Page 14 of The Baron’s Perfect Match (Twist of Fate #1)

A udrey was stunned by Lord Fletcher’s question.

A Season.

She hadn’t thought about having a Season in four years, ever since her mother’s passing had made it impossible.

To be offered the opportunity now seemed far-fetched at best, but the baron seemed quite sincere in his commitment, as their guardian, to do everything he could to support them, including funding a Season for her.

Had she misjudged him? She didn’t know yet. And more importantly, did she even want a Season?

That was the question. Being presented to the queen seemed quite daunting at best, never mind facing the ton .

Now that the opportunity had presented itself, she wasn’t sure that having a Season was what she wanted to do.

She didn’t know any of this year’s debutantes or even last year’s crop of young ladies.

She wasn’t afraid to admit that alone made her nervous, not to mention being wary of doing something that could cause a scandal.

The ton was full of mean gossipers who seemed to enjoy being cruel.

The last thing she wanted was to run afoul of them and ruin her sisters’ chances at a good match.

“Um…I don’t know if I actually want a Season,” Audrey said. “Do you realize everything involved in participating in one?” She thought it better to focus on the exorbitant expenses involved instead of her nervousness about facing the queen and the ton .

“I can honestly say I do not, but that doesn’t mean I cannot learn. Mr. Haggerty has given me a brief outline of what is involved, so I have a little understanding of the process.”

“Do you know anyone in London who can act as my chaperone?”

“I do not, although Mr. Haggerty has offered to find someone, an older lady or widow, who can guide you.”

“I see.”

“Does that mean yes, you’d like to participate?”

“May I have some time to think about it?”

“Of course. Whatever you decide will be fine with me. As I understand it, the Season has just begun, so you won’t miss too many activities should you decide in favor of one.”

Lord Fletcher was being too accommodating.

She was certain he didn’t understand things as clearly as he claimed to.

She decided to ask again. “My lord, after you’ve so generously added to our allowance, I’m not sure you realize how expensive a Season will be.

The modiste bill alone will be quite substantial.

I certainly would not want to be the cause of any financial hardship for you. ”

“Miss Parker, thank you for your thoughtfulness. As I said before, my finances will be fine, and I am well prepared to fund a Season if that’s what you wish. You only need to make a decision.”

“Thank you, Lord Fletcher. I will give it serious thought.”

“Good.”

Audrey didn’t know what else to say. On the one hand, she should be thrilled to be able to participate in ton activities, but on the other hand, she was loath to admit that she was terrified.

While her late mother had taught her and her sisters proper etiquette and had given them dance and music lessons, she knew one misstep could cause a scandal that would derail the rest of her life.

How could she ask the baron to bear the financial burden of paying for her Season, only to have her retreat from Society in scandal?

That wouldn’t help any of them, especially not Grace and Mia, find suitable matches in the future.

She’d never had anyone besides her mother care about what happened to her.

Certainly not her father. After her mother’s death, Papa only cared about where his next drink came from.

The new baron was exactly the opposite of her father, and truth be told, it was more of a shock than his being American.

Lord Fletcher was caring and devastatingly handsome, and though she tried to keep her emotions in check, whenever she looked at him, her heart did a little flip-flop.

It didn’t seem fair that a man could be so beautiful, but he was the epitome of the perfect male form carved in marble, except he wasn’t hard stone.

Far from it. She wanted to dislike him and be immune to his charm, but if she was being honest with herself, she liked him more than she should.

She’d been surprised by his appearance when they met yesterday, and there was no denying how good-looking he was.

Every female in the Mivart’s dining room seemed to take notice of him.

It made her wonder what it would be like to be kissed by such a man.

She’d never had any desire to kiss anyone before, but Lord Fletcher was different and very desirable indeed.

Before she had a chance to say anything more, Grace and Mia walked into the parlor.

“Lord Fletcher, would you care to promenade today? It’s such a lovely day outside,” Mia said. “Seems a shame to waste it sitting indoors.”

Audrey stifled a gasp. “Sister, don’t be so forward. I’m sure Lord Fletcher has far more important matters to attend to than promenading in Hyde Park,” Audrey said, lightly scolding Mia.

Lord Fletcher chuckled. “As a matter of fact, I have no other appointments today, so that’s a fine idea, Miss Mia. What do you say, Miss Parker? Shall we all promenade? It doesn’t make sense to waste a beautiful sunny day like this.”

Audrey knew she couldn’t refuse if she wanted any peace in the household. Mia would pout and complain for the rest of the day if she didn’t agree to go to Hyde Park. “If that would please you, Lord Fletcher, then I’d be delighted.”

