Page 29 of The Baron’s Perfect Match (Twist of Fate #1)

T he next day, while Audrey was enjoying breakfast with everyone, the door knocker banged down multiple times.

“Who could be calling this early?” Jacob asked, looking up from the paper.

“I have no idea,” Audrey said.

A few minutes later, Beckwith walked into the dining room holding three bouquets of flowers. “Miss Parker, these have arrived for you.”

“For me?” she asked.

Beckwith nodded, bringing the bouquets to her so she could take the calling cards.

“From Lord Easton, Lord Davies, and Mr. Wallings.”

“Oh my. How exciting,” Grace said. “Do you think they’ll pay you a morning call? Isn’t that the usual protocol after meeting new people at an event?”

“Morning call? What does that mean?” Jacob asked.

“There are a few hours in the early afternoon when members of Society may call upon you. Generally, they’re short visits, and I must say, it’s been years since anyone has called upon us.” Audrey turned to Grace. “Sister, will you attend the calls with me?”

“Of course,” Grace said. “I’d be happy to.”

“I shall attend as well,” Jacob said. “As your guardian, it’s my duty to oversee these things, is it not?”

“It is, but with Grace by my side, you don’t have to attend if you have other important matters to take care of,” Audrey said.

“I can’t think of anything more important than looking out for you, Miss Parker.”

Audrey looked at him and could detect no insincerity in his eyes.

What did he mean by “nothing more important”?

If she was so important to him, why couldn’t he talk to her about their shared kiss?

Or was he merely trying to follow society’s dictates?

She had to admit that she had not made it easy for them to speak privately.

She had been so hurt by his actions in the garden that she now realized that she was the one who had been putting unnecessary obstacles in their way of a conversation.

She had to stop running away, but part of her was scared that he would tell her he was leaving to go back to America.

Before she could think further about the situation, Mia spoke up.

“What about me? May I attend?”

Audrey shook her head. “No, dearest. You’re too young, and most likely, you’d be bored with the conversations.”

Mia pouted, but Audrey chose to ignore it.

Her mind was in a whirlwind. She’d been introduced to Lord Davies and Mr. Wallings at the musicale last evening and had enjoyed their company.

The fact that they both wanted to see her again gave her an unexpected thrill.

As she was seeing Lord Easton for a promenade that afternoon at Hyde Park, she didn’t expect him to call that morning.

Whoever was to come wouldn’t arrive before one o’clock, which gave her time to decide what to wear.

She was too excited to eat anything more.

“Well, I must attend to something upstairs. Please excuse me, my lord,” she said, standing.

“Grace, when you finish breakfast, will you come to my bedchamber, please?”

“I’m finished.” Grace stood, and the two sisters left the dining room.

Audrey could hear Mia chatting happily with Lord Fletcher. He was attentive and made her laugh with his witty comments. Why couldn’t he talk to her like that? She shook her head to dispel such thoughts as they walked up the stairs.

When Grace closed the door of her sister’s room, she nearly screamed, “Morning calls! How very exciting.”

“Indeed it is. It’s been years since anyone paid us a visit.”

Grace nodded. “I remember when Mama was alive, the house was full of callers.”

“I remember,” Audrey said, going to the armoire and pulling out three day dresses. “Which one do you think is most appropriate? ”

“Oh, definitely the blue. It brings out the color of your eyes, and I have the perfect matching blue ribbon for your hair. You should try the dress on to make sure it fits well. It wouldn’t do for you to be hosting your first morning call in an ill-fitting gown,” Grace said.

“Good idea. Thank you, sister.”

It turned out that the dress was a little big on Audrey and needed a few alterations.

“Do you need help with that?” Grace asked.

“No. I can manage. It won’t take me long. A few tucks here and there will be enough.”

Grace nodded and left Audrey to her sewing.

When the one o’clock hour came around, Audrey, Grace, and Lord Fletcher were in the drawing room waiting for any callers who might stop by. Audrey had her hands in her lap and fought hard against fidgeting.

“Are you nervous?” Grace whispered in her ear.

“A little.”

“Just be your usual charming self, and all will be well.”

