There was no more conversation as they made their way to Devon House.
Easton was conflicted. Were his feelings for Miss Parker so transparent? First, his mother had questioned his feelings, and now his sister had done the same. This could not stand. He would have to keep his distance from Miss Parker from now on, especially since she didn’t seem to regard him as anything more than a family friend, especially if her flirting with Chandler was any indication.
He had to admit that he’d wanted to ask Miss Parker to save him a dance at the Gardner ball while on their ride, but then she began flirting with his friend. He’d been a fool and waited too long. There was no way he would say anything to Chandler. It wasn’t his fault that Miss Parker found him more attractive, but it was still hard to watch.
When he and Kathryn reached Devon House, his mind was in turmoil.
What should he do?
Confess his feelings to Miss Parker and hope she might return them someday?
Or…keep them buried deep inside his chest?
Could he live with himself if she decided on another suitor because he never declared his feelings to her?
He was certainly no coward and had never had a problem interacting with the ladies before, so why was it that Miss Parker upset his perfectly controlled life with her passion for fun?
Perhaps if he tried to arrange a fun activity for her, she would see that he held her in the highest regard? What was the most fun place he knew?
Vauxhall Gardens.
A night of entertainment might be the perfect catalyst for her to see that he could also enjoy himself and have fun. Maybe then, her feelings for him would change…or at least, he hoped so.
Chapter11
It had seemed like thelongest three days between her ride in the park with Lord Easton and the evening of the Gardner ball. Mia was so excited she could barely contain herself as Beatrice dressed her hair.
“Miss Mia, you must sit still,” the maid said.
“I’m sorry, Beatrice. Tonight is only my second ball, and Lord Chandler has already requested a dance. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Of course. I’m sure your dance card will be filled this evening.”
“I do hope so. I’d hate to have to hug the wall all night.”
“I don’t think that will happen,” Beatrice said as she stuck the last of the small white flowers in Mia’s hair. “There. You look beautiful. Every gentleman in the room will be begging for a dance.”
“Oh, Beatrice, thank you so much,” Mia said after one last look in the mirror. She scooped up her gloves and headed to the drawing room to wait for Fletcher and Audrey. She was a little disappointed that they weren’t waiting when she walked in, and hoped her sister wasn’t feeling unwell tonight. She would hate to miss the ball, but it couldn’t be helped if Audrey wasn’t feeling up to going out. Her sister’s well-being was more important.
No sooner had that thought entered her mind than her sister and Fletcher walked in.
“Dearest, you look lovely this evening,” Audrey said.
“Thank you. I’m glad we decided to take the modiste’s advice and add the gossamer overlay. I especially love how it sparkles. ”
“It’s lovely. I thought the ice-blue silk was stunning on its own, but adding that layer was truly genius. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”
“How are you feeling this evening?” Mia asked. “Are you well enough to attend?”
Audrey nodded. “Do not worry. I’ve rested all day and am looking forward to the ball.”
“I’m so glad. Aren’t you excited? I can hardly wait.”
“Yes, dearest. I must say I’m looking forward to this evening,” Audrey said.
“You look lovely, Mia. You’ll be the belle of the ball. Here, I have something for you,” Fletcher said, holding out his hand.
“A present for me?” Mia squealed, taking the small box from her brother-in-law. She opened it to reveal a beautiful blue topaz necklace on a delicate gold chain. “Oh, Fletcher, it’s beautiful. Thank you so much for your kindness,” she said. “I love it. This is so thoughtful of you.”