Page 8 of A Wallflower's Wassail Punch
“She’s a beautiful woman.Are you sure she wishes to marry?”
“With all her heart, but only to a man who can accept her as she is?—”
“And won’t worry about getting injured should she lose her temper,” finished Lady Henney.
“Lose her tem… injured?”Somehow, Andrew felt he’d lost the direction of the conversation.
Lady Henney gave him a short explanation of The Incident, which included a man, a punch bowl, and a broken nose.Then she switched the topic to Beecham’s oldest son.He had been pining for a woman who had married his best friend, then was widowed early.“Since he was out nipping at his flask instead of acting the proper chaperon, Lucius feels responsible for his sister’s dilemma.He insists if he had been by Nettie’s side, the blaggard wouldn’t have tried anything.But I believe he’s using it as an excuse because he can’t have the woman of his heart.”
“He’s also not married yet,” Beecham explained.“It seems he won’t enter the parson’s trap until his sister does.And you know how important an heir?—”
The room went silent as the earl realized his blunder.They all knew Weston had only a daughter, never remarrying after his wife and newborn son died.But Andrew wasn’t here for pity.That had been long ago, and he was quite content with his nephew assuming the title.He decided to fill the uncomfortable pause.
“So, everyone’s happiness is pinned on this young woman who must gain a betrothal over Christmastide?”Andrew asked.They both nodded.“Egads, no pressure on Lady Annette, then.”
Beecham and Lady Henney looked at each other, at the carpet, then at Andrew.
“Lord Weston,” began the viscountess, “Henry says you are the best judge of character he knows.So, we thought you might help us.”
Andrew’s brows rose.“You want me to choose a husband for your daughter?”
Beecham shook his head, then ran his hand through his fading light-brown hair.“No, no.We thought if she found a suitor she preferred, you might give us your opinion on him.The list has been thoroughly checked in advance, of course.But an investigator cannot tell us if the man is kind or patient or?—”
“If he wants a wife?”
“Oh, we already know that.We invited only men who attended the last two Seasons, are still not betrothed, and are not purse-pinched.Since Nettie has… moved on the edge of society the last few years, we feel a younger son of a titled family might be a nice fit.Someone not worried about the confines of London, you know.”
“Ah, settle her in the country with a sedate vicar.”Andrew was flabbergasted.The woman he’d met was a delectable creature.Could the young men of London really be put off by one mistake?Thetonwere fickle nodcocks.“Surely, the, er, incident would have been forgotten by now.”
“Most likely, but Nettie has not forgotten.After… well, she didn’t finish her first Season.And the second, she was treated horribly.She became a wallflower.It was heartbreaking.She will never put herself in a position to be ridiculed like that again.”Lady Henney shook her head.“It would take just one mean-spirited gossipmonger to dredge it up.”
“Won’t she feel… self-conscious with a roomful of men ogling her?”The word parade had put a comical image in his head, dandies primping themselves and walking in a line before the wealthy earl’s daughter.
“Oh, they aren’t all coming at once.They’ll be trickling in,” exclaimed Lady Henney.“The vicar from the next county will come with his sister tomorrow and stay for two nights.After that, two more gentlemen, who happen to be friends with Lord Page, will arrive and stay a couple of days on their way… somewhere.I’ve forgotten where Lucius said.”She tapped her lips with her forefinger, then shrugged.“And our youngest son William, a barrister, is bringing one of his associates on Christmas Eve.”
Andrew realized the irony of the situation, and a deep rumble began in his chest.It turned into full-blown laughter, and he finally caught his breath.His hosts cast him curious glances.
“I apologize.It’s nothing to do with Lady Annette.It’s just…” He began chuckling again, feeling the heat spread in his cheeks.“I’ve been thinking of taking a wife now that my daughter is betrothed.So, this conversation?—”
“Is quite timely.”Lady Henney’s eyes flashed with mischief.
“I only wish you had added a few widows to your list.There might have been a double betrothal for the new year.”He threw back the rest of the brandy.“Henry, of course I’ll help in any way I can.Your daughter should have no problem enchanting one of these fellows, and I’m happy to give my opinion as to their character.”
That should put a barrier between him and the desirablewallflower.
* * *
Annette dressedwith care for dinner, checking her reflection for anything amiss.She turned back and forth, letting the bottle-green silk swish and linger around her legs like a purring cat.The delicate tatting, creating a creamy web along the hem and sleeves, was her favorite part of the dress.She smoothed the cream-colored satin ribbon just under her square bodice.A jade pendant hung at her neck with matching bobs dangling below her ears.A simple matching ribbon was entwined in her upswept hair.
“Pinch your cheeks and add some color to your face,” instructed her maid, Jenny.“What is the sudden concern for your appearance when the guests don’t arrive for another few days?”
Annette shrugged and avoided eye contact with the woman who had been with her since she was fourteen.They had grown up together and, since moving to Suffolk permanently, had become confidantes.Jenny knew of her past, understood why she avoided London, and was a wizard at making Annette laugh.
The maid bent around her mistress, her round face and soft brown eyes appearing in Annette’s line of sight.“What are you hiding from me, milady?”
Annette straightened with a sigh and plopped back down in the chair in front of the mirror.“One guest has arrived.”She gave the maid a side-glance.
“His lordship’s friend, the viscount?”
