It was not the first time that Felicity found herself wishing that Benjamin was titled in his own right. While they may not be in love, she thought it would be much easier to marry someone she considered a friend rather than a creepy old man. But it would do Felicity no good to hope for the impossible.
Ruth opened her mouth about to say something else, but before she could, the large, metal knocker slammed against the front door ominously echoing throughout the house. Felicity’s eyes went wide as she sifted through any idea that would get her out of this walk. And then she realized that if she did not go, her mother was sure to push him onto Delilah. Felicity would not do that to her sister. Her eyes slammed shut as she mentally prepared for going back downstairs to face the Earl. A breath later and she stood from the bed, pulling her shoulders back as she looked to Ruth for one more check that her hair was still in place. Without another word to her friend, Felicity opened the door and began her descent into what was sure to be a trying afternoon.
* * *
“How splendid you are, My Lord,” her mother cooed for the dozenth time that afternoon.
If he’s so wonderful, maybe you should marry him yourself
It took all of Felicity’s effort not to let her thoughts show on her face. As irritated as she was by the entire ordeal, she knew it would be worse for everyone if she did not play along. She had done her best to appease the crowd, but the Earl had been there for hours, and his presence was beginning to grate on Felicity’s nerves.
By the time she had finally made her way down the stairs to welcome Lord Roberts, her mother had already been displeased with her.
“What took you so long?” Her mother had whispered from the base of the stairs, a strained expression on her face. “Lord Roberts, theEarlof Edgware, has come calling for you. He is in the drawing room with Delilah. You must not keep him waiting any longer.”
“Yes, Mother,” was all Felicity had been able to say before she was all but shoved into the drawing room.
“Ahh,” Lord Roberts had called, “there she is.”
Delilah went wide eyed as Felicity had crossed the room to where the Earl now stood. She dipped into a curtsey, searching for the right words that would excuse her tardiness.
She had settled on, “Lord Roberts, your visit caught me off guard. Please forgive me for any delays, I am afraid my hair was uncooperative this morning.”
She hated to sound desperate to impress him, but she could not come up with a better excuse.
“That is quite all right. I consider myself lucky to be in the pursuit of the kind of woman who takes her appearance seriously. Your efforts only give you credit.”
“Lord Roberts,” her mother cut in, “was just telling us about his estate in the country. You must tell Felicity about it, My Lord. It sounds like the perfect home for you, my dear.”
Felicity blanched at her mother’s blatant suggestion. It was one thing to entertain the man for an afternoon; it was another thing entirely to entertain the idea of marriage.
“I must agree with your mother, Miss Kent. I have been telling my friends for years that my home is in desperate need of a woman’s touch.”
“Then why have you waited so long to find a wife, Lord Roberts?” Delilah all but seethed his name as she asked her pointed question.
Felicity held her breath, unsure of how their guest would react. She knew this was the time to cut in and distract him from her sister’s impolite inquiry, but Felicity was curious about the answer. If the gossip could be trusted, the Earl had taken his time in finding a wife as he had been too preoccupied with his string of mistresses to settle down. Felicity knew that even if the rumors were true, he would never admit to it, but she still wanted to hear what answer he would give.
The room was still as Lord Roberts cocked his head, sizing Delilah up between the narrow slits of his gaze. Felicity felt sure this was how a snake would look seconds before striking venom into its victim. Her mother was the first to break the silence.
“My goodness, dear,” she said as she forced out a laugh, “you say that as if Lord Roberts is an old man. I can only imagine the Earl has spent his time building up his estates, preparing for marriage, and waiting for the right woman.”
A sly grin spread across Lord Roberts’ face at her mother’s words. It was the kind of smile that some might see as charming, but as it did not reach his eyes, it only made Felicity want to shudder.
“Exactly right, Lady Kent. Do not worry, I do not take offense to such ignorant questions. The poor chit has to learn some way.”
Delilah tensed at the insult, her fists clenching at her sides. Felicity swung her gaze to her mother, waiting for the man to be tossed out on his backside for the comment, but her mother only returned the smile to the Earl. The pieces began to fall into place then. Between Lady Abbott introducing them to her mother’s stretched tolerance, Felicity realized that Lord Roberts must have enough money to appease her mother.
Before things could grow any more fraught, the door to the drawing room opened, and the warm tenor of their butler announced the arrival of two more gentlemen. For the first time since coming out into society and being selected as the Diamond of the Season, Felicity was grateful for the never-ending stream of callers. The more people that could separate Lord Roberts and her sister the better.
With more than one guest to host, Felicity found herself balancing her attentions between the gentlemen. Every time the door opened to allow in another caller, Lord Roberts’ expression soured as hers grew lighter. It did not take long for the room to grow full with several gentlemen sitting in between Lord Roberts and her. Her mother seemed determined to keep the Earl company, talking with him while sending her the occasional look of disappointment. Felicity was not sure how her mother could expect her to entertain such an unsettling man; she could almost hear the stern lecture she was certain she would get once all their guests left.
At the suggestion that they all promenade around Hyde Park, Lord Roberts made his excuses to leave. His announcement of his departure silenced the rest of the room.
“I am afraid the rest of my afternoon is accounted for,” he said loudly, standing with his hands tucked behind his back. He scanned the room before he turned back to her mother and bowed. “It has been a pleasant afternoon with your company Lady Kent.”
Her mother flushed at his compliment, rising to return the bow. Felicity searched for Delilah amongst the sea of young men and found her hiding behind the shoulders of the two gentlemen she had been in conversation with, avoiding the steely gaze of Lord Roberts as much as possible. He seemed just as inclined to ignore her as he merely tucked his chin in acknowledgment towards Delilah before he strode to Felicity, stopping much too close for her comfort.
“I would enjoy a walk with you, Miss Kent,” Lord Roberts cooed as he grasped her fingers and dramatically bowed over her hand. “Perhaps,” he rose to his full height, not letting go of the grip he had on her fingers, “next time we can promenade with less of an audience. I am eager to spend time with you,alone.”