer and she grew even angrier, even more distant?
He drew a calming breath. Would prayer help clear the unanswerable questions that wouldn’t let him rest?
God, how can I prove myself and my honest intentions to her?
Miles stood beside Miss Bryce’s chair as she took her seat and arranged her skirts, then claimed the spot next to her.
She was close enough to his side that he could feel warmth radiating from her skin, and he caught a whiff of some sort of floral soap each time she moved.
Perhaps since her parents hadn’t taken their seats yet, this would be his best opportunity to attempt conversation.
As he watched her profile, considering all he’d learned about Sylvie Bryce, Miles was struck by an idea that should have occurred to him earlier.
This woman would appreciate openness and directness.
She didn’t seem to enjoy the covert machinations most society couples relied on.
“Miss Bryce, have I done something to offend you? We were enjoying each other’s company as far as I could tell, but now you’ve shut me out.
I’m worried I did something to offend you.
Or maybe I misunderstood your actions and you don’t enjoy yourself one bit with me. ”
Finally, she turned to look at him, meeting his gaze with cobalt eyes he would love to get lost in. Her lips parted for a moment, then her face softened. “No, not at all. I do enjoy talking to you. It’s only…”
She trailed off, one hand fluttering in a helpless gesture.
He waited, watching her gather her thoughts.
“It’s only that you might have been getting the wrong idea about our conversations.
I’m not currently in the market for a husband, no matter what my mother says or tries to do.
I’d like to take my time with the task and find someone for myself, someone I choose rather than a man Mother picks out and forces upon me.
I hope you can understand it isn’t about you specifically.
You’re a good man who will make a good husband. Perhaps for Lucy Casburn.”
The last words sounded choked out, as if she had difficulty saying them.
So why had she? His heart clenched, the pain enough to take his breath away.
Nothing she knew about him was enough to make her choose him.
She still saw him as her mother’s choice instead of hers, despite their easy connection.
To the point that she’d rather turn his attention to a woman he wouldn’t wish on anyone in order to get it off herself.
But he cared about her too much to make the evening more difficult for her, so he wouldn’t argue. For now.
Drawing on every ounce of his self-control, Miles offered what he hoped was a genuine smile and not a pained grimace.
“I can understand your situation, Miss Bryce. And I thank you for giving me an explanation you didn’t owe me.
I hope we might still get to enjoy an occasional conversation, at least. We could consider each other a friendly respite during tedious social events. ”
An actual smile worked its way across her face, brightening the room more than the electric lights ever could. “I would appreciate that very much. As friends, perhaps formal names are unnecessary. You could call me Sylvie, if you’d like.”
The gift of being allowed to use her given name was not lost on Miles. His battered heart lifted in thankfulness. “Happily, Sylvie. And I’d like to be called Miles from now on.”
Their gazes held for a moment in shared understanding, until Mr. and Mrs. Bryce walked up and greeted them, taking their seats and breaking the tenuous connection.
But Miles wasn’t disheartened any longer.
As the readings began, a little voice inside reminded him that other avenues existed in his pursuit of Sylvie’s heart.
She wanted to choose for herself and not accept her mother’s pick.
So what if she fell in love with his thoughts and words without knowing it was him?
He’d attempted to write too many anonymous letters to her, spurred by Alexander’s teasing.
But he’d given up when the words didn’t flow.
It wasn’t his preferred option for winning Sylvie over.
Now, however, perhaps it was the one way to capture her attention long enough for her to realize they would be perfect together.
That he could be both her mother’s preference and her own choice.
The rest of the evening wasn’t easy, sitting next to her while knowing she refused to allow herself to enjoy his company.
But Miles had a plan, and he worked best when the goal was clear.
He would compose the most beautiful letters of his life and win Sylvie’s heart.
Then, when the time was right, he would reveal he’d been the author and that he knew about and supported her work at Cedar Point.
Surely, he could prove they were perfect for each other and thus erase all concerns about her mother’s wishes from Sylvie’s mind.