Constance smiled gently.
“And while that is kind, it does not offer me any particular solution, though I am grateful to you for your suggestion.”
“Then why do you not use ‘The London Ledger’?”
At this, Constance frowned.
“How could I use ‘The London Ledger’ to my advantage?”
Thinking of the publication that Lady Yardley prepared and then published for society’s enjoyment during the London Season, Constance waited for Lady Winterbrook to explain her idea a little more. It took some moments – for Lady Winterbrook was clearly thinking it through before she spoke.
“It could be used to search for a gentleman who might be as eager to make a match of love and affection, such as you are.” Lady Winterbrook lifted both shoulders as Constance’s frown grew. “It is difficult to ascertain such things through only introduction and acquaintance, of course, but to do it this way will make things a good deal easier for you, I am sure. For if a gentleman is unwilling to allow his heart to feel such things – though such things, very often, can capture him regardless – then would it not be best to know of it in advance of furthering your acquaintance? Therefore, you could concentrate your efforts on those who might respond with positive interest in a match of love.” She smiled as Constance bit her lip. “It is certainly not the most conventional method to seek out a husband, and I will admit that it may cause some difficulties, but given that you have restricted time, perhaps this would not be so unwise a consideration.”
Constance shook her head.
“I do not think that such a thing would work,” she stated plainly, only to see her friend’s crestfallen expression. She quickly forced a smile. “I shall consider it, however.”
With a smile that did not quite touch every part of her eyes, Lady Winterbrook nodded.
“That is something, at least,” she said softly. “Come now, we should not stand alone in this corner conversing for too long. I am sure my husband will be in search of me soon and I am sure that Lady Yardley would like to speak with you also. Have you spoken with her yet this Season?”
“No, not as yet.”
Her heart filled with a sudden hope, for speaking to Lady Yardley was certain to calm her fears a little. The lady was very calm and considered, and would perhaps offer her some other advice, save from using ‘The London Ledger’.
“Then come, let me take you to her.”
They walked together only a few steps, beginning to cross the room, only for a gentleman to come to stand in front of them, stopping them both.
“Good evening.”
He was looking at Constance with an expression and a smile that suggested she was already acquainted with him, but as Constance searched her mind, she could not recall his name, nor why they might have been already acquainted.
“Good evening.”
She forced a quick smile then dropped a curtsey, glancing at Lady Winterbrook in the hope that her friend might already be aware of this fellow. To her dismay, Lady Winterbrook’s expression did not inspire any sort of confidence in that regard.
“And how are you this evening?”
His smile grew a little wider, with a softness about his eyes, and Constance found herself looking back into his face, her thoughts becoming a little more panicked as she fought to recall him.
“I am well, I thank you.”
The gentleman chuckled softly, tilting his head to one side.
“And none the worse for ouralmostaltercation?”
He asked the question with a grin, as she suddenly remembered exactly who he was and how they had been acquainted. Relief pooled in her stomach, and she relaxed her shoulders, glad now to recognize his face.
“No, indeed, none whatsoever, especially given that there was no altercation to speak of!”
Laughing, he looked to Lady Winterbrook and fresh panic wound its way through Constance’s veins. No doubt he would soon ask or expect to be introduced to Lady Winterbrook and, try as she might, while she could remember him speaking his title, she could recall a word of what he had said. Yes, they had spoken on the street together, but she had been so distracted by what her father had told her, she had not paid great attention to what had been said and had deliberately rolled her eyes at her mother when she had made some remark about him.
He has a high title, I am sure.
Her brow furrowed. Why had she not paid more attention? She had been deeply frustrated with her mother for making such a scene when there had been very little to become upset about in the first place, then he had apologized and, after some more complaints from her mother, she had then asked for his title.
What was it?
