Mistaken for a Rake - Rose Pearson Page 0,7
I am very glad that such an arrangement has been made.” Taking in a breath, he let it out slowly. “I will, of course, be present this evening with you, but thereafter, Lady Hayward will be your chaperone. From time to time, I might attend if there is to be a card game or the like—something that I am interested in—but besides that, I shall either remain at the townhouse or be otherwise engaged.”
“Of course, Father,” Selina said quietly, her voice barely loud enough to hear over the noise of the carriage wheels. “We quite understand.”
“Good!” the duke exclaimed as the carriage began to slow. “Then let us hope this evening is the success I expect it to be!”
“Good evening, Lady Hayward.”
The lady smiled up at the duke for a moment before curtsying. “Good evening, Your Grace,” she replied before turning to the sisters. “And good evening to you all also.”
Rebecca smiled back at Lady Hayward, bobbing a quick curtsy. “Good evening, Lady Hayward,” she answered. “Father has told us of the arrangement between you.”
“I hope that is satisfactory to you,” Lady Hayward said, her smile fading a little. “I have many acquaintances here in London mostly due to my late husband’s connections. They have children of their own, many of whom are present here in London and seeking a match, just as you are. I am sure that I can guide you to a good number of acquaintances.”
“We are all very eager to come under your chaperonage,” Rebecca replied, aware of the flash of relief that hurried into Lady Hayward’s eyes. “You are very kind, Lady Hayward.”
This seemed to please the lady all the more, for she blushed and waved a hand.
“It is my pleasure and certainly not something I am doing without recompense!” she laughed, her brightness returning in an instant. “I am very grateful to His Grace for being so willing to help my son.”
The Duke waved his hand. “Very well, very well,” he said hastily as though he did not want to make mention of what had been agreed between himself and Lady Hayward. “Now, I shall take Lady Anna and Lady Selina with me for a short turn around the room. I am certain I will meet a few acquaintances to whom I might introduce them.” He looked to Rebecca. “You might go with Lady Hayward, Rebecca.”
A little surprised, Rebecca quickly recovered herself and nodded. “Yes, of course, Father,” she said as Lady Hayward nodded her agreement. “At once.”
Quickly, Anna and Selina followed after their father, who had turned away from Lady Hayward in an instant, clearly decisive in his actions. Rebecca, still a little surprised, waited for Lady Hayward to step forward before she turned to join her.
They walked quietly together for a few moments, and Rebecca found herself a little uncertain of what to say. This had been thrust upon them quickly, and, whilst she was very glad indeed of both Lady Hayward’s company and her willingness to help, she was not quite sure what there was next to do.
“I presume that your father did not inform you of this arrangement until this evening,” Lady Hayward said, looking at Rebecca with a twinkle in her eye. “You all appear to be a little overwhelmed.”
“I am a little,” Rebecca admitted, finding herself relaxing even as she spoke. “Yes, you are quite correct, Lady Hayward. He told us in the few minutes we had before we left the house. Although I will say that I am very grateful to you.”
“Oh?” Lady Hayward looked a little surprised. “I am certain you would have done very well under your father’s guidance, Lady Rebecca.”
An answer came to her lips, but Rebecca hesitated, not quite certain whether or not she ought to speak the truth of what was on her heart for fear that she might say ill of her father. Lady Hayward did not encourage her to say a word, however, but continued walking quietly and slowly, looking all about her at the other guests.
“Ever since my mother passed, I have felt a heavy burden for my sisters,” she explained. “That did not fade when it came to the Season.” She glanced at Lady Hayward, who, whilst listening, did not appear to have any expression of judgment on her face. “I fully expected to have to chaperone my sisters and ensure that they met suitable gentlemen rather than being able to pursue such a thing myself.”
“I understand,” Lady Hayward replied gently. “You need not explain further, Lady Rebecca.