“And what of Lord Coppinger?”
In one moment it was as if all of the laughter had been pulled out of the room. Almeria suddenly went cold, her skin tingling as she turned her head to see Lady Yardley’s questioning look.
“Forgive me, I do not know what you mean.”
Lady Yardley laughed lightly, reached across, and put a hand on Almeria’s arm for a moment.
“Forgive me, that was a little abrupt. In all of the excitement you have quite forgotten - do you recall saying that you would introduce your friends to Lord Coppinger? Might I ask if you have done so as yet? There is only Lady Elizabeth, Miss Millington, and Miss Madeley. Since all of them seek a match with a gentleman willing to fall in love with them and since you have said repeatedly how excellent a fellow Lord Coppinger is, it seems to make perfect sense to introduce them all. That is, so long as he is open to the notion of being in love!”
As a murmur ran around the room, Almeria swallowed tightly, wishing she could force a smile, but finding the effort much too difficult.
“I have already introduced him to Lady Elizabeth and Miss Millington.” Seeing her friends nod, she looked to Miss Madeley whose gaze was settled on her folded hands in her lap. “Alas, as yet, I have not yet introduced him to Miss Madeley. I have every intention of doing so, of course, as soon as there is an appropriate time.”
Lady Yardley nodded, seeming pleased.
“Thank you, it would be good if he could steal the heart of one of your friends, would it not? He appears to be quite eager for a bride, given the many young ladies he has danced with on these last few occasions.”
Saying nothing, Almeria nodded, choosing not to reveal that Lord Coppinger was, in fact, seeking to wed. Why was it that, whenever Lord Coppinger was mentioned, she seemed to react so strangely? It was most irregular. It was as though she did not want him to be wed, as though she did not want him to find a wife, nor to fall in love with any one of her friends - but why such a thing should be, she could not imagine! Her face flushed warm as she dropped her gaze, certain that, if her friends or Lady Yardley could read her thoughts at present, their opinion of her would drop significantly.
“Lord Coppinger, from what I understand, is an excellent fellow,” Lady Yardley continued, speaking to the room as Almeria’s jaw tightened, her hands curling into gentle fists. “Lady Almeria has known him for such a long time, and says wonderful things about him - and indeed, as I have moved about society, I find that not a bad word has been said about him. I think he is a very rare sort of gentleman, who makes certain to behave correctly in all things and without the smallest hint of impropriety in any matter whatsoever.” Her smile again alighted upon Almeria. “Would you concur, Lady Almeria?”
Not trusting her voice, Almeria nodded and again tried to smile, but her lips refused to remove themselves from the tight line they had formed. Why was it that her chest was so tight, her skin so very prickly? There was no explanation for this particular emotion, for Lord Coppinger had made himself quite clear he was seeking a bride. She ought to be doing everything she could to encourage him to find a suitable match, especially if it could be with one of her friends. Why then did she find herself so restrained?
“I should very much like to be introduced to him, then.”
The hopeful glint in Miss Madeley’s eye made Almeria’s reluctance only grow, though she did not say anything akin to what she felt.
“Yes, of course. He is an outstanding gentleman, and I am only sorry that I have not yet had the opportunity to introduce you to him.”
She fought to smile, but then fell silent, praying that she would not be asked any further questions about Lord Coppinger. Perhaps it was because they had not seen each other for so many years that she was a little uncomfortable in encouraging him toward one of her friends. Yes, she considered, looking down at her tightly laced fingers in her lap, thathadto be the reason, for there was no other explanation she could find.
“Very well then.” Lady Yardley smiled happily. “For you, Lady Almeria, I shall have something written in ‘The London Ledger’ for tomorrow, and you might look for an opportunity to introduce Lord Coppinger to Miss Madeley.”
“Yes. I shall.”
Almeria kept her head lowered, her tone low, while her heart thudded dully.
“And let us hope that Lord Penforth is the gentleman who has been sending you these flowers!” Lady Elizabeth laughed as Almeria looked up at her friend. “For that would make you very contented indeed, I am sure.”
Again, Almeria tried to smile, but it simply would not come. Her confusion over her feelings grew all the more for suddenly, her interest in Lord Penforth seemed to have waned. In fact, she couldn’t recall what she found attractive about him. Wishing she could have little silence to allow her thoughts to regulate themselves, Almeria took a breath and closed her eyes for a moment. Thankfully, Lady Yardley soon began to discuss another matter and Almeria was left to sit alone, doing her very best not to think of Lord Coppinger.
Chapter Seven
“Has anyone approached you yet?”
Almeria shook her head.
Her nerves were twisting like writhing snakes, and she could not seem to hold any gentleman’s gaze for more than a brief moment. Lady Yardley had included a short article in ‘The London Ledger’, stating she had become aware that a young lady by the name of Lady Almeria had been sent many bouquets of flowers, but without a gentleman claiming to have done so. There had been a short paragraph with a few other details, ending with the statement that she knew, of a certainty, that Lady Almeria was eager to know the name of the mysterious and intriguing gentleman who sent her such gifts.
That edition had been handed out in society the previous day but, as yet, no one had come near her. Almeria did not know whether she was nervous or relieved, for if no one came forward, then mayhap it had just been that the notes had been lost. Perhaps then she might consider Lord Penforth entirely and forget about the whole situation… but if someone did draw near if someone else declared themselves, then she would have a good deal more to contend with.
“This is the second social occasion I have attended since ‘The London Ledger’ was printed yesterday.” She swallowed at the tightness which balled in her throat, looking to Miss Madeley, who smiled sympathetically, clearly aware of the strain Almeria was under at present. “Every time I have drawn myself into conversation with a gentleman, I have been silently waiting for them to declare themselves!” Hearing those words coming from her mouth, she laughed ruefully and passed one hand over her eyes, quite certain she sounded ridiculous. “I believe myself to be quite foolish of course, but you will understand my situation. I confess I find it quite untenable!”
“I do not understand fully, but I can sympathize with you, certainly.” Miss Madeley smiled sweetly and looped her arm through Almeria’s. “Come, take a turn around the room with me and I am sure that it will help you feel a little better.”
With a nod, Almeria allowed her friend to lead her away, though she could not keep her eyes from catching on almost every gentleman they passed, mentally questioning herself about every one of them. Was that gentleman the one who had sent her the flowers? Wasthisthe one who secretly admired her? Washeto be the one who would declare himself? She did not hear her friend’s conversation, did not listen to a word that was spoken to her, and it was not until they had done one full lap of the room that she finally came back to herself. Realizing that Miss Madeley had spoken for a good length of time, but she had heard none of it, Almeria was about to apologize, only for her friend to simply smile, appearing unaware or unconcerned over Almeria’s lack of attention.
“Now, do you feel any better?”
