Page 49 of A Secret Infatuation
“I will think on it.” He hesitated, for surely his future wife would wish to have a hand in choosing the furnishings. “There are other things I must take care of first.”
Mr. Burbank tidied the stack of papers in front of him. “Had we delayed another day in arranging the signatures, this house would have gone to another. There was a gentleman interested who visited the house before you but took his time in deciding to purchase it. He’s son to a baron of some means, I am to understand, for he lives on Grosvenor Square. Just yesterday, his solicitor contacted the seller with an offer to buy and had to be told it was too late.”
The words “baron’s son” and “Grosvenor Square” struck Felix forcibly and trickled through him like dread. The question “Are we speaking of Mr. Robert Cunningworth?” rose to his lips but he clamped them shut. It was unlikely the solicitor would betray the information, and it was better for Felix to remain in ignorance.
Mr. Burbank walked him to the door, and Felix stuck out his hand. “Thank you.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
Felix set out from Jermyn Street in the direction of Grosvenor Square but, unlike the urgency from that morning, his steps were slow. Where did one begin?
My words at the masquerade were sincere. Oh, and I have bought a house that I hope you will want to live in. Will you marry me?
The more he thought about it, the more awkward it felt to go there with no other aim than to propose without first having been obvious in his intentions. If he had grossly misread her feelings, he would not be able to face himself in the mirror. The pain of her refusal would be heightened by his having bungled his courtship.
A solution of how to approach the matter sprang to his mind, and he seized it. He had promised to assist Lady Sophia in finding Society members for the naval asylum subscription list. In his weeks in the Commons, he had come to learn what the gossips said of who would be amenable to what scheme. If he could secure the name of a hopeful patron, he would have a useful reason for calling on Lady Sophia, and from there he would see where the conversation led. To that end, he flagged a hackney, heading in the opposite direction to Whitehall.
A session had just come to a vote, and members filed into the narrow lobbies to have their “aye” or “nay” counted. Some exited to go into adjoining rooms while others entered the cramped corridor where Felix waited.
Lord Henry, although a traditionalist, was not opposed to reform, and he was the man Felix sought. Second son to a duke, Lord Henry was wealthy, connected, and—more to the point—had a kind and charitably-minded wife. Felix just hoped the MP would be as amicable. The MP pushed past the throng and stepped into view, and Felix went forward to meet him.
“Good afternoon, Lord Henry.” He waited until his greeting was returned before asking, “Did you attend the masquerade ball at Vauxhall yesterday?” The MP looked surprised at being approached, and Felix steeled himself to present his agenda despite a rebuff.
“I avoid Vauxhall when I can, even when a duchess reserving a supper box promises a successful event for the ton.”
Felix smiled feebly. “Understood. It is always something of a gamble in terms of company. Are you headed to the coffee room? Might I walk with you there?” Lord Henry nodded and moved forward. Felix fell into step beside him, twisting his body to avoid bumping into members coming the opposite way.
“I have yet to learn from Admiral Mowbray how the masquerade ball fared, but I am sure you must have heard that the proceeds will be donated to the Royal Naval Asylum.”
Lord Henry nodded his greeting to a colleague before answering. “I am aware of it. I am also aware of your interest in the causes of fallen seamen and their families, for Fox has spoken of you. You must be pleased with the notion of a ball being given for charity.”
“Indeed I am—and beginning to feel confident that the act for better provisions for seamen will pass. I shall not attempt to convince you of your vote, being only a first-year member,” he added with a self-deprecating smile. “I am sure there are others more seasoned than I who would have greater success.”
Lord Henry laughed. “Wise, for I would only cut you short if you tried. I am looking for a quiet hour to read the newspaper and drink my coffee before heading into another session.” They had reached the crowded, smoky coffee shop where gentlemen populated the tables, some engaged in debate and others reading quietly.
“I will not keep you, then. I had only wished to approach you regarding another topic entirely. Would Lady Henry be open to receiving a call from Lady Sophia Rowlandson, sister to the young Earl of Poole? It also regards the asylum, for although the ball proceeds are intended to build a new ward, the asylum still requires subscriptions for beds, as well as coal, food, and textiles.”
“I understand your interest in the pension and the ball’s proceeds…” Sir Henry scoured him with his keen gaze. “What matter does a visit between the earl’s daughter and my wife have to do with you, if I may ask?”
“Why, purely a benevolent one, I assure you.” Felix returned a bland smile. He was not going to reveal his true interest. “Miss Edwards, daughter to a board member for the asylum, and Lady Sophia have taken on the task of seeking subscriptions. I am only performing the role of introductions, as I promised to do.”
Lord Henry glanced over at a chair that someone was vacating. “Very well. Here is my card. I will let my wife know of Lady Sophia’s visit.”
Felix nodded. “Thank you.”
He went away satisfied with his interview. He had fulfilled his promise, and had a hand in assisting Lady Sophia with the social calls that would be difficult for her. He was confident she would be successful in her ambition, which would remind her of how capable she was. Now, if only he could summon similar courage and present himself to her as a suitor worthy of her acceptance.
He decided first to send off a note to the earl’s household, explaining that he had found a lady from the haute ton open to receiving Lady Sophia on the subject of the naval asylum, and that if she were not opposed to the idea, he would come calling for her at five o’clock to discuss it. That was—if she was available. If not, she need only leave word with her butler, and he would wait for a more opportune moment. He jotted off another quick note to his father and sister, apologizing for neglecting them and promising to come the next evening for dinner. He wanted to reserve that evening for a visit to his newly purchased house.
Felix brought the notes downstairs and sent them off with a messenger, glancing at the clock as the man left. He had not given her much time to prepare and hoped she would be at home and open to receiving him. Now, he needed to decide how to broach the more delicate subject. Did he propose to her directly? No, that would not do. It would only be right to inform his father first, both about his purchase in Russell Square and his intentions toward Lady Sophia. He supposed he owed Robert a visit regarding Sophia, too. That would not be an easy conversation to have.
Today, I will speak to her of courtship. She must be certain without a doubt of my feelings for her. This would require him laying his prospects at her feet. She would have to know that he could not keep her in the same style to which she was accustomed, but neither would she be reduced to a mean living. If only there was a male relative he could go to and convince of his worth. Lord Poole was a stripling. Did she have a guardian? Surely she must—he would have to ask.
As for how the words of love would come, he did not know. He would have to let his heart lead the way, trusting that he would say all that was necessary.
By the time Felix arrived at Grosvenor Square, he was rigid with nerves and more than relieved when he was admitted into the earl’s residence, where he found Lady Sophia ready to receive him. He smiled as soon as he saw her, remembering only belatedly to bow.
“I see you have received my note. The weather is fair. Would you care to take a walk?” She nodded, and as soon as she had put on her bonnet and gloves, he led her outdoors.
