Page 24 of A Wallflower's Wassail Punch
“I’m a man who learns by experience.And this one taught me to remember my limitations.”He walked with Andrew to the trunk he and Lucius had carried down the hill.
They each sat on an end and removed their skates.Andrew tried not to glare at the young man skating Lady Annette in circles.She was laughing at something he’d said.A glittering diamond that only lacked the proper setting.He realized he wanted her to find a match that kept such joy on her face.Perhaps Fitzjames was all bark and had only been bragging to his friend.He’d had no problem laughing at himself when he fell on the ice.
Whether it was him or one of the other possible suitors, it really didn’t matter.Her happiness, not her family’s or his or these hopeful suitors, was the most important factor in this entire farce.
Glancing over at Hawkesbury, he saw the young man doing the same thing.“She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”
“I’m afraid I don’t have a chance.”The young man rose with a sigh.“But I won’t give up yet.”
“That’s the spirit.”Andrew clamped his shoulder.“Can you dance?”
“Better than I skate,” he said with a grin.
“That’s encouraging.She likes the outdoors.Do you have any hobbies in that area?”Why was he helping this lad?
“Not really.I prefer a good history book and a fine brandy.I’m a good shot and more than adequate in fencing.I’m considering settling in Calcutta.My father has a house there, and there’s a newspaper for sale.I’ve always enjoyed politics but hated the thought of being a politician.”They had made the top of the hill, and Beecham opened his carriage door, flask in hand.
“That’s one way of being involved,” agreed Andrew.He liked the fellow but also knew Lady Annette would never live so far from her family.
Hawkesbury tipped the flask to his mouth and shook it.“I’m afraid it’s empty, Lord Beecham.”
“No worries, my boy.I have a spare,” he said jovially, reaching under his seat and feeling around for it.“Here we go.”The earl passed the new container to the men.
“Or two or three,” piped up Lady Henney with a giggle.“He said his usual amount would never do, considering the additional guests.”
“And how many did you bring, my lady?”asked Andrew, a smirk turning up his mouth.
“A lady never tells,” she quipped, then redirected their attention.“Don’t they make a lovely pair on the ice?”
As the four turned to look, they saw Lord Page making his way up to join them.“I figured she was safe enough with so many eyes upon them.”
He leaned into the carriage, reached under the bench where his father sat, and pulled out a third flask.“Brandy or whisky?”
“Deuced good brandy,” answered Hawkesbury, wiping his mouth with his sleeve and handing the container to Andrew.He realized too late his blunder.“Excuse my language, ma’am.”
She nodded politely.
“This will warm my fingers and toes.”Lord Page tipped back his head, taking a long draw.“What’s next on our agenda?”
CHAPTER11
Annette rubbed her toes, willing the blood to flow back into them.She shouldn’t have stayed out so long, but she’d been having such a wonderful time.The billiard game had been a bit tense, but the skating had broken the ice.She giggled at the pun.Between her brother, his two friends, and Lord Weston, she had felt like a princess holding court.She bit her lip, wondering how her fairy tale would end.
“The indigo tonight, milady?”asked Jenny.
“Yes, with the wine-colored shawl.”Annette opened a box at her toilette and fingered the earbobs with the dark wine-colored carnelian stones.The ancient Egyptians had used the polished rocks as talismans.Could they protect her from insincere suitors?It couldn’t hurt.
“Did you enjoy skating?”asked Jenny, helping Annette out of her day dress.“Did you learn anything about the two gentlemen?”
“It was a splendid day.I believe Mr.Hawkesbury is more studious than athletic.He attempted the ice, fell, and then observed the rest of the time.Mr.Fitzjames, on the other hand, is very strong and agile.He would enjoy any of the physical activities that I do.”She grinned, remembering.“We danced the waltz.”
“On skates?Oh, my.”Jenny guided her mistress to the chair and picked up a brush.“Any preference so far?”
“Hmm.Mr.Fitzjames is very handsome and confident.Too confident, maybe?I believe he does well with the opposite sex.”She handed Jenny a dark-blue ribbon.“Mr.Hawkesbury, on the other hand, is fair to look at but more intellectual and prefers a lively conversation.”
“If you combined the two, you’d have the perfect man.”
“Yes,” murmured Annette, thinking of Lord Weston who did seem to have all of those qualities.
