Page 17 of The Baron’s Perfect Match (Twist of Fate #1)

A udrey had not seen Lord Fletcher in five days, which made her think that being ridiculed in the scandal sheet had been too much for him to bear—not that she could blame him.

No one wanted to be named in that vicious gossip sheet and endure the sly looks and whispers wherever they went.

She’d kept busy with the sewing that Mrs. Beaumont gave her.

She enjoyed the work and was ever grateful for the opportunity to earn more coin.

As long as Mrs. Beaumont was pleased with her work, she would continue.

Grace had become a great help as well, and they were able to complete quite a few dresses in those five days.

She’d also continued her lessons on household management for her sisters while she waited to hear from Lord Fletcher.

Would he inform her if he were leaving to return to New York?

An unexpected sadness gripped her as she realized she didn’t want him to leave.

She really did enjoy his company, and the flutterings in her belly whenever she thought of him told her that he was someone special.

As much as she’d tried not to like him, it was turning into a losing battle.

She liked him more than ever and missed not seeing him this week.

As she was trying to come to grips with her feelings, Beckwith walked into the parlor.

“Miss Parker, this note just arrived for you.”

She took the note and, recognizing Lord Fletcher’s handwriting, broke the seal.

Dear Miss Parker,

I would like to call upon you later today if that suits you. I have some interesting news you might enjoy hearing.

Sincerely,

JS

Interesting news?

What could it be?

Audrey wanted to think it was something positive, but she was afraid her worst fears were about to come true. He was leaving London. Was there anything she could do to convince him to stay? She penned a quick note to him that she would be happy to see him for tea.

She went looking for the butler and found him in the kitchen with Mrs. Culbert. “Beckwith, please deliver this note to Lord Fletcher at Mivart’s Hotel.”

“Of course, Miss Parker,” the butler said, leaving the cozy room.

“Mrs. Culbert, Lord Fletcher will be joining us for tea today. ”

“How lovely. Shall I make my lemon biscuits? All you girls enjoy those.”

“Oh yes, that would be delightful,” Audrey said, turning around and leaving the kitchen.

Her mind was a whirlwind of jumbled thoughts. Her heart had done a flip-flop when she first saw his note, but now she wasn’t sure he was calling on them merely as a social call. She hoped there was a way to convince the baron not to abandon her if that was his interesting news.

She walked back to the parlor and straight to the pianoforte.

Playing always helped her think. As her fingers flew across the keys, she tried to convince herself that Lord Fletcher wasn’t going to leave them.

How could she have such strong feelings for him when she’d known him for less than two weeks?

It was baffling that he could affect her so much in such a short amount of time, but there was no denying the fact that she liked him very much indeed.

Mia came bounding into the parlor before Audrey had a chance to think through things more clearly.

“My favorite gloves are ruined!” she cried, interrupting Audrey’s playing. Her younger sister had always been prone to dramatics, and today was no different.

Audrey stopped playing and turned toward her sister. “What happened to them, dearest?”

“I don’t know.” Tears streamed down Mia’s face as she held out the ruined glove.

“When was the last time you wore them? ”

“In Hyde Park. Oh no! One of the ducks must have bitten straight through the fabric when I was feeding them.”

Audrey stood up and embraced Mia. “Give it to me, and let’s see if I can mend it.” When Audrey looked at the glove, she knew it would take a miracle to repair it. The fabric was frayed, and no amount of stitching would be able to fix it and make it wearable again.

“Can you mend it?”

“I’ll certainly try. Don’t worry.”

That seemed to mollify Mia for the moment.

Grace soon joined them. “Mia, why are you crying?”

“My gloves are ruined!” Mia said. “Audrey said she could fix it.”

“Dearest, I said I would try to mend it,” Audrey said.

Grace looked at the glove in Audrey’s hands and wisely kept any opinion of whether it could be repaired to herself. There was no sense in inflaming the situation with the truth.

Audrey needed to take Mia’s mind off her ruined glove before she spiraled into full-blown hysterics. “Sisters, I have some news. Lord Fletcher will be joining us for tea today.”

That had the desired effect, as both Mia and Grace were excited to see the baron again.

“It’s been nearly a week since he last visited,” Grace said, looking at her. “I’ve missed seeing him and hearing his stories about New York.”

