Page 11 of The Baron’s Perfect Match (Twist of Fate #1)
A waiter came over to the table to take their order, and Jacob was relieved by the interruption.
He’d had no idea the Parker sisters were now orphans.
Mr. Haggerty hadn’t mentioned that fact yesterday.
He should have realized it, though, when the solicitor had offered to find a chaperone should Miss Parker want a Season.
Of course if her mother were alive, there would have been no need for such a search.
Being their guardian now took on a whole new meaning for him. If nothing else, he wanted to make sure they were taken care of, but he wasn’t sure how to go about that, especially since there were apparently no other living English relatives to guide him.
The conversation around the table became less awkward after the waiter left with their order.
“My lord, your accent is different. Where are you from?” Mia asked.
“New York City. I own a newspaper business there.”
“What kind of paper do you publish?” Grace asked.
“A variety of local news as well as articles specifically geared to women. We recently began adding articles and recipes to the paper, and our subscriptions have increased tenfold,” Jacob explained.
“Expanding the types of things we publish is important, as I believe it should appeal to everyone who may pick up the paper. At least that’s my preference, as I believe women play an important role in our society.
Why not include something specially geared to their interests? ”
“What a fabulous idea,” Grace said.
Jacob wanted to draw Audrey into more of the conversation, but she seemed to defer to her sisters. While Grace and Mia were lovely young women, he wanted to spend more time talking with the eldest Parker sister. He needed to do something to turn this meeting around.
“With spring upon us, perhaps a trip to Dandridge Manor would be in order. Mr. Haggerty has informed me that the house is currently empty and is overseen by a skeleton staff. I assume they should be able to accommodate us if we choose to visit. Would you like that, Miss Parker?”
Audrey startled at his direct question. “Um…if that is what you wish, my lord.”
“I would love to visit the country,” Grace said. “I’ve always enjoyed our walks in Hyde Park. Being out in nature is what I love the most.”
Jacob looked at Mia. “And you, Miss Mia? Does that sound like a grand adventure?”
Mia nodded. “Yes. When shall we leave?”
Before Jacob could answer, Audrey said, “It’s not that simple, dearest. We must consider Mrs. Culbert and Beckwith.”
“Who are they?” Jacob asked.
“Our cook and butler. They’ve been loyal servants, and I don’t want them to think we’re abandoning them,” she replied. “They’re like family to us, which I realize isn’t the normal relationship with servants, but Mrs. Culbert and Beckwith have done an excellent job of looking out for us.”
“Well, that’s an easy problem to solve. We shall take them with us when we visit the country,” Jacob said with a wide grin, thinking he’d solved a major obstacle. Except Miss Parker frowned slightly, looking displeased
Had he made another faux pas? That would be two in the last quarter hour. He wasn’t off to a great start.
When the waiter brought their meals, he was pleased to see all three young women eating heartily. He realized it must be a treat for them to have such an abundance of food, especially after hearing about the reduction in their quarterly income.
“Well, that was delicious,” Jacob said when they’d finished. “I hope you enjoyed your meal, Miss Parker.”
“I did. Thank you.”
He was a little disappointed she hadn’t given a more enthusiastic response. “Who’s ready for dessert?”
Mia nearly jumped out of her seat. “Treats? I do love treats.”
“Then treats you may have.”
Once the dessert order had been placed, Jacob answered a string of questions about his life in New York, mostly from Miss Grace and Miss Mia. Miss Parker hadn’t joined in the conversation much. She mostly sat and listened, even though he made an effort to draw her into the conversation.
When the meal ended, the sisters stood and curtseyed. “Thank you for a lovely meal, Lord Fletcher. We’ll take our leave now,” Audrey said.
Both men stood. “Good day, ladies,” Jacob said.
After watching the Parker sisters leave, Jacob turned his attention back to the solicitor. “Mr. Haggerty, I want to thank you for all your help. As you can see, I have a lot to learn about navigating the aristocracy.”
“I’m sure you’ll do quite well once you learn our customs. Now I must take my leave as well. I’ll be in touch when I hear from Lord Devon. Good day, Lord Fletcher.”
“Good day, Mr. Haggerty. By the way, what is the protocol for calling on the Parker women at their home?”
“You are their guardian and can most assuredly call upon them. Sending a note around giving them notice of your visit is an expected courtesy.”
Jacob nodded. “Of course. I’ll make sure to do that.”
What he didn’t tell the solicitor was that he was planning on calling on Miss Parker sooner rather than later. He needed to see her again. Had she been reluctant to engage in conversation with him because she was modest or because she didn’t like him? That last thought didn’t sit well with him.
Most people liked him.
Did Miss Parker?