The men followed the earl to the refreshment table to procure some delicacies for the women.
Chandler let Lord Devon, Sam, and Fletcher move ahead of them before putting his hand on Easton’s sleeve to keep him back a step. “A word, please?” he whispered.
Easton frowned. “Of course, Chandler. Is something amiss?”
“You tell me.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Care to enlighten me?” Easton asked.
Chandler looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation. “Let’s start with the fact that you’re in love with Miss Parker.”
Easton’s jaw dropped, and he attempted to deny it, but Chandler cut him off.
“There’s no sense denying it, at least not to me. I could see it on your face when I danced with her. Your eyes never left her. And then earlier, when she was dancing with Lord Berkeley….if looks could kill, that young earl would have gone up in flames.”
“I always said you were too observant, Chandler.”
“Yes, well, a failing of mine, I suppose. Now, what are you planning to do about Miss Parker? Will you declare yourself to her?”
“I honestly don’t know. She’s told me on several occasions that she doesn’t want to marry, only have fun.”
“Well, there’s your answer. Plan something fun.”
“Fun?”
“Yes, fun. You know, when you do something enjoyable. Really Easton, must you be so dense?”
“Hmm, I was thinking earlier about planning an outing to Vauxhall Gardens. Would you attend?”
“Of course. I can bring Lady Arabella with me as well. Then the young women will each have a confidant for the evening,” Chandler said.
“How does that help advance my suit?”
“Must I spell everything out to you? Weren’t you always the one who claimed to be the smartest of the three of us?”
“No need to be insulting. I find myself utterly at odds as to how to win her favor, and I fail to see how bringing Lady Arabella along helps that.”
“Miss Parker will be much more relaxed with a friend her own age. Let them chatter through dinner, and you might find that Miss Parker is more amenable to taking a stroll in the gardens afterwards.”
“Ah. Yes, I would appreciate it if you could bring Lady Arabella. Thank you.”
“Of course.”
“I would also appreciate it if you didn’t share my feelings for her with anyone, not even Ludlow. You know Ludlow; he couldn’t keep a secret if his life depended on it.”
Chandler chuckled. “True, so true. Your secret is safe with me…or now.”
“For now?”
Before Chandler could clarify, the two men reached the refreshment table and piled their plates with a variety of food before heading back to the ladies.
Lady Arabella was happily chatting with Miss Parker while waiting for her father to return. “I was so nervous tonight. Both you and Lady Victoria have been such a comfort to me, and I can’t thank you enough. I was dreading this evening, but it’s so much more enjoyable with new friends to share it with.”
“I’m glad. Would you care to come for tea one day soon?” Mia asked. She realized almost immediately that she needed Audrey on board. She turned to her sister. “Lady Fletcher, with your permission, of course.”
“That would be delightful. I look forward to seeing you and Lady Gardner.”
“I’ll confer with my mother and send around a note when we’re free. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must get back to my table.”