Mia curtseyed. “I’m pleased to see you again as well.”
“I’m looking forward to hearing your sister sing. My mother tells me she has the voice of an angel.”
“That’s very kind of her to say. You’ll be able to judge for yourself soon.”
Now, as she watched Easton chatting with Lady Victoria, it gave her pause. The brilliant smile Lady Victoria gave him at their introduction soured her stomach, and she placed her glass of lemonade on a passing footman’s tray.
Wait? Why should she be upset if Lord Easton liked talking with Lady Victoria?
Lady Victoria was her new friend, whom she liked very much, and she wanted to see her enjoy the Season. She was surprised that she didn’t like seeing Lord Easton appear so enamored with her.
It really shouldn’t matter. After all, she merely thought of Lord Easton as a friend, didn’t she?
Easton was reluctant toleave his present company, but he bowed to Miss Parker and followed his mother to the other side of the room, where she introduced him to Lady Wright and her daughter, Lady Victoria. He’d been loath to leave Miss Parker, but if he wanted to keep his mother from making any more assumptions about his feelings for the young lady, he had to follow her to the other side of the room.
“Lady Wright, Lady Victoria, may I make known to you my son, Lord Easton?” Lady Devon said. He wondered what was behind the sudden introduction, as he knew his mother was an acquaintance of Lady Wright, but certainly not a close friend, and he hadn’t seen the two women interact with each other in years.
He bowed. “Pleasure to meet you both.”
“Lord Easton, lovely to formally meet you,” Lady Wright said. “The last time I saw you, you were a great deal smaller.”
He chuckled. “Boys do have a tendency to grow, my lady.”
Lady Victoria curtseyed, giving him a radiant smile. “Lord Easton, good evening.”
“Are you enjoying the soiree?” Easton asked her.
“Yes, most especially Lady Fletcher’s singing. My mother was correct; she has the voice of an angel,” Lady Victoria said.
“I couldn’t agree more. Every time I hear her sing, it takes my breath away.”
“Lord Easton, will we be seeing you at the Gardner ball Saturday next?” Lady Wright asked. “Lady Gardner always holds enjoyable evenings.”
“Of course he’ll be there. My son would never disappoint his friend by not attending,” Lady Devon chimed in.
He arched an eyebrow when his mother committed him to attending, even though she was correct. It wasn’t very often that Chandler’s parents hosted a ball, so it was important that he attend. He’d never knowingly disappoint his friend. Now he felt compelled to ask, “Lady Victoria, may I have the pleasure of claiming one of your dances at the ball?”
“I’d be delighted, Lord Easton,” Lady Victoria said.
“Thank you, my lady. I look forward to seeing you then.”
After another few moments of small talk, Easton bowed to the women and took his leave. Lady Wright and her daughterwere amiable, and he had to admit Lady Victoria was a beautiful young woman who was quite pleasant to talk with.
Maybe it was time to switch his attention to someone other than Miss Parker. Someone who might one day see him as more than a friend.
Chapter5
Lady Clifford held her six-month-olddaughter, Jane, as the carriage jounced over the roads on the way to London to visit her parents, Lord and Lady Devon. On the opposite seat, her husband, Sir Samuel, held the other twin, who was sound asleep in his father’s arms. James was the calmer of the two babies, always smiling and cooing, while Jane was the more restless child. Kathryn and Sam had been utterly surprised when she gave birth to twins, as there was no history of twins in either family.
The last year had been a huge adjustment for her family. Halfway through her pregnancy, Sam had been notified that his brother had been thrown from his horse during a hunt and was badly injured. Unfortunately, he died a day later. It was a great shock to Sam, especially since his brother, Michael, wasn’t yet thirty years old. No one had expected that glorious summer day of the hunt would end so tragically. Sam and Michael hadn’t been close, but it had been a tremendous shock nonetheless.
She’d never forget that horrible day they received the tragic news.
Sam had rushed to his brother’s side when news of the accident reached him.
“I’ll come with you, darling,” Kathryn said. “Give me a moment to get ready.”
Sam took his wife’s hands in his. “Kathryn, the trip will be quick. I don’t want to put you or our child in danger.”