Mia could only guess that she was displeased not to have known this latest news, although Kathryn and Sir Sam had been married for a year now.
“I saw no engagement announcement in the paper,” Lady Nestle said, continuing her friend’s line of questioning. “Seems odd there wasn’t one.”
Mia saw Easton’s hands tighten on the reins before he turned to Chandler. “Shall we move along? It’s getting crowded here, and we shouldn’t block the path.”
Mia knew a slight when she heard one. It was cleverly done, and the two matrons had no choice but to stand aside as her group passed. Her opinion of Lord Easton increased tenfold for the defense of his sister. She was beginning to see him in an entirely new light. The more she interacted with him, the moreshe liked him, and her feelings toward him were beginning to warm.
“Lord Easton, that was deftly done,” Lady Wright said when she and her daughter stopped beside him a moment later. “Those two women are the worst gossips in Society, and I’m always happy when someone puts them in their place.”
“Thank you for your kind words, Lady Wright. I will not stand for anyone slighting my family.”
“Most admirable.” Lady Wright greeted the rest of the group: “Good day, Lord Chandler, Lord Fletcher, Lady Clifford, Miss Parker. A lovely day to be in the park, don’t you agree?”
“Absolutely,” Kathryn said. “Good day, Lady Wright, Lady Victoria. It’s lovely to see you both again.”
“Lady Victoria, I’m so pleased to see you again. I hope we can enjoy a longer conversation at the Gardner ball,” Mia said.
“That would be most welcome,” Lady Victoria said.
Easton maneuvered his horse closer to Lady Victoria. “You’re looking quite lovely today, Lady Victoria.”
She looked up and smiled. “Thank you, Lord Easton. That’s most kind of you to say.”
“I only speak the truth. So, you’ll be attending the Gardner ball?” he asked.
“Yes, my mother has accepted the invitation. Will you also be attending?”
Mia spoke up. “Yes. Lady Victoria, we must make sure to seek Lady Arabella out. I’m sure she’ll be quite nervous at her first event.”
“Oh yes, that’s a wonderful idea. I remember my first ball a few weeks ago. I was terrified.”
“That’s most kind of you both,” Easton said, looking between the two young women.
“It’ll be my pleasure,” Lady Victoria said with a smile for the handsome lord.
Mia looked at Easton and Lady Victoria. He seemed quite enamored with the raven-haired beauty, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about that, although she was definitely confused about feeling that way when she wasn’t romantically interested in him.
As Lord Easton continued to chat with Lady Victoria, she turned to Lord Chandler. “Lord Chandler, I do hope you’ll be dancing at the ball on Saturday and won’t disappear into the card room as so many gentlemen do at these events.”
“My dear Miss Parker, I wouldn’t dream of it. My mother would be most displeased with me if I did, and no one wants that,” he said with a chuckle. “May I request you save me a dance?”
She gave him a brilliant smile. “I would be delighted. Thank you.”
Mia was sure Easton had heard her and Lord Chandler’s conversation because he was frowning when he looked at her again. Was he upset that she would be dancing with Lord Chandler? Why would he care? He’d asked Lady Victoria to save him a dance, and he hadn’t said anything to her today beyond the usual pleasantries. She wasn’t sure if he was upset with her or just still seething from the encounter with Lady Whitestone.
As he hadn’t requested a dance with her at the Gardner ball, she had no idea if he favored her at all. He seemed quite at ease chatting with Lady Victoria, and she felt unsettled at seeing him paying her so much attention.
Chapter10
By the time the groupreturned to the Fletcher townhouse, it was nearly tea time.
“Would you all care to stay for tea?” Mia asked.
Kathryn shook her head. “No, thank you, Miss Parker. I must be getting back to the twins.”
Mia looked at Lord Easton and Lord Chandler.
“Thank you for the invitation, Miss Parker. I must accompany my sister back to Devon House. Another time perhaps?” Easton asked.