Page 24 of The Baron’s Perfect Match (Twist of Fate #1)
When everyone had a drink in their hand and was making small talk, Audrey snuck a peek at Jacob, who was talking with Lord Devon.
Her traitorous heart did the familiar flip-flop as she gazed at him.
She tried to convince herself it didn’t matter if he didn’t want her, but disappointment reared its head again at that thought, so she did the only thing she could and focused her attention on Viscount Easton instead.
Lord Easton had just graduated from university and was planning to go on his grand tour for the summer.
He talked about all the places he wished to visit, and it was fascinating hearing about those far-off lands, especially since she’d never even been out of London.
When the butler called them for dinner, Lord Easton held out his arm. “May I escort you into the dining room, Miss Parker?”
“Thank you. I’d like that,” she said, slipping her hand inside the crook of his elbow.
She didn’t dare look at Jacob as he escorted Lady Kathryn.
Her heart skipped a beat when Jacob pulled out the chair next to her, but he was merely helping Lady Kathryn take the seat next to her before heading back to the other end of the table, where he was seated next to Lord Devon.
Audrey was seated between Easton and Lady Katherine. Lady Katherine reminded her so much of Grace—reserved and rather shy—that she wanted to make a point of conversing with her. “Lady Katherine, I understand you’re participating in the Season. How are you enjoying it thus far?”
Lady Katherine glanced at her mother, who was deep in conversation with Jacob, before whispering, “Not at all, I’m afraid.
My mother assures me I will have the pick of gentlemen vying for my hand, but I’m not blind.
I know no one considers me a beauty, especially with my mousey brown hair and dull eyes.
Any gentleman who proposes will not want me, merely my sizeable dowry. ”
Audrey’s eyes widened as she was taken aback by Lady Katherine’s honesty, but she quickly said, “Lady Kathryn, I’m sure that’s not true.”
“Oh, I assure you, it’s very true. With your beauty, you’re lucky and will never know such disdain.”
“I’m not so sure about that. We all have our shortcomings, my lady.”
“Perhaps. May I confide in you?”
Audrey nodded. “Of course. I would never betray your confidence.”
Lady Kathryn glanced at her mother again to make sure she was still engrossed in her conversation with Lord Fletcher.
Satisfied her mother was occupied, she said, “I never wanted a Season, and I told my mother that, but she insisted, citing her success with my sister. What Mother didn’t say was that my sister was the beauty of the family and never had any trouble attracting gentlemen.
I was happy for her when she married because it was a love match, which is rare in the ton.
Once she was settled, I knew it was only a matter of time before Mother turned her attention to me. ”
“Don’t you wish to marry?”
Lady Kathryn sighed. “I don’t know anymore. I used to think that was my dream, but now that I’m on the marriage mart, I find the whole ordeal of finding a husband most unsettling. It’s only because of who my father is that I’m asked to dance at all.”
“I understand the Season has only just begun. I’m sure going forward, your experiences will be much more pleasant. ”
“Miss Parker, you’re a very kind person to try to cheer me up, but nothing could be further from the truth.
This year’s debutantes seem more ruthless than ever, each willing to do anything by whatever means at their disposal to get what they want.
That terrifies me. As you can imagine, I don’t have many friends. ”
“Well, I’d be thrilled if you would count me among them.”
“I would like that very much. If we are to be friends, you must call me Kathryn.”
“And I’m Audrey.”
“There’s a musicale tomorrow evening sponsored by Lady Castor. Would you like to attend?”
“I don’t believe I can. I don’t have an invitation.”
“Don’t worry about that. My mother will talk with Lady Castor about you attending as our guest. I’m sure there won’t be a problem.”
“Thank you. I must confer with Lord Fletcher first and seek his permission.”
After that enlightening conversation about the Season and ruthless debutantes, Audrey turned her attention to Lord Easton.
She enjoyed his enthusiasm and found herself chuckling numerous times during the meal.
The next time she stole a glance at Jacob, he was staring at her, and he wasn’t pleased, if the scowl on his face was any indication.
Had something happened she didn’t know about to make him look so cross?
When the meal ended, Lady Devon stood and escorted the women into the drawing room. Once the tea tray had been delivered, Kathryn said, “Mother, I would like to invite Miss Parker to attend Lady Castor’s musicale tomorrow evening. Would you be able to secure an invitation for her?
“Of course. Lady Castor is a dear friend of mine. So, Miss Parker, does that mean you’d like to participate in the Season?”
“I’m still not sure, Lady Devon. First, I like to see what an evening is like. I’ll also need Lord Fletcher’s permission to go with you tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry about that, my dear. I’m sure he’ll not object.”
Audrey had to admit she was excited to go to the musicale. Music was her favorite pastime, and she had never attended one before.
Lady Devon spent the next half-hour educating Audrey on what a Season entailed and all the different types of activities it offered.
By the time the men joined them, she was more confused than ever. The Season sounded exciting, according to Lady Devon, but then she looked at Kathryn and saw the slight frown on her face.
Had Lady Devon given her daughter the same speech?