They rejoined the group watching the tightrope walkers, then watched as the fireworks began. Easton could only stare at the woman he loved. Even after living through such a horrificencounter with an unscrupulous gentleman, her face held such joy as the colors lit up the night sky.
He was done pining for her. Chandler was right. He would confess his love soon.
Chapter16
The next morning, Easton wokearound nine. It was early for him, especially since they’d had a late night at Vauxhall Gardens. He wanted to go see Miss Parker today and make sure she was doing well after her ordeal, but it would be hours yet before he could show up at the Fletcher townhouse.
He pushed the covers back and got out of bed. He wanted to have breakfast with his family while he waited for a suitable time to go see her. He wasn’t sure how long Kathryn and Sam were staying in London and wanted to spend more time with them before they returned to Faulkner Manor. After dressing in buff breeches, a tan waistcoat, and a hunter-green jacket, he put the finishing touches on his cravat and left the Albany.
It didn’t take long to reach Devon House, where Jeffers was in the open doorway to greet him.
“Good morning, my lord.”
“Morning, Jeffers. Is the family in the dining room?”
“Yes, except for Lady Devon.”
“Thank you, Jeffers,” Easton said, walking down the hall to the dining room. He could hear his father’s voice.
“That’s an excellent idea, Sam,” Lord Devon said. “I shall discuss it with my wife. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to spend Christmas with you this year.”
Kathryn looked up when he walked into the room. “Good morning, Easton. A pleasure to see you today. I want to thank you for arranging such a wonderful time last evening.”
“You’re most welcome.”
“We were just discussing where to celebrate Christmas this year. Would you like to join us at Faulkner Manor?”
Easton smiled at his sister. “How could I refuse such an offer? I’d be delighted to join the family there.”
“That makes me so happy. I’m also trying to get Eleanor and her family to come. It will be wonderful to see our sister again, and it’ll definitely be a lively group with her three children.”
“I say the more, the merrier,” Sam added. “I love to have the manor filled with children’s laughter.”
Easton went to the sideboard and filled his plate with eggs, bacon, kippers, and toast while the footman poured him a cup of tea. When he returned to the table and sat down, he asked. “So, can I assume everyone enjoyed Vauxhall Gardens last evening?”
“It was magical,” Kathryn said. “Between the tightrope walkers, all the brightly colored lanterns, and the fireworks, I can’t remember a more enjoyable evening.”
“I agree, my dear,” Sam said. “I was surprised I enjoyed the outing so much.”
“Why is that?” Easton asked.
Sam seemed a little reluctant to comment, but finally said, “The only time I went there with my brother, I found it quite distasteful, especially some of the gentlemen’s antics I witnessed.”
“Antics? Care to explain?” Kathryn asked.
“Not really. Suffice it to say, the dark walks are not filled with upstanding citizens.”
Easton nodded, knowing full well what Sam was talking about. Miss Parker had been one of those victims, but she wassavvy enough to escape her attacker. “Do you think the young ladies enjoyed the outing?”
“Indeed they did. I heard a great many oohs and aahs for the fireworks as I did over the tightrope walkers,” Kathryn said.
“I’m glad to hear that. I wanted the outing to be pleasurable for everyone.”
“Well, you accomplished that. Will you be seeing Miss Parker today?” Kathryn asked while sipping her tea. “You seemed very attentive to her last evening.”
“Easton, my boy, have you finally found a woman you’re interested in courting?” Lord Devon asked.
“Perhaps.”