“Excellent.”

His smile of beautiful white teeth nearly undid her, and she jumped up before she could do something foolish. “Excuse me while I fetch my bonnet and gloves,” Audrey said. “Come along, sisters. Don’t tarry.”

Lord Fletcher stood while the sisters filed out of the parlor.

Audrey didn’t dare look back. She was secretly pleased to be able to spend more time with him, even though the details of their future hadn’t yet been decided upon. Her traitorous heart didn’t seem to care, however.

Grace and Mia followed her upstairs to collect their bonnets and gloves. Once they were out of earshot of the parlor, Audrey turned to Mia. “Mia, dearest, do not put Lord Fletcher on the spot like that again. It’s not a polite thing to do.”

“But…he said he would like to promenade. Don’t you want to spend more time with him? He seems to like you a great deal.”

“I don’t know why you would say that. I’ve only met him twice and barely know him.” There was no way she’d confess to her sisters that she did find the baron most attractive and would like nothing better than to spend the day with him.

“Both Mia and I see the way he looks at you,” Grace said. “Surely you’ve noticed as well? He’s so handsome and so very kind. He can’t seem to take his eyes off you. Doesn’t that please you?”

Audrey didn’t want to admit that she’d noticed his interest. She preferred to keep her feelings to herself, especially knowing that Lord Fletcher could eventually leave England and travel back to New York, so she purposely ignored Grace’s question.

“Come along, sisters. We don’t want to keep Lord Fletcher waiting,” she said.

Audrey’s mind was once again in turmoil.

Did Lord Fletcher like her, or was he merely being cordial?

To what end, though? How cruel would it be to fall in love with him, only for him to abandon her?

That would be worse than not developing any feelings for him in the first place.

It was a dangerous situation indeed, one that she needed to navigate very carefully.

Even though she’d only met him twice so far, she had to admit there was something about him that she couldn’t shake out of her thoughts.

Yes, as she knew quite well, he was impossibly handsome, with his dark hair and expressive brown eyes, but it was more than that.

He was caring, truly caring, about their plight.

No one had cared about them in a long time, and it seemed far-fetched that this man, a stranger to them, would be the one to care for them, but every action he’d taken thus far had proven he did.

It was his most attractive feature besides the broad shoulders, strong jaw, and trim waist. She was definitely at risk of developing feelings for him, and that wouldn’t be good for any of them.

Once the sisters had collected their bonnets and gloves, they headed downstairs. Lord Fletcher was waiting for them in the foyer. “Ladies, I’m afraid you’ll have to lead our promenade today, as I don’t know where Hyde Park is located. I’ve only been in London for a couple of days.”

“Kind of far to walk. It would be better to take a hackney there,” Mia said.

Audrey hadn’t promenaded in Hyde Park in nearly five years, not since before her mother’s last pregnancy. She had to admit she was a little excited to stroll through the grounds again. And it was a lovely warm day, especially for April.

Lord Fletcher had no trouble flagging down a hackney.

He handed in Grace and Mia, who took the rear-facing seats.

Once Audrey climbed in, she would have no choice but to sit next to him.

His shoulders nearly touched hers when he was seated, and his long legs seemed quite cramped.

The smile on his face had not faded, though, and he seemed happy to be in their company.

“Do you think we’ll see the swans today?” Mia asked.

“Swans? Is there a lake in the park?” Jacob asked.

“Yes. It’s called the Serpentine. There are swans, ducks, and other wildfowl there. There are also boating activities available when the weather is suitable,” Grace explained.

“It sounds like a splendid way to spend our time together.” He turned to Audrey. “Miss Parker, when did you last visit the park?”

“Before Mama passed,” Mia said before Audrey had a chance to respond. “We haven’t gone since. Papa never wanted to promenade, and it was really too far for us to walk.”

“Well then, I’m doubly glad to be enjoying it with you today,” Jacob said with a chuckle.

It took a while to reach the park because of the notorious London traffic of horses, carriages, and wagons all trying to get to their destinations. When their hackney finally stopped, Jacob climbed down, flipped a coin to the driver, and handed the women down.

Mia slipped her arm inside Grace’s elbow and pulled her ahead. “Come, sister. We must see if the swans are here today.”

Audrey wasn’t sure Mia was as keen on seeing the swans as she was on trying to pair her with Lord Fletcher as much as possible. “I do apologize for my sister’s behavior. I’m sure you have more important things to do today than promenade with us.”

“Not at all. I quite enjoy a good stroll. Shall we?” he asked, holding out his arm.