Audrey knew Grace was hinting that perhaps she might be missing the baron more than anyone, and she wouldn’t be wrong. It was exactly the situation she was grappling with when Mia interrupted her. “Grace, would you be a dear and play for us?”

“Of course, if that’s what you’d like. I’ve been working on a new piece. Shall I play that one? Although I must warn you, I haven’t mastered it yet.”

Audrey led Mia to the seating area. “I’m sure whatever you play will be wonderful. Come, Mia. Let’s sit and enjoy our little concert.”

Audrey settled on the sofa with her sister. As she listened to Grace’s playing, she both looked forward to and dreaded hearing the baron’s interesting news.

222

“Are you ready, Fletcher?” Devon asked while they waited in the hall outside the Parliament meeting room.

Parliament had started early today, which was fine with Jacob. He didn’t want his nerves to get the best of him while he waited. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he answered. “Might as well get this over with so we can sit and listen to your friend’s speech.”

He followed Lord Devon into the room where Parliament was seated and was escorted to the Lord Chancellor. Although Jacob was aware that every eye in the room was watching him, he did exactly as Devon had advised him to do: keep his interaction brief and respectful.

“Lord Chancellor, may I present to you, Lord Fletcher,” Lord Devon said.

“I’m very pleased to meet you, Lord Chancellor,” Jacob said, extending his hand.

After the Lord Chancellor shook his hand, Jacob was amazed at the relatively simple process needed to be introduced in the House of Lords and become a recognized member of Parliament.

Once the formalities were over, he took his seat next to Lord Devon in the gallery.

He noticed that a number of lords ignored him completely, but there were an equal number who offered their congratulations. They must be their fellow Whigs.

After listening to a couple of speeches, Lord Devon led the way out of the chamber. “Well, I’m done listening today. Those men will talk and debate for hours yet. I’ve heard the same arguments before. What did you think?”

“You were right. There’s a lot of posturing and long-winded speeches,” Jacob said, chuckling. “But I found your friend’s speech quite inspiring. Do you think the bill will pass?

“Maybe. We need to garner more support. Many of our peers don’t care if the poor’s living conditions are improved.”

“Some things never change. It’s the same in New York. There are the rich and the poor, but at least in America, the less fortunate can work hard on changing their condition without being criticized for working to better themselves.”

“Well, we do have an emerging middle class, although most of the aristocracy still look down upon them despite their wealth. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the middle-class merchants have more wealth than many of the lords seated in Parliament’s gallery.”

As they were leaving the building, Lord Devon said, “By the way, I’ve talked to Lady Devon about your request, and she would like to meet Miss Parker. To that end, you and she are invited to dinner on Friday next.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your help in this matter.”

“You’re welcome. Launching a young debutante into Society is a tricky business best left to the ladies. Lady Devon will be happy to discuss the finer details of a Season with you and Miss Parker so you both get a better picture of what to expect.”

“I’m calling upon Miss Parker for tea today and will be sure to impart this welcome news.”

When Jacob had sent a note to Miss Parker earlier that day, he’d thought he was merely going to ask her to help him choose a house to rent—he didn’t want to stay at Mivart’s forever—but now, he had even more exciting news to relay to her.

He hoped she would be thrilled about the dinner invitation and the chance to discuss the finer points of participating in the Season with Lady Devon.

After stopping at his hotel briefly and receiving Miss Parker’s note that he was welcome to join them for tea, he made his way to Gracechurch Street. The timing was perfect, and he was glad that he and Devon had left Parliament when they did.

It took only a moment for the butler to open the door after he knocked. “Good day, Beckwith,” he said .

“Lord Fletcher, good day. Shall I escort you to the parlor?”

Jacob shook his head. “No need, Beckwith. I know the way.” As he entered the foyer, he heard the most angelic voice he’d ever heard in his life. Who was singing? He’d seen the pianoforte in the parlor on his previous visit but had neglected to ask which of the sisters played the instrument.

The parlor door stood open, and as he lingered in the doorway, he was mesmerized by Miss Parker as she sang a melancholy tune.

Her eyes were closed, and she swayed with the music as she sang.

He couldn’t turn away from her and was afraid to walk into the room for fear of interrupting this unexpected pleasure.

Her singing filled his soul with an exhilarating joy—one that he’d never felt before—but it troubled him to hear her sing such a sad song.

Was there more to Miss Parker’s sadness than what he knew already? Could he do anything to lift her spirits?