Page 23 of The Earl's Demure Spinster
CHAPTER 11
Sylvia adjusted her position on the garden chair, feeling the soft breeze caress her face as she glanced around Lady Maria’s beautifully arranged tea party. The garden was alive with the scent of blooming flowers and the soft hum of polite conversation. Seated next to Lord Marcus and directly across from Lord Wesley, she felt a mix of excitement and unease. It was a strange position to be in, and made even harder as she kept darting her eyes between the pair of them. She did not want to compare them, but the way that she felt as she caught Lord Wesley’s eyes was certainly special.
Lord Marcus, with his ever charming smile, leaned closer, his eyes twinkling with interest. “So, Lady Sylvia, what have you been reading lately? I remember you mentioning that you enjoy novels.”
Sylvia’s eyes lit up at the opportunity to discuss her favorite topic. Since it had gone so well with Lord Wesley, she was hoping for a similar connection. “Oh, yes! Recently, I have been enjoying an interesting book by J.Austen.”
Lord Marcus’s smile widened, and he nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely, a remarkable author. Lady Julie is such a fascinating author.”
“Jane,” Sylvia corrected him excitedly. “Lady Jane is wonderful! Through her nuanced characterizations, she captures the subtleties of emotion and social dynamics, offering a critical view of the society in which she lived. I am thoroughly enjoying it.”
As she spoke, Sylvia noticed Lord Wesley’s gaze occasionally drifting towards her. His eyes held a mixture of longing and something else she could not quite decipher. She pushed thethought aside, focusing on the conversation with Lord Marcus. She could not forget that it was Lord Wesley’s mother who had shown her disdain, and she also had to recall that she might not be suitable for him.
Maybe not either of these men, but Lord Marcus was giving her positive attention.
“Indeed,” Lord Marcus said, nodding. “I enjoyed the journey of reading one of her books.”
Sylvia smiled, but a small doubt began to form in her mind. He was not saying too much about the actual text of the novel he had read, which was very unlike Lord Wesley. He had gone in to detail with her about works he enjoyed.
As Lord Marcus spoke, Sylvia began to notice a slight inconsistency in his responses. While he seemed enthusiastic, there was a vagueness to his comments, a lack of depth that someone truly familiar with the books would not exhibit. His charm was undeniable, but his understanding of the novels seemed superficial. Almost as if it was merely to impress her.
Determined not to let this dampen her spirits, Sylvia continued, steering the conversation towards broader topics. “It is fascinating how literature can offer such profound insights into human nature. Do you have any favourite authors, Lord Marcus?”
“Well,” Lord Marcus began, pausing briefly, “I have always admired the works of J.Turner. His skill in depicting light and atmosphere is quite compelling.”
Sylvia nodded, her enthusiasm genuine but impacted by her growing realization that there was not a lot of realness there.
As they continued their conversation, Sylvia could not help but continue to steal glances at Lord Wesley. He was engaged in a discussion with Lady Arabella, but his eyes frequently flickered towards her as well, as if there was a powerful magnet drawingthem in together no matter what. There was a tension in his gaze, an intensity that she found both unsettling and intriguing.
Lord Marcus’s voice drew her back before she could get too lost in her thoughts. “You have such a passion for literature, Lady Sylvia. It is truly admirable. Perhaps you could recommend something for me to read next?”
Sylvia smiled politely, sensing an opportunity to gently test his sincerity. “Certainly. Have you read any of Jane Austen’s works? Sense and Sensibility is a particular favorite of mine. It beautifully explores the themes of love, friendship, and the contrast between reason and emotion. If you enjoy immersive texts, then that is one you should definitely consider.”
“Ah, Sense and Sensibility,” Marcus responded, his smile unwavering. “A wonderful choice. I shall make sure to read it soon.”
Sylvia’s eyes yet again drifted across the table to where Lord Wesley sat, his profile highlighted by the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. A mixture of emotions churned within her — longing, uncertainty, and a touch of envy. She reminded herself not to feel jealous of Lady Arabella, who sat beside him, her laughter light and melodious, drawing the attention of everyone around them. Lady Arabella was, after all, the Season’s diamond. Her beauty and charm had made her the darling of high society, and she seemed a perfect match for someone of Lord Wesley’s stature.
Sylvia could not help but feel a pang of inadequacy in comparison. Lord Arabella’s grace was effortless, her confidence unwavering, while Sylvia often felt as though she was merely pretending to belong in such exalted company. The more time that she spent in polite society, the more of a fake she felt. This was a place she was never going to fit in.
With a quiet sigh, Sylvia forced her attention back to the conversation with Lord Marcus. He was being kind to her, sweetabout her interests even if he did not seem to truly have them himself. There was a lot to be said about a man who was nice to her. especially with her reputation as it was.
“It is fascinating to hear what you have to say, Lady Sylvia,” Lord Marcus said, his smile warm and genuine. “I think I could sit here and listen to you talk about absolutely anything. You have an inspiring way of talking about the things you are passionate about.”
“Thank you, Lord Marcus,” she replied, offering a polite smile. “That is truly kind of you to say. I am thoroughly enjoying talking with you as well.”
As Lady Maria’s voice rang out over the gathering, announcing the post tea activities, including a game of Shuttlecock and Battledore, Sylvia’s attention was drawn to the lively scene unfolding around her. Guests began to rise from their seats, eager to participate or spectate in the games. Sylvia had played some of these games in the past, but she could not stop herself from being worried that she would not be able to participate in the way that the ton required.
Everything they did seemed different, and it was very hard for her to join in properly.
A tall gentleman approached Lord Marcus, interrupting his conversation with Sylvia, demanding a moment of his time. She noticed a brief flash of annoyance on Lord Marcus’s face before he masked it with a smile, showing off his typical charm. “I am terribly sorry, Lady Sylvia, but a business matter requires my immediate attention,” he said smoothly, excusing himself. “I will see you later on.”
Sylvia nodded, a touch of puzzlement lingering as she watched Lord Marcus walk away with the gentleman. She turned back to the garden, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling his departure had left. Whatever his business matters were, they did not affect her.
“Good afternoon, Lady Sylvia,” came a familiar voice from behind her. She turned to see George, who had left her aunt’s side for just a moment, likely just to check in on her at her aunt’s request. It was sweet of him to be so kind all the time.
“Good afternoon, George,” she replied, offering him a warm smile. “Are you enjoying the party?”
George returned her smile, but there was a seriousness in his eyes. “As much as one can enjoy these social gatherings. But I must confess, I have some concerns. Especially regarding Lord Marcus.”
