It was a warm, pleasant evening, and many couples were dancing, while others walked along the paths, admiring the lights.
“I’m so happy Lord Easton arranged this outing,” Miss Parker said to her friends.
“It’s so exciting,” Lady Arabella said.
“I can’t wait to see the tightrope walkers,” Lady Victoria said.
“Shall we head over to the tightrope area?” Easton asked after dinner was finished.
Everyone nodded and stood.
Chandler offered his arm to Lady Victoria. “Would you care to walk with me to see the tightrope walkers?” he asked.
“Thank you, Lord Chandler. I’d be delighted.”
Easton could see a spark of interest in Lady Victoria’s eyes. Could Chandler have found the woman he wanted to marry? The couple walked a few steps ahead of the group, oblivious to anyone around them and seeming to have eyes only for each other.
Ludlow had offered his arm to Lady Arabella as the group headed to the area where the tightrope walkers were performing. The rest of their group followed.
“I hear Madame Saqui will be performing this evening,” Easton said to Miss Parker, who was walking on Fletcher’s far side.
“Really? Is she really here?” she asked.
“From what I understand, yes.”
He still hadn’t been able to get a moment alone with her, but hopefully he would find his chance as they watched the performance.
“Easton, will I see you at Gentleman Jack’s this week?” Fletcher asked.
Easton turned his attention to Fletcher while Audrey walked on with Lady Devon. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
“I should be there.”
“Excellent. I need to spend more time there. London is making me soft,” Fletcher said with a chuckle.
“I understand. I’ll make a point of being there Tuesday then.”
“I appreciate that.”
Mia had fallen a step behind as the men talked. While they chatted, the rest of their group seemed to have been swallowed up by the crush of people all heading to the same area. It took more than a moment to finally catch sight of their group, and as soon as Easton saw everyone, he inhaled sharply. Everyone in their group was accounted for except Miss Parker. Where was she?
He immediately turned to Fletcher. “Fletcher, I don’t see Miss Parker. Wasn’t she next to you last?”
Lady Fletcher overheard Easton and turned to look behind her. “Who was she walking with?”
“She was beside me a moment ago,” Fletcher said.
“Lady Victoria, have you seen my sister?” Lady Fletcher asked.
Lady Victoria and Lady Arabella had been whispering together, their eyes fixed on the tightrope walker, and hadn’t noticed that Miss Parker hadn’t joined them.
“She must have gotten separated from us in the crowd,” Fletcher said before turning to his wife. “My darling, stay here. I’ll find her.”
“I’ll go with you,” Easton said.
“As will I,” Chandler chimed in.
“Excellent,” Fletcher said. “Let’s spread out to cover more ground. She can’t be far.”