“Are you quite all right?”
Joy blinked in surprise.
“I–”
“Forgive me for interrupting you, I ought not to have done so. Indeed, I am sure that I should not even bespeakingwith you, since we are not introduced but, given that I am not one of the titled gentry, perhaps the requirement does not apply.”
“It is not usual to speak so to a lady, particularly when one has not been introduced, but I myself am not always entirely eager to stay close to all that propriety demands!” Joy found herself smiling, taking in the man’s somewhat eager expression. There were hints of grey running through his hair, but his eyes were kind and Joy warmed to him immediately. “I am well, I thank you.”
“That is good.” He gestured to the path. “Are you walking this way?”
“I am. My mother is a little ahead of me.”
“Then might I walk with you? I confess that I do not know very many people here in London, and I have only just now passed a distant cousin of mine, but she did not wish to speak to me.”
“Oh?” Joy frowned, silently wondering if there was something about this gentleman that she ought to be wary of. “And why is that?”
The man smiled, his eyes twinkling.
“She was walking alongside a gentleman – her secret beau, from what she whispered to me, and thus you find me quite alone! I would be glad of a little company.”
On hearing this, Joy did not have even the smallest hesitation.
“But of course. Might I enquire as to your name?”
The man nodded, a small flush creeping up his neck.
“Of course, forgive me. I am Mr. Simon Brackwell.”
“How very good to make your acquaintance,” Joy answered, as she began to walk down the path with Mr. Brackwell beside her. “I am Miss Joy Bosworth. My father is Viscount Halifax though my mother is with me in London at present.”
“I am glad to meet you. I thought to take a walk through the park on my way to return to my lodgings.”
“Do you live in London?”
The gentleman shook his head.
“No, my estate – small though it is – is in the north of the country. My mother resides there at present, and my sister, who is married and settled, lives nearby with her husband. They are all very contented I believe, though it is I who must make my way to London to do business and thus, miss the beautiful spring days that are to be had in the countryside!”
“Ah, but London has a great many enjoyable occasions and the like,” Joy countered, wincing a little as she spoke, knowing full well that she had nothing else good to say about London society, given how it had treated her thus far. “You must attend a ball or some such thing and that, I am sure, will help you forget about what you are missing back at your estate.”
Mr. Brackwell chuckled, his hands held behind his back as they walked.
“Perhaps I shall, though quite how I am to be invited, I cannot say!”
Joy smiled at him.
“I will find one or two acquaintances to introduce you to and then, you will simplyhaveto be invited,” she said, quickly trying to think about who it was she might introduce Mr. Brackwell to. It ought to be someone who would not think less of him simply because he held no title, someone who had kindness and consideration within them. “Though I will admit that my acquaintances are few and far between, given that society deems me to be a wallflower and nothing more.”
“Oh?” Mr. Brackwell frowned. “I do not see how that could be fair.”
“It is not.” Biting her tongue, Joy held herself back from speaking any further on the subject, aware she ought not to allow herself to linger on the matter. “However, I am afraid, therefore, that my connections are rather few. I may not be the ideal person to introduce you to others, but I shall do my best!” To her mind came none other than Lord Yarmouth and she smiled suddenly, looking up at Mr. Brackwell. “Wait a moment, I recall one gentleman to whom I should introduce you! He has been most kind and has not treated me, or my friends, as wallflowers, as every other gentleman and lady has done.” Mr. Brackwell nodded at her, his eyes alive with a sudden interest. “He is Viscount Yarmouth,” Joy continued, quickly. “I do not know him particularly well, but I would say that he is a very kind, considerate fellow who would be more than glad to speak with you.”
Much to her surprise, Mr. Brackwell laughed aloud, catching her mother’s attention. Lady Halifax turned around sharply and quickly began to stride back towards Joy, clearly now concerned that this gentleman was behaving in an untoward manner.
“I must say, he will be glad to know that you think so highly of him.” Putting out both hands, Mr. Brackwell then let them fall as he smiled. “Lord Yarmouth is my cousin.”
Astonished, Joy’s mouth fell open, only for her mother to reach her and, grasping her hand, gave her a gentle tug back. She did not take even the smallest bit of her attention away from Mr. Brackwell, however.
