“Good afternoon, my dear friend.”
Alice smiled warmly as she reached out one hand towards Lady Florence. Yesterday’s conversation with Lord Foster was not one that she had been able to forget, but Alice was determined that she would not discuss it until Lady Florence herself chose to speak of it. Her friend was a little paler than usual and she did not smile when Alice greeted her which, in itself, was most unusual.
“My dear Alice.” Lady Florence took her hand, squeezing it hard. “How grateful I am that I have found you this afternoon.”
“I am glad to see you also,” Alice replied, truthfully. “My mother insisted that she and mydarlingsister Henrietta take a walk in Hyde Park. I was only useful for a short while in making certain that Henrietta had company, but she has soon gained acquaintances and I was no longer useful.”
With a rueful smile, she inclined her head lightly over her shoulder and saw Lady Florence’s eyes turn to where Alice knew her mother, Lady Bothwell, and her sister were still talking at length to the two gentlemen and the lady who had come upon them in Hyde Park. They had not even noticed that Alice had stepped away.
“My mother is present also.” Lady Florence smiled briefly, but it did not touch her eyes. “She is conversing with Lady Kellington and, no doubt, informing them that I am no longer closely connected with Lord Foster.”
“Yes.” Alice pressed her friend’s hand gently. “I am sorry for that.”
Lady Florence’s eyes widened.
“You are aware of the situation?”
“Yes.” Quickly, Alice explained. “I spoke with Lord Foster last evening. He begged me to inform you of his eagerness to speak with you again. I believe he hoped that you would find it in your heart to wait for him still, even though he is practically penniless.”
Lady Florence shook her head.
“My father will not hear of it.” Alice noted that there was no particular disappointment filling Lady Florence’s voice. “Lord Foster has lost his fortune and thus I cannot tie myself to him. It would lead to an impoverished life, and I cannot do such a thing as that.”
“Nor would anyone expect you to.” Tilting her head gently. Alice studied her friend. “You say that he has lost his fortune. He was not particularly specific when he spoke with me yesterday, but stated that it was not his doing. That is why I believe he hoped you would wait for him to recover it, although I cannot quite understand how he intends to do so.”
Lady Florence’s lip curled.
“I did not dare call him foolish, but that is what I believe him to be. He told my father that it had been some grave mistake, that he had been tricked into losing everything - almosteverythinghe possesses – and had then begged him thereafter to permit the betrothal to go ahead. There is a desperate clinging to the hope that he would somehow recover that fortune.” A quiet laugh broke from her lips. “Of course, I found that more than a little ridiculous, as did my father.”
“You will not wait for him then.”
Lady Florence’s head lifted, and her eyes glinted with a fresh fierceness that Alice had not seen in some time. It was as if, in rejecting Lord Foster, Lady Florence had now found herself quite free and that brought her a great relief.
“No, I have no intention of waiting for Lord Foster to do as he believes he can.”
“Not even though he has asked you to?”
Lady Florence’s shoulders lifted.
“Ido not believe him. My father does not believe him and, if I am to be frank, I am more than little relieved to be free of him.”
Something sharp kicked at Alice’s heart as her friend spoke. It was as if her heart was pained on Lord Foster’s behalf - his eagerness for Lady Florence had been more than apparent but, evidently, none of his interest had been returned by Lady Florence.
I always was concerned that Lady Florence did not truly care for Lord Foster. Is that not being evidenced now?
“And it also means that you are free to tie yourself to another.” Lady Florence’s eyes widened as she stared back at Alice. “You need to not pretend. It is quite alright. You have not been willing to tell me, and I understand that and do not hold it against you. But I believe that there is another gentleman whom you consider - perhaps one who touches your heart?” Lady Florence’s eyes immediately began to fill with tears. She blinked them back rapidly, but her gaze became glassy, and Alice could do nothing other than apologize for speaking so bluntly. “Forgive me, I did not mean to upset you. I-”
“I have not been able to tell a single soul.” Lady Florence’s voice was broken, but she reached out to grasp Alice’s hand. “My father is so very eager to make certain that I am fixed to a gentleman of his choosing that I have not even had the opportunity tospeakto those I might consider myself. The occasions we have had to speak have been brief but every moment has been…” She closed her eyes, shaking her head. “I have tried to rid myself of my feelings for Lord Peterson, but I cannot.”
“Then mayhap you will now have a chance to present him to your father through various means.” Alice smiled encouragingly. “Mention his name, state that he has shown an interest in your company. Do whatever you can to present him to your father as a possible suitor, without being too overly eager. I am quite sure, my dear friend, that you have a chance here for happiness. It is clear that you have an affection for him. Does he return it?”
Lady Florence blinked rapidly, then gave her a jerky nod.
“Then I cannot help but be glad that you are free from Lord Foster. I do not think ill of him – and indeed, may even believe his story - but to see you happy would be the very best of things.”
As she spoke, Alice could not help but think of Lord Foster and what she would have to say to him. It was clear that he had every intention of marrying Lady Florence if he were given the opportunity, but that was being snatched from him. Was there any way that he might be willing to consider another in Lady Florence’s place? Might he consider her? The question dogged at her mind, bitterness in her mouth. If he was to be an impoverished gentleman, then her life with him could be very difficult indeed. But then again, to become a companion to a wretched aunt would be very troublesome also.
“I did not think that I shouldeverhave the opportunity to consider a future with Lord Peterson,” Lady Florence stated, her voice trembling. “Perhaps now I shall be offered that chance. I can only pray that my father will be willing to consider him.”