Taking a deep breath, Almeria hesitated, finding her thoughts to be just as jumbled as before, but at the same time, having no wish to disappoint her friend.
“I must be a little less concerned,” she answered, managing a smile. “My heart is not pounding as quickly as it was before.”
Her mind was still a knot of questions and wonderings, but she did not say such a thing to Miss Madeley.
“Well, that is certainly a good sign.” Miss Madeley smiled encouragingly. “Should you like to take another short walk? I am sure that you will feel even better thereafter. Mayhap we might ask your mother to accompany us out of doors? The French doors are open and the evening is pleasant enough for us to step outside without becoming chilled, I am sure.”
Almeria took in a deep breath, considering the idea, but then choosing to remain indoors.
“It is a kind suggestion, but I am due to dance very soon. I do not think I should stray too far away, for fear that he will come looking for me and will find me absent.” She managed a quiet laugh. “And what ifheis the one who has been sending me bouquets? I should appear very rude indeed, should I not? And perhaps then I might lose his gifts and his consideration for good!”
Smiling, Miss Madeley tilted her head, looking at her.
“And who are you to dance with?”
Quickly, Almeria checked her dance card.
“It is with Lord Jefferies.” She shook her head as Miss Madeley smiled. “He is not the best of dancers. Mayhap I should hope it isnothe who has sent me the flowers.”
“No, he is not.”
Miss Madeley chuckled softly, but Almeria only managed a slight smile, her laugher choked away by her ongoing concern. Seeing her friend’s lifted eyebrow, she spread her hands.
“I had not expected this. I did not think I would feel such great anxiety once I had asked Lady Yardley to write about this in the ‘The London Ledger’. I believe I considered that quite the opposite would happen.”
“You thought you would feel a good deal more at ease.”
Almeria nodded.
“Mayhap that was foolish, but that was my expectation. Now, however, I find my anxiety has risen to such a great level that I can barely contain myself.”
Miss Madeley put a comforting hand on Almeria’s arm, her eyes shining with evident sympathy.
“I understand. There was no need for you to be nervous beforehand, for you had no knowledge of when he would choose to reveal himself to you. Now, however, you are in eager expectation of the gentleman, waiting for him to reveal himself to you very soon, and I can imagine that the wait is not a pleasant one.” She shrugged. “After all, what if he is a disgraceful fellow? What if he is unkind? Or worst of all, what if he is ugly?!”
The latter suggestion was so surprising, Almeria could not help but laugh and as she did so, some of her worry flew away with the sound. Catching her breath, she shook her head, still smiling and seeing Miss Madeley grin.
“That would be a very great concern indeed, I am sure. I certainly wouldnotbe able to consider him.”
Miss Madeley chuckled.
“For we all know that you must fall in love with a very handsome gentleman indeed.” Her eyebrow lifted. “Lord Coppinger is a handsome fellow, I think. Thank you for introducing me last evening.”
Instantly the smile on Almeria’s face faded.
“Yes, I suppose he is.”
It came as a twist to her stomach to hear her friend say such a thing about Lord Coppinger, which was even more strange.
“I do not think that you like me saying such a thing as that.” Clearly observant, Miss Madeley twisted her head, speaking quite plainly. “Is it because you are concerned that I would not be a good match for him?” Almeria swallowed hard, instantly picturing Miss Madeley and Lord Coppinger standing up together at the front of the church while she sat in the pews, watching them. A cold bead of sweat trickled down her back. “Goodness, you need not look so upset at the thought!” Miss Madeley laughed and squeezed Almeria’s hand, who quickly flushed with embarrassment. “I have no intention of pursuing him if that is what you are worried about. It does not stop me from thinking him handsome, however.”
Silently praying that she could smile, Almeria waited for a moment, but the expression would not come. Seeing Miss Madeley’s questioning look, she shook her head.
“He is my dear friend,” she said by way of explanation. “I am simply concerned that he will not find the very best partner for himself, and thus be miserable… though that is not to say that I do not think you suitable. Of course you are.”
Speaking hastily, she dropped her head with a groan as Miss Madeley chuckled.
“I am glad you think so.” She tilted her head. “I have heard that he has been seen stepping out with Miss Tennant. Do you thinkhersuitable?”
