Chandler reached out to take Arabella’s hand. “Sister, before you leave, I do believe Lord Easton has an invitation to extend.”
All eyes turned to Easton, and he swallowed the lump in his throat. “Uh, yes, well, as we’ve all experienced this evening, these balls can be a crush and quite stifling at times. I crave more fresh air and wide-open spaces, and thought it would be fun if we all planned a trip to Vauxhall Gardens to see the fireworks.”
He saw Miss Parker’s eyes light up and knew he’d made the right decision.
“Truly?” she asked.
“Of course, Miss Parker. I shall confer with everyone to plan the date.”
Lady Arabella whispered in her brother’s ear, “May I attend?”
Chandler nodded. “Yes. I shall speak with Mother about it.”
“Thank you. You’re the best brother,” she said and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll look forward to seeing you all again soon,” she said before returning to her parents’ table.
“Isn’t it exciting?” Mia said to her sister.
“Yes, dearest. I find myself looking forward to the outing as well. I’ve never been to Vauxhall Gardens either.”
“Lord Easton, you won’t wait too long before planning the outing, will you?” Mia asked.
Easton smiled at her. He loved her enthusiasm. “It will be my number one priority, Miss Parker.”
For the rest of the meal, they talked about how soon they could plan the outing. It would be a splendid evening full of fun and friendship, although Easton hoped for more than mere friendship with Miss Parker. Would he try to steal a kiss from the lovely lady? He had no idea, but her enthusiasm for the outing was contagious, and he would make it happen as soon as possible.
After they’d eaten their fill, the group headed back into the ballroom.
When the Gardners returned from their repast, Lord Ludlow was waiting for them. “Lady Arabella, I do believe this is my dance,” he said, holding out his arm.
Lady Arabella placed her fingertips on his arm. “I believe so, my lord.” She wasn’t the least bit nervous dancing with him because she’d known Ludlow for years. Lords Easton, Ludlow, and her brother had been inseparable since Eton.
Ludlow nodded to Chandler as he led Lady Arabella to the dance floor.
“If you’ll excuse me, I must find my next dance partner. Good evening,” Chandler said to the group with a bow.
Before Easton could ask Mia if she had any more dances available, her next partner came to claim her. It was just as well because he needed to find Lady Victoria. Their dance would be next.
“I’m off to find Lady Victoria,” Easton said. “Good evening, all.” Taking his leave, he began looking for Lady Wright, knowing Lady Victoria would be returned to her mother if she was dancing the current set. It took several minutes before he could work his way through the crowd to find them. The dance had just ended when he walked up to them.
“Ah, Lady Victoria. Here you are. I must say, this ball is such a crush, I despaired of finding you in time for our dance.”
“Lord Easton, I’m glad you found us. I’m very much looking forward to our dance,” Lady Victoria said.
When Easton had signed her card, he wasn’t paying particular attention to which dance he claimed because he’d been looking for Miss Parker. Much to his surprise, he found he’d claimed a waltz. He held out his arm to Lady Victoria, and she placed her fingers on his sleeve.
The orchestra began playing, and Easton swept her into his arms. The waltz was one of his favorite dances, but he soon realized that he didn’t enjoy it as much with anyone besides Miss Parker. Lady Victoria was lovely, but she wasn’t Miss Parker.
“You’re a marvelous dancer, Lord Easton,” Lady Victoria said.
“Thank you. I must commend you on your dancing skills as well.”
She smiled, and her cheeks pinked at his compliment, which only enhanced her beauty.
Why couldn’t he have fallen for someone like Lady Victoria? Like Miss Parker, Lady Victoria was beautiful and kind. He’d never heard Lady Victoria utter a cross word to anyone andhad noticed how she and Miss Parker had gathered around Lady Arabella at the beginning of the ball to help ease her nervousness. That was well done by both of them. Why didn’t Lady Victoria stir the same flutterings within him as Miss Parker? She would make a wonderful future countess, but his stubborn heart refused to beat for anyone except the blond, blue-eyed beauty who was dancing with someone he didn’t know. Was she enjoying waltzing with that gentleman?
“I do hope this fine weather holds. I don’t fancy another blast of cold air,” Lady Victoria said, interrupting his thoughts.
“Indeed.”