Page 39 of The Earl's Demure Spinster
CHAPTER 18
The gentle sway of the carriage as it traveled the bustling streets of London provided a welcome respite for Wesley, who sat in silence beside his sister. This was exactly why he had accepted his sister’s invitation to visit Hyde Park, so he could get away from his mother’s unimpressed glare. It was as if he had become a stranger to her, and she absolutely refused to reconnect with him again.
Wesley was exhausted by the whole situation, and he desperately needed a break.
Beside him, Harriet fidgeted nervously, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. Wesley could sense her unease, could feel the weight of their mother’s expectations bearing down upon them like a heavy cloak. He had never wanted his issues to affect his sister, but it seemed like that was happening regardless which was very stressful. This was why he longed to sort things out with his mother, to repair the fractures forming in their relationship, but the only way that he could do so was to follow her rules.
He truly did not wish to follow her rules.
Eventually, Harriet broke the silence, her voice a gentle ripple in the stillness. “Wesley, I invited you out today so that we can talk about everything. I think that we need to discuss things properly, or things with Mother and you are only going to get worse.”
Wesley exhaled a heavy sigh. “Well, as I am sure you have already realised, it is Lady Sylvia. Mother’s disapproval of her weighs heavily on me. I wish she could see Lady Sylvia as I do, for the kind and genuine person that she is. I wish she would at least listen to me, and understand that she is the one that I wishto pursue. I know that she wants me to wed Lady Arabella, she has been endlessly vocal about that, but Lady Arabella and I will never be able to get along. Not the way Lady Sylvia and I would. She really is special.”
Harried nodded understandingly. “I understand, Wesley,” she murmured softly. “Lady Sylvia truly possesses a remarkable spirit, and it pains me to witness Mother’s bias cloud her judgment. I have a great affection for her as well; it is evident that she possesses a genuinely kind and lovely disposition. I comprehend the reasons behind your admiration for her.”
A fleeting smile crossed Wesley’s lips as he nodded in agreement, his thoughts drifting to Lady Sylvia’s warmth and sincerity. But even as he found solace in their shared admiration for Lady Sylvia, he knew that it did not change a thing. It was his mother who needed to see his point of view, but she adamantly refused.
“It feels as though I’m being swept along by forces beyond my control,” he admitted to his sister, “and the thought of spending my life bound to someone I do not love fills me with dread. Just because it will put our family in ‘good standing’.”
Harriet listened intently, her brow furrowing with concern as she pondered his words. “Well I would not want you to marry for duty. Even if it affects my reputation, as Mother has suggested, I do not care. I would not wish to marry someone who can be so shallow.”
Wesley smiled at his sister’s determination and unwavering support. She really was a wonderful person. “Perhaps you are right, Harriet.”
A ghost of a smile played upon Harriet’s lips, her eyes alight with pride. “That is the spirit, Wesley,” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with encouragement. “And as for Lady Arabella... Well, let me just say that I would not be thrilled to have her as a sister in law either. I know I was enthusiastic in the beginning,but I have seen a side to her that I am not too keen on in recent times. I do not think that she is the right woman for you. It is obvious.”
Wesley chuckled softly at Harriet’s candid confession, feeling a sense of comradeship that lightened his burden. “It is comforting to know I am not alone in this, Harriet,” he said, his voice tinged with gratitude. “Because Mother refuses to see the bad sides to Lady Arabella. She will not hear it at all.”
Harriet squeezed his hand reassuringly, her eyes filled with determination. “I am sure that this is something we will be able to figure it out, Wesley. Somehow.”
Lost in thought, Wesley barely noticed the carriage slowing to a stop until the coach man opened the door, his gloved hand extended to help them alight. They had arrived at their destination. Hyde Park, which he hoped would provide him with an oasis of peace. A welcome reprieve from the city’s ceaseless clamor.
Despite the park’s serene beauty, Wesley’s mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of Lady Sylvia. His heart ached with a longing he could not suppress, a longing that was becoming more powerful and intense by the moment. Almost overwhelmingly so.
“Wesley,” Harriet said softly, breaking the comfortable silence between them, “you must try to find some peace today. I know it is difficult, but perhaps this walk will help clear your mind. Let us just enjoy being in the park before we are faced with the problems of our lives once more.”
He nodded absently, grateful for her presence but unable to shake his preoccupation. The rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath their feet did nothing to cool his racing, burning hot thoughts. It seemed that his issues would follow him everywhere…
A sentiment which suddenly became all too real as he spotted an unwelcome sight before him…
Was it…?
Ahead, by the edge of the Serpentine Lake, stood the center of his problems. Lady Sylvia. Her laughter carried on the breeze, a sound that both comforted and unsettled him in equal measures. Beside her was Lord Marcus, which only made things worse. His posture casual and his expression warm as he spoke to Lady Sylvia, monopolizing all of her time. Wesley’s gut tightened with a mix of jealousy and concern, emotions he struggled to conceal because it hit him so hard.
Harriet followed his gaze, her eyes widening in recognition. “Is that Lady Sylvia?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
“It is,” Wesley replied, his tone carefully controlled. “And Lord Marcus.”
A flicker of understanding passed over Harriet’s face. “Shall we greet them?” she asked awkwardly.
Wesley hesitated, the conflicting emotions warring within him. His instinct was to approach, to claim Lady Sylvia’s attention and assert his place beside her where he rightfully belonged. Yet, a more rational part of him urged caution, warning against an impulsive display that could betray his deeper feelings and overcomplicate everything.
“No,” he said finally, his voice steady but strained. “Let us keep our distance. I do not wish to intrude.”
Harriet studied him for a moment, then nodded in acquiescence. “Very well, Wesley. But know that I am here if you need me.”
With a faint smile, he squeezed her arm in silent thanks. Together, they continued their walk, maintaining a discreet distance from the pair by the water’s edge. Wesley’s gaze continued to flicker over to Lady Sylvia, his heart aching with each passing moment.
Did she really like him? Had Wesley been wrong about their connection? Was it possible that he was already losingher without even realizing it? Lord Marcus was charming and attentive, and had qualities that made him a worthy companion. Yet, it was Lady Sylvia’s laughter, her genuine enjoyment of the moment, that cut the deepest.
