Page 48 of The Earl's Demure Spinster
If Edward believed him or not, he was not sure, but his friend nodded and did not question him further.
As he supped his drink, Wesley’s gaze wandered across the room. He quickly spotted Lord Marcus at a card table, losing game after game. Lord Marcus’s streak of bad luck appalled him, as did his insistence to keep playing despite the losses. Wesley could not understand why someone would be so willing to throw their money away in such a careless way.
He was just about to comment on that to Edward, when Wesley noticed a familiar face approaching their table – Lord George Martin. A congenial man who Wesley had often seen with Lady Grace and Lady Sylvia. He seemed very connected to them, and as he spotted them, it seemed like Lord George recognized them also.
“Good evening, gentlemen,” Lord George greeted them, taking a seat uninvited. “I trust you are both well.”
“As well as can be expected,” Edward replied smoothly. “And you, Lord George? How have things been with you?”
Edward ordered Lord George a drink, inviting him to stay with them for a while. Wesley wondered if Edward knew exactly what he was doing. Especially as Lord George started talking.
“It has been a tough day,” Lord George stated. “Much to Lady Grace’s upset, her niece has decided to leave London. She wishes to return to Bath.”
The news struck Wesley with a force he had not anticipated. Lady Sylvia, leaving London? The thought of her absence created a void he could not ignore. Especially when he was quite sure he knew why she wanted to run away.
“Bath, you say?” Wesley managed to ask, his voice carefully controlled.
“Yes,” Lord George confirmed, oblivious to Wesley’s internal struggle. “She is apparently in need of a change of scenery after the bother at the ball.”
Wesley nodded, understandingly. It seemed that this was exactly what his mother had wanted, and she was going to win.She was going to win at the cost of Wesley’s happiness, which was the hardest part of this to swallow. He could hardly stand it. If Lady Sylvia was out of the picture, then she would likely be able to force him into a loveless marriage with Lady Arabella.
In that moment, amidst the clinking of glasses and the low buzz of the club, Wesley came to a profound realization. His concern for Sylvia, his need to see her happy and safe, and the pain he felt at the thought of her leaving – it all pointed to one undeniable truth.
A truth he could not believe that he had not seen before.
He had fallen in love with Sylvia.
Head over heels in irrevocable love.
The realization settled over him like a revelation, bringing with it a sense of clarity. He could no longer deny his feelings or the importance of Sylvia in his life. He had to act, to make her understand how he felt, and to ensure she knew she was not alone. He could not let her leave for Bath because then he might never see her again, which would crush him.
Wesley felt a powerful surge of determination. His previous hesitations and doubts seemed trivial now in the face of this overpowering emotion. He had to do something, to make her understand his feelings, to prevent her from leaving. He would not be able to live without her, not now.
Edward, noticing his friend’s distraction, leaned forward as Lord George got caught up in a conversation with someone else. “Wesley, are you all right? You seem miles away.”
Wesley snapped back to the present, meeting Edward’s concerned gaze. “I... I am fine, Edward. Just a lot on my mind.”
Edward’s eyes narrowed slightly, a knowing glint in them. “Is it Lady Sylvia? That is terrible news about her leaving the city.”
There was no point in denying it. Wesley nodded slowly. “Yes, it is. I have realised something tonight, Edward. Something important.”
Edward remained silent, giving Wesley the space to continue.
“I have realised that I love her,” Wesley confessed, the words feeling both liberating and terrifying. “And I can not let her leave without telling her how I feel.”
Edward smiled softly, his expression one of understanding and support. “Then you know what you have to do. Do not let fear hold you back. If Lady Sylvia is important to you, you must tell her.”
The realization that he loved Lady Sylvia had filled Wesley with a sense of urgency and determination. But as the initial rush of emotion began to settle, practical considerations came to the fore front. He needed to plan his next steps carefully, especially given the inevitable reaction of his mother. He had to be careful here or he might ruin everything.
Edward leaned back in his chair, studying Wesley with a thoughtful expression. “But how? How will you tell her, Wesley?”
Now that was something he had not considered. Wesley took a deep breath, swirling the brandy in his glass. “I want to be honest with her, Edward. I want to lay my feelings bare and let her know that I am committed to making things right between us. But there is more to consider.”
“Your mother,” Edward said, not missing a beat.
Wesley nodded, a frown creasing his brow. “Yes. She has always been very clear about her expectations for me. She sees Lady Sylvia as a potential threat to our family’s reputation. I fear she will not take this well.”
Edward sighed, leaning forward. “Your mother is formidable, Wesley. But if you truly love Lady Sylvia, you haveto be prepared to stand up to her. Your mother’s concerns are rooted in societal expectations, not in the reality of your feelings.”
“I know,” Wesley replied, running a hand through his hair. “But you know how persuasive she can be. She has a way of making her opinions feel like the only reasonable course of action. She is not going to be pleased about all the effort she has put in to Lady Arabella, just for everything to fall apart.”
Edward took a sip of his brandy, contemplating his words. “Have you considered involving Lady Sylvia in this decision? She deserves to know what she’s up against and what it might mean for her if you pursue this relationship.”
Wesley nodded thoughtfully. “You are right. Lady Sylvia should be part of this conversation. I owe her that much before I do anything rash.”
Edward clinked his glass against Wesley’s in a silent toast. “To courage and to love,” he said with a smile.
Wesley returned the smile, grateful for Edward’s unwavering support. “To courage and to love,” he echoed.
