Page 40 of The Earl's Demure Spinster
He only liked it when she laughed with him.
As Lady Sylvia and Lord Marcus eventually strolled away, their figures gradually fading into the distance, Wesley was engulfed by a profound sense of loss. The cheerful ambiance of Hyde Park seemed to dim, leaving him with a heaviness that settled deep in his chest. This was not the peaceful walk that he had anticipated.
In fact, he felt like it was time for them to leave as well.
“Can we leave?” he asked his sister morosely.
She nodded. “Of course. Let us return to the carriage now.”
“Do you think Lady Sylvia knows about Lord Marcus’s gambling?” Wesley finally asked, breaking the silence as they neared the carriage. His voice was low, almost as if he feared the answer. “And all the rumours surrounding him?”
Harriet glanced at him, her expression thoughtful. “I am not sure,” she replied. “From what I know of her, Lady Sylvia is intelligent and perceptive, but she is not as accustomed to London society, so perhaps she does not know these things.”
Wesley nodded, his brow furrowed in contemplation. He knew that Lady Sylvia deserved someone who would cherish her, someone who could offer her stability and genuine love. Lord Marcus, with his reckless habits, seemed far from the ideal match. But could he be any better when his mother was so against her? That was not a life that she deserved either.
“Lord Marcus is not right for her,” Wesley said with quiet conviction. “I am sure of it.”
Harriet sighed softly. “Then you must find a way to show her that, Wesley. But remember, it is not just about revealing LordMarcus’s flaws. You need to demonstrate your own worthiness as well. If that is what you want…”
As they approached the carriage, Wesley’s thoughts continued to swirl. He found himself torn between the societal obligations that loomed over him and the desires of his heart. His mother’s expectations were a constant pressure, urging him to conform to the norms and secure a favorable match. Yet, his feelings for Lady Sylvia were undeniable, a beacon of light that cut through the darkness of doubt and uncertainty. Feelings that he knew he could not ignore, no matter what.
***
Later that evening, Wesley stood at the entrance of his family’s dining room, steeling himself for yet another impending dinner with Lady Arabella and her parents. One that his mother had insisted on, probably to try and remind Wesley of who he was supposed to be focused on. Ever since they had returned from Hyde Park, their mother had been on fire, insisting that they wear their finest clothing and for the house to be decorated perfectly.
For his mother, this was clearly a big night.
But he did not feel the same way.
As he took a deep breath and entered the room, Wesley’s gaze swept over the assembled guests. Lady Arabella, resplendent in a shimmering gown of deep blue, greeted him with a warm smile. Her parents grinned too, with an expectant look. It seemed that everyone was hoping that this would be a night of progress.
Everyone aside from him.
“Good evening, Lord Wesley,” Lady Arabella greeted him, her voice melodic and poised. “It is a pleasure to see you.”
“And you as well, Lady Arabella,” Wesley replied, forcing a polite smile. “I trust you are well.”
“Quite well, thank you,” she responded, her eyes lingering on his face as if searching for something beyond his courteous demeanor. But of course he could not give her that.
His mother seemed to spot it as well because she shot him a warning glance as he took his seat. He was going to have to be on his best behavior tonight if he did not want an embarrassing eruption. But how could he manage that without raising everyone’s expectations even more?
Through out the dinner, Wesley maintained a composed exterior, responding to Lady Arabella’s attempts at conversation with practiced ease. He kept an emotional distance in an attempt to show her that this was not going to progress, but he remained as polite as he could manage.
Yet it made no difference. He could feel all eyes upon him, waiting for him to do something. But they were going to have to keep on waiting because his stance had not changed. Lady Arabella was not the one for him, just as Lord Marcus was not for Lady Sylvia.
They belonged together, if they could just find a way to make that happen…
