Page 30 of The Baron’s Perfect Match (Twist of Fate #1)

Back and forth he paced as he ran his hand through his thick, dark hair.

What else could he do to win her heart, or even just a smile?

She was generous with her smiles for many others, but when she looked at him, she either frowned or looked away.

He knew she was upset with him, and he desperately needed to speak with her, but every time he attempted to speak to her, they were interrupted.

Even though he was a journalist and very good with words, when it came to expressing himself, he tended to be a man of few words.

He hadn’t had time for many social interactions in New York because he was so busy with the paper, and that had left him lacking when it came to how to speak the language of romance.

But he’d better learn, and quickly. He needed to do better to convey what he was feeling because the thought of Miss Parker being engaged to someone else was untenable.

222

It was the fashionable hour, and Audrey’s stomach was in knots as they approached the gate to Hyde Park.

Would they run into more vicious gossipmongers today?

She sincerely hoped not. Her lips curled up in a smile when she saw Lord Easton waiting just inside the gate, although she was disappointed that Kathryn wasn’t with him.

“Good day, ladies,” Easton said, tipping his hat to her, Grace, and Mia. “Fletcher, fine day for a promenade, is it not?”

“It is indeed,” Fletcher said. He turned to Mia. “Miss Mia, this fellow is Lord Easton. Lord Easton, Miss Mia.”

Mia curtseyed. “A pleasure to meet you, my lord.”

“The pleasure is mine, Miss Mia,” Easton said.

“I thought Lady Kathryn was joining us today?” Audrey asked .

“She’d planned to, but unfortunately developed a megrim after luncheon. She sends her apologies.”

“Oh dear, I do hope she’s feeling better soon.” She hated to hear that her friend was unwell and would send a note around inviting her to tea soon.

“Miss Parker, will you walk with me?” he asked, holding out his arm.

“Of course, I’d be delighted.” She placed her hand on his sleeve, hoping that she’d feel the same delicious shivers she had once enjoyed with Lord Fletcher, but she felt nothing except pleasure in being out in nature on such a fine day.

Grace and Mia walked on either side of Fletcher as they fell into step behind them.

“Do you think the swans are here today?” Mia asked.

“I don’t know, but I suggest that you do not try to feed any of the birds today—it would not do to ruin your new gloves,” Grace said.

“I know. I won’t feed them.”

Audrey glanced back, glad her sisters had another opportunity to walk in the park.

She would have preferred to be on the arm of Lord Fletcher, but he was chatting with her.

Just as well. Lord Easton was delightful company, and while she didn’t have any romantic feelings toward him, she thoroughly enjoyed their conversation.

As they walked along the Serpentine, Audrey spied Mr. Wallings coming their way. When he saw them, he quickened his pace.

“Good day, Miss Parker, Easton,” he said .

“Mr. Wallings, so nice to see you again,” Audrey said. “My sisters are with me today,” she said. She spotted the moment his eyes fell on Grace, walking behind her, and was neither surprised nor put out when he mumbled something agreeable, tipped his hat, and walked on.

Audrey stopped walking and turned to watch Grace’s face light up when she saw Mr. Wallings.

“Fletcher, Miss Grace,” Mr. Wallings said with a tip of his hat.

“Mr. Wallings, what a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon,” Grace exclaimed. “Oh, where are my manners? Mr. Wallings, my younger sister, Miss Mia. Miss Mia, this is Mr. Wallings. ”

Wallings bowed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Mia.”

Mia curtseyed. “Mr. Wallings.”

“May I walk with you for a bit?” he asked.

Grace looked at Fletcher, who nodded his approval and stepped back to allow Wallings to take his place. Mia also stepped back and walked with Fletcher.

“I think my sister is enjoying herself talking with Mr. Wallings,” Audrey said quietly to Easton as the group moved forward again.

“Wallings is a decent fellow. I went to university with him. He’s intelligent and has a deep affinity for nature. He was the only reason I made it through biology,” Easton said with a chuckle. “He’s usually quite reserved. This is the most animated I’ve ever seen him.”

“That’s good to know. My sister also enjoys nature. Perhaps that’s why their conversations seem so animated. Thank you for sharing your insights with me.”

“My pleasure, Miss Parker. You should know you can count on me if you have questions about any of the gentlemen who approach you.”

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you. Lady Kathryn has been very helpful in guiding me as well, and I’m very appreciative of her assistance.”

“You’re good for my sister, Miss Parker. I see her gaining confidence when she’s around you. I try to bolster her spirits as much as I can, but I’m not blind to the way most of the gentlemen, and even other debutantes, treat her.”

“She’s a lovely young woman, and I value her friendship a great deal.”

“I’m glad you’ve found each other. Lady Kathryn seems happier these days, although I’m afraid it won’t last, given that my mother is still determined to secure a good match for her.”

“Well, mothers only wish the best for their daughters,” Audrey said, not wanting to reveal to him the depth of the unhappiness Kathryn had shared with her.

“Indeed. Has my mother convinced you to join in the Season as well, then?”

“I’m still thinking about it. Lord Davies has invited Fletcher and me to attend the opera.”

“The Davies are quite respectable and have never had any scandals attached to their name. Do you enjoy opera?”

“I’ve never been, although I adore music of all kinds. ”

“I’m sure you’ll enjoy it tremendously then.”

After leisurely strolling for an hour, they’d made the circuit of one of the paths and headed back to the park gate.

“Gentlemen, thank you for accompanying us today,” Audrey said.

Both Lord Easton and Mr. Wallings bowed and bid them goodbye.

“What an enjoyable day,” Grace said as the group headed home. “I’m so very happy that we moved closer to the park.”

“Anytime you wish to walk in the park, you only need say so. If I’m not available to accompany you, take one of the maids or footmen with you,” Fletcher said.

That brought a smile to Grace’s face. “Thank you. I’d appreciate that and will keep it in mind.”

“Miss Parker, did you enjoy the park today?”

“I did. Thank you. And you?”

“It was very pleasant indeed.”

The fact that Lord Fletcher was speaking with her again gave her hope that they could soon have a frank conversation about their shared kiss.

Beckwith opened the door when they came up the stairs.

“I shall see you at dinner,” Fletcher said to the sisters. “I have some work to attend to.”

Audrey watched him walk down the hallway, and the joy she’d felt earlier in the park faded a little. She’d hoped he would stay and have a spot of tea with them, but after the few pleasantries about the park, he left her company.

When tea was finished, Audrey took a stroll in the garden. She could hear voices when she walked near Lord Fletcher’s study window.

“I’ll need my trunk packed.”

“Very good, my lord. I’ll take care of it.”

His trunk? Oh no!

Sudden tears welled in Audrey’s eyes, and despair licked through her core. The outcome she’d been dreading was here. Fletcher was leaving them, and it devastated her. She had hoped they could work out their differences, but it appeared that Fletcher was done with London and her.

She walked back to the drawing room, grateful that her sisters were no longer there. She needed to get her emotions under control and concentrate on finding a husband to secure their future. More importantly, she would have to find a way to bury her love for the man who didn’t want her.