“You’re too kind, sister,” Audrey said, hearing the knocker bang down. She took a deep breath and waited.

A moment later, Beckwith led two gentlemen into the room. “Lord Davies and Mr. Wallings,” he announced.

Both Audrey and Grace stood and curtseyed, and Lord Fletcher, who’d been standing by the fireplace, walked over to stand beside them.

“Lord Davies, Mr. Walling, may I present Lord Fletcher. Lord Fletcher, this is Lord Davies and Mr. Wallings .

“Fletcher, Miss Parker,” Lord Davies said with a bow.

“Davies, Mr. Wallings,” Fletcher said.

“It’s a pleasure to see you both again,” Audrey said.

Fletcher stepped in to make the introductions between the young men and Grace.

Davies inclined his head. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Grace.”

“The pleasure is mine, my lord,” Grace said.

“Fletcher, Miss Parker, Miss Grace,” Wallings said.

Audrey noticed that his eyes lingered on Grace. “I would like to thank you both for the beautiful flowers you sent.”

Both men took their seats and were attentive, but she noticed Mr. Wallings’ eyes continued to stray toward Grace and wondered at his intentions.

Grace was only seven and ten and would not make her debut into Society until next year.

As she watched their interactions, she was surprised to see that Grace’s usual reserved personality was not in evidence today.

She was smiling and talking animatedly with Mr. Wallings.

Did Grace really enjoy his company, or was she merely trying hard to make Audrey’s first morning call a success?

Her attention switched back to Lord Davies when he said, “Fletcher, my family has a box at the theatre. A popular opera is currently being performed there, and if you’re amenable, I’d like to invite you and Miss Parker to a performance.”

Audrey held her breath, waiting for Fletcher’s response. She wanted to attend, as she adored all types of music, but it would be his decision.

“Miss Parker, would you like to attend?” Fletcher asked.

“I’d be delighted.”

“The performance is in two days. Will that suit?”

Audrey nodded. “Yes. I look forward to it.” She glanced at Fletcher, but his face showed no emotion.

Did he not care that another man was showing interest in her?

It cut her deeply to think so. She’d thought they shared a mutual attraction, especially after the kiss in the garden, but perhaps she’d been mistaken and the kiss meant nothing to him.

After twenty minutes of light-hearted conversation, Mr. Wallings was the first to take his leave. Audrey noticed he lingered slightly as he wished Grace a pleasant day.

Lord Davies stayed for another few minutes before he also took his leave. “Fletcher, Miss Parker, I look forward to seeing you at the theatre,” he said with a bow.

“And I you, my lord.”

When no other callers appeared in the next hour or so, Fletcher left the parlor.

As soon as he closed the door behind him, Grace asked. “So, what did you think? Did you enjoy the visit?”

“I did. I noticed you spoke with Mr. Wallings quite a bit. Did you enjoy your conversation?”

“I did. He’s quite the nature enthusiast.”

“Ah, no wonder you seemed so engrossed talking with him.”

“Audrey, I didn’t mean to monopolize his attention. This was your special time. Please forgive me.”

“Grace, dearest, there’s no need for you to apologize. I’m glad you’re gaining experience talking with gentlemen. After all, you’ll be eight and ten in June and fully capable of making your own decisions about who you’d like to converse with.”

“Thank you, Audrey. Would you care for a quick stroll in the garden? I find I’m in need of some fresh air.”

“Of course,” Audrey said, linking her arm with her sister’s.

222

Jacob stalked down the hallway, entered his study, and began pacing.

He’d thought he’d be fine watching other men court his ward, but he’d been wrong.

He wanted her for himself. When Davies asked them to attend the opera, his first instinct had been to decline the invitation…

that was, until he saw Miss Parker’s face.

He knew her passion for music, so how could he deny her the privilege of attending the opera?

Of course he agreed, although it was the last place he wanted to be.

He’d never been to the opera before. While he could appreciate fine music, he had no idea if he liked opera.

But even if he didn’t care for it, he would endure it for her, as he’d endured Lady Castor’s musical evening. He would endure anything for her.