| |
DEAR FRIEND,
Lord Harrington and I won the maze! I was entirely delighted, for I have never done something of that kind before. The maze was very interesting, and the statues were beautiful. I only hope I have the opportunity to return and inspect some of them more closely. The raspberry tarts were excellent – I hope we left you some.
I must remind you my observations are merely that, and I have no wish to gossip, nor do I wish to receive a set down from the vicar. However, there were a few things of note: Lord Harrington has seemed more uncomfortable in Miss Pratt’s presence lately, Lord Petersham was overheard calling Miss Makon by her first name, and Lady Margaret professed to have an excellent time – her sentences were profuse. Even Mr. McInnes seemed to enjoy himself. At least, he didn’t mumble sarcastic comments under his breath and ride away when it was over. I tell you these things that perhaps you may play matchmaker if you observed the same things as I. In the case of Lord Harrington, I am only intrigued at what might have brought about this change in preference. I must confess I am enjoying his friendship, which he seems to freelygive, although I was surprised he did not manipulate his own partnership with Miss Pratt.
I assure you I have every intention of practicing the sonatina tomorrow, and if you are so bold as to listen, I hope you will freely give me advice, for I am sure to make many errors.
Jane Shaw
***
THAT EVENING, MR. LAWRENCE sat next to her at dinner once more. After a few remarks about the enjoyable day, he leaned a little closer.
“I was sorry not to be paired with you, Miss Shaw.”
“I’m sure we would have done very well together.” Her comment was meant to be kind, but he smiled and continued.
“I confess I asked Harrington if he could ensure our partnership, and he promised if it were possible he would see to it.” He directed his attention to his soup and took a taste.
Jane sat staring at him. Finally, she ventured, “But he was unable to do so.”
Mr. Lawrence looked back at her, his eyebrows raised at her odd look. “I assumed he did as Miss Pratt suggested and left it to chance.”
As Lord Harrington seemed to be enjoying Miss Pratt’s attempts to monopolize him, Jane turned back to Mr. Lawrence, changed the topic, and began conversing with an earnestness that surprised her. By the time the roast was carved, they had already made plans to go riding together once more. Smiling, she turned to her left to converse with Mr. Pratt.
“Mr. Pratt, I hope you had as enjoyable a time today as I did.”
“That is impossible.” He eyed his roast, stabbing it with his fork then turning to meet her gaze. “I imagine regardless of the situation you would always find it more enjoyable than I.” With that, he turned back to his unfortunate slice of roast and began to eat, the conversation clearly at an end.
Jane turned back to Mr. Lawrence, who had made no headway in his attempts with Miss Stanley, and with mutual smiles, they began to converse once more.
It was only later, when dessert was being served, that Jane caught Meg’s eye which she turned knowingly on Mr. Lawrence. Jane gave a hint of a smile with the slightest hitch to her shoulder. Meg’s smile turned into a smirk and she turned back to her conversation with Mr. McInnes.
As she looked back at Mr. Lawrence she noticed he was watching her, and she blushed, looking down at her plate.
He leaned towards her, a black lock of hair falling in front of his coffee-colored eyes, his voice pitched low. “I take it Lady Margaret approves of my interest in you?”
His forward remark only made her blush harder, the truth leaking out. “I...yes.”
“I am pleased to have such an advocate.” Her blush was at its maximum as she looked at him, and his look made her pause as she realized how much more quickly his feelings may be advancing than hers. The thought banished her embarrassment and replaced it with worry. She looked up at Lord Harrington for a moment, startled as she met his eyes. And Jane, who had never had the notice of a man, much less two, felt dismayed at the weight of power she now felt.