“Absolutely. I look forward to sparring with all of you,” Fletcher said before stepping out of the ring. “I’ll see you gentlemen later,” he added, walking to the dressing room to retrieve his clothes.
“Fletcher, you can expect an invitation from my mother for the Gardner ball if you haven’t already received one,” Chandler called after him.
“Thank you. I look forward to it. Good day.”
Ludlow climbed out of the ring. “You two ready to go a few rounds?”
Easton nodded, and he and Chandler climbed through the ropes.
“Is something amiss?” Chandler asked. “You seem a bit distracted today.”
“Not at all. I’m fine.” The last thing Easton wanted was to admit that he was annoyed the Fletchers would be invited to the Gardner ball. He had a feeling that Miss Parker would adore Chandler’s easygoing style and witty conversation. Hostesses always clamored for his attendance at their events. He always made a point of dancing with the wallflowers, and that alone endeared him to so many of the matrons.
Should he warn his friend off from Miss Parker?
That thought was knocked out of his mind when Chandler’s right hook connected to his jaw, snapping his head back.
“Bollocks, Easton. Are you sure you want to do this today? I expected you to block that punch, or at least duck out of the way,” Chandler asked.
“You’re right—I’m a little distracted today. I can’t stop thinking about the bill my father’s trying to pass to outlaw slavery in the Caribbean,” he lied. What else could he say?Oh, by the way, I’m in love with Miss Parker, and I don’t want you to even look at her.No, that was never going to happen.
“Has he talked with my father? I know he also thinks it’s barbaric to own human beings,” Chandler said.
“I don’t know. He did say he had friends who supported the bill but was afraid those with financial interests in the region would oppose it.”
“Why don’t we go to the club and see if there’s any chatter about it?” Chandler said. “That is, if you don’t want me to continue pummeling you.”
Easton chuckled. “You’re lucky I’m a little off today because otherwise, you would never have landed that punch.”
“I know, but I’ll take any opening I can.”
Easton chuckled again. He hated lying to his friend, but it couldn’t be helped. He just needed to push his feelings down deep, where he wouldn’t have to think about them anymore.
“Trust me, I’m going to savor the win. Easiest one I’ve ever had. Come on, let’s get out of here.”
The next day Miawas sitting in the parlor with Audrey, working on her embroidery, when Beckwith knocked and entered the drawing room carrying a silver salver.
“Lady Fletcher, today’s mail.”
“Thank you, Beckwith,” Audrey said, taking the stack of notes.
“More invitations?” Mia asked.
Audrey looked through the stack and pulled one out. “I think this is one,” she said, breaking the seal. “Oh my, we’ve been invited to the Gardner ball.”
Mia dropped her embroidery and rushed over to her sister. “We have? How exciting. We are going, aren’t we?”
“Dearest, I must speak to Fletcher before I send our reply. I don’t know Lord and Lady Gardner, but he may. I want to make sure he approves before we accept.”
“Why wouldn’t he approve? It’s a ball, after all. What could happen at a ball?” Audrey gave Mia a stern look, prompting her to return to her seat and resume her embroidery. “Oh, I see your point. You’re right, but I promise I’ll never be reckless again. Please say we can attend.”
“I’ll discuss it with Fletcher.”
Mia tried to concentrate on her embroidery, but she was too excited at the prospect of attending another ball. She was afraid Fletcher would forbid her from attending any more balls after her misstep and was determined to show him and Audrey that she could be trusted to act the proper young lady from now on.
Another knock on the door interrupted her thinking.
Beckwith opened the door and announced, “Lord Berkeley, my lady.”