Lord Devon placed a hand on Easton’s sleeve, stopping the men’s conversation for a moment while he looked over at the ladies. “Where are my manners? Would any of you ladies care for a sherry?” he asked.
“Thank you. That would be lovely,” Lady Fletcher said.
“I’d like one as well, my dear,” Lady Devon said.
“Miss Parker? Lady Kathryn?” Devon asked.
“No, thank you. I’m fine,” Miss Parker said.
“Thank you, Papa. I’d like one as well.”
Devon nodded and walked to the sideboard. Both Easton and Fletcher joined him while Kathryn chatted with Miss Parker.
“Nothing better than having family and good friends around,” the earl said. “Fletcher, I wanted to talk with you about the bill I’m working on. I’d welcome your support.”
“Of course. I’d be happy to lend my support. What bill are we talking about?”
“An anti-slavery bill is going to take quite an effort to get it passed,” Easton chimed in.
Fletcher turned to him. “You’ve read it?”
Easton nodded. “I have, and it’s eye-opening. However, I fear it will be a hard sell for some of the lords in Parliament.”
“Well then, I’m anxious to read it myself. Shall we say one day next week? Does that suit, Devon?”
The earl nodded. “Excellent. Easton, would you care to join us?”
“Of course. It will be my pleasure.”
The gentleman carried the drinks back to the ladies.
Miss Parker and Kathryn were carrying on a lively conversation, and Easton had to smile at the enthusiasm with which the young woman explained her progress in riding to his sister.
“Lady Kathryn, you’d be so surprised at how well I’m doing now.”
“I knew you’d do well once you got over your initial fear,” Kathryn said. “Perhaps we can take a ride in Hyde Park before we leave London. My father has a few mares that would be suitable for you.”
“I’d love that. Thank you.”
Lady Devon, who was standing next to Kathryn and Miss Parker said, “Easton, your father tells me you purchased a new stallion. Would you be so kind as to escort the ladies to Hyde Park one day soon?”
“Hmm…I’m not sure Ares has the temperament for a sedate walk in the park,” Easton said. He saw the immediate disappointment in Miss Parker’s face and added, “Why don’t I take him out for a good gallop beforehand? That way, he won’t be so restless.”
“Truly?” Miss Parker asked. “You’ll accompany us?”
“Of course, it will be my pleasure.” When she gave him a brilliant smile, Easton had a feeling he would never get over his obsession with her, no matter how many young women his mother introduced him to. It was like Miss Parker had reached inside his chest and captured his heart—his traitorous heart that beat so wildly for her and no one else.
“When can we go?” she asked, her eyes bright with excitement.
Lady Fletcher put a hand on her sister’s arm. “Dearest, I’m sure Lord Easton will send a note around when he’s free.”
Miss Parker nodded, turning her pleading eyes toward him.
Easton was lost.
How could he ever refuse her?
“How about in four days’ time? That will give me some time to exercise Ares and let us get used to each other first. I don’t know his temperament yet, and I wouldn’t want him to be spooked by all the carriages.”