Page 49 of The Earl's Demure Spinster
CHAPTER 23
The following day, Sylvia sat opposite Lord George and Aunt Grace in a carriage, her hands tightly clasped in her lap. The rhythmic clatter of hooves on cobblestone streets did little to soothe her intense anxiety. Today was Aunt Grace’s birthday, and Lord George had planned a picnic near the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Despite her desire to avoid society’s prying eyes, Sylvia felt a deep sense of obligation to Aunt Grace. She reassured herself that one more public appearance would not matter, especially with her impending departure to Bath.
She would be out of here soon, and then she could put all of this behind her at long last.
Aunt Grace, sitting beside Lord George, was brimming with excitement. “It is a beautiful day, is it not, Sylvia?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She was clearly hoping for a lovely birthday today. “The sun is shining, and the park will be lovely.”
Sylvia managed a smile, though her heart was not in it. Much as she was happy to be here for her aunt, she could not help worrying that her presence would cause more problems. “Yes, it is a lovely day. Perfect for a picnic.”
Lord George noticed her tension and smiled reassuringly at her. “Lady Sylvia, you do not have to worry. We will have a wonderful time, and no one will bother us.”
Sylvia appreciated his attempt to comfort her, but the recent ball’s memories lingered like a dark cloud. She sighed softly. “I hope you are right, Lord George. I just want Aunt Grace to have a pleasant birthday. I would not like anything that has happened to me to affect today.”
Upon arriving at the park, Aunt Grace’s servants quickly set up a picnic area under the shade of a large tree with a view of the Serpentine. The blanket was spread out, laden with an assortment of delicacies and a large bouquet of wild flowers that Lily had picked earlier. Sylvia helped Aunt Grace arrange the food, trying to lose herself in the simplicity of the task so she did not focus on who might be around them, looking at her.
Once everything was ready, they settled on the blanket, enjoying the gentle breeze and the cheerful sounds of nature around them. Lord George poured lemonade into delicate glasses, and they toasted to Aunt Grace’s birthday, the mood light and joyful.
As they chatted and laughed, Sylvia glanced around the park, actually managing to lose herself in the serene beauty of the park around her. As she relaxed with her family, she allowed herself to think about the parts of London that she might miss given time. Hyde Park was most certainly one of those things. It really was beautiful here.
But maybe not as beautiful as Bath…
Oh no.
All of a sudden, her heart stopped beating as her eyes inadvertently caught sight of a familiar figure in the distance. Someone that she most certainly did not wish to see today. It was Lord Wesley, walking along the path with Lady Arabella by his side. They appeared to be deep in conversation, their heads close together, and the sight sent a sharp sting through Sylvia’s heart.
The wine spill had only caused more of a division between them. It had clearly helped him to realize that he was much better off with Lady Arabella than her.
She should be glad for this because she did want to see Lord Wesley happy. But in front of her was too hard.
She quickly looked away, but the image was seared into her mind. That was something she did not want to take to Bath withher, but she knew that she was going to have to deal with the heartbreak regardless.
Aunt Grace noticed the change in Sylvia’s demeanor. “Sylvia, is something wrong?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Sylvia forced a smile, shaking her head. “No, Aunt Grace. I am fine. Just lost in thought for a moment.”
But Aunt Grace was not easily convinced. “Are you sure? You seem troubled.”
Sylvia hesitated, then decided to confide in her just a little because she did not want to give her aunt anything to worry about on her birthday. “It is nothing really, Aunt Grace. I just saw someone I know in the distance, and it stirred some old feelings.”
Aunt Grace followed Sylvia’s gaze, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Lord Wesley and Lady Arabella. “Ah, I see.”
Sylvia felt her cheeks flush. “I will be fine though, I am not worried. It is still just a little complicated.”
Aunt Grace nodded thoughtfully. “Affairs of the heart often are. But remember, Sylvia, you are a remarkable young woman. Do not compare yourself to others. Lord Wesley would be lucky to have you.”
Sylvia smiled, touched by her aunt’s words. “Thank you, Aunt Grace. That means a lot to me.”
But she supposed it did not mater too much anymore, because soon she would be back in Bath, and not having to worry about a thing. She might still struggle with the heartache, but with some distance, and not having to see Lord Wesley and Lady Arabella anymore would help.
After the meal, the restlessness that had been simmering beneath her composed exterior became unbearable. Sylvia felt she could not breathe, the need for fresh air and space growing urgent. She needed a moment alone, a moment to gather up herthoughts. Plus, she had a feeling that Lord George and her aunt would appreciate a moment to themselves.
“Excuse me,” she said, rising from her spot in the grass. “I think I will go for a walk.”
Aunt Grace looked up from her tea, her eyes filled with gentle concern. “Are you sure, dear?”
“I am sure. I will not be long,” Sylvia replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Lord George gave her a brief nod, thankfully understanding her need for solitude. With a grateful smile, Sylvia slipped away from her aunt and started to walk along the Serpentine trying to gather up her thoughts as she went. It was easy to tell herself that this would all be over soon, but she was not sure if she would ever be able to forget London. The impact her short time here had had on her was insurmountable.
