“Because it is quite true,” she said, wondering why she was speaking so truthfully to this gentleman whom she did not know in the least. “My parents have decided that I must be a wallflower – a fact which you already know. In case you are unaware, however, a wallflower is usually ignored and forgotten and that is what is happening to me at present, despite the fact that I have done nothing wrong. Although,” she continued, recalling all that Miss Bosworth had stated, and how they had walked through the ballroom as though they were just as any other young lady present, “I am attempting not to let that harmme. I am doing my best to prove to society that I will not let them ignore me.”
“That is good.” Lord Yeatman made to say more, only to seem to think better of it as he shook his head. “I should take my leave of you now, Miss Fairley. I do not want to damage your reputation.”
She looked back at him.
“You are very considerate. Do you not wish to go and speak with others?” Gesturing to the large group of people around them, she lifted one shoulder. “I am sure that there will be many ladies and gentlemen who would wish to be in your company, Lord Yeatman.”
“As I have said, I am not always inclined towards company,” came the reply as he winced. “I am afraid that it is not something that I always seek out, though I did come here this afternoon so that I might find myself a little happier rather than being unimpressed by my own company!” With a quiet laugh, he inclined his head and then tipped his hat. “Good afternoon, Miss Fairley. I look forward to continuing our conversation this evening.”
Emma watched him go, surprised at just how much happier she now felt, after only the smallest of conversations with the gentleman. It was not as though all of her worries and upset had evaporated, simply by being in his company, but it was the kindness of his words and the gentleness of his expression which had soothed her pain a little. Considering him as he walked away, Emma took in his broad shoulders and long back, seeing how he kept his head high as he walked. It was rather surprising to her that such a gentleman was disinclined towards company and, indeed, she had not been sure that he had been speaking the truth, but now, as she let her thoughts turn to him again, and all they had shared, Emma found herself trusting every word.
“I shall have someone to speak with this evening,” she murmured to herself, clasping her hands behind her back, and beginning to make her way back to her parents. “That is a good thing.”
Even though the pain of her mother and father’s disinterest continued to linger, Emma did not feel the same heaviness there any longer. This evening, shewouldgo to dinner along with her mother, father, and sister and shewouldhave someone eager to speak with her. Acknowledging that, a smile came to her face and, even though her parents barely glanced at her, Emma kept her chin lifted and the smile pinned to her face.
There wassomejoy in this moment, and she would take hold of it with everything she had. After all, she was meant to be trying to force society to take notice of her, was meant to be pushing aside the title of wallflower which thetonhad decided to attach to her, and this evening would be one way for her to do that.
Chapter Eight
Lord Pleasance shook Frederick’s hand firmly.
“Thank you again for the introduction to the younger Miss Fairley this afternoon, my friend.”
“But of course,” Frederick replied with a smile as Lady Pleasance nodded in agreement. “I am glad that she is able to attend now, with her family.”
“As am I. I did not even know that she existed!” Lady Pleasance said as she glanced at her husband. “It was rather odd that she was not introduced, and that her parents did not make mention of her.”
Lord Pleasance’s expression grew dark for a moment.
“I have been considering that, my dear, and it seems to me that her parents were quite contented to leave her presence unknown, which I do not like.”
Frederick winced, his thoughts much in agreement.
“Yes, I would agree that this was what they intended to do. You may not know this, but the younger Miss Fairley has been pushed into being a wallflower.” Keeping his voice low, he glanced around the room, not wanting any of the other guests to overhear him. “I will not go into details, but needless to say, sheis rather distressed that such a thing has taken place. I believe that this incident upset her further.”
“Then I am all the more grateful to you for your introduction to the lady,” Lady Pleasance exclaimed, though she closed her eyes for a moment and thereafter, kept her voice a little lower. “How dreadful that one’s parents would deliberately ignore one. I cannot imagine the pain.”
“There does not seem to be any reason for her to be a wallflower,” Lord Pleasance remarked, rubbing one hand over his chin. “Unless there is some scandal which we are unaware of?”
Frederick shook his head.
“I do not think that there is.” Remembering the deep pain which had evidenced itself both in her eyes and in her expression, which had caught at him, he frowned. “She stated that she had done nothing wrong.”
“Many a young lady could say that, though I am only playing the devil’s advocate with my statements,” Lady Pleasance said, quietly. “I am much more inclined to believe the lady’s words, given how much she has endured.”
Smiling briefly, Frederick spread out his hands on either side.
“I am sure that we would have heard of a scandal, had there been something significant. What she said to me – speaking rather truthfully, I might add – was that her parents had decided that she was to be a wallflower. That does not speak of scandal.”
“It might not be a scandal, but it might be something significant,” Lady Pleasance said, frowning, “and it might explain why she has been ignored by her parents. Though,” she continued, looking at her husband, “now that I have said it, I am sure that something would have been said before now. I am not one inclined towards listening to gossip, though it comes tome regardless! I am sure that I would have heard something by now.”
Frederick nodded quickly.
“I shall discover the truth,” he found himself saying. “I did say to Miss Fairley that I would look forward to continuing our conversation this evening.”
“I should like to be her ally,” Lady Pleasance said, reaching out one hand to catch Frederick so that he could not leave without hearing her. “The questions and suggestions I have spoken just now are only intended to challenge our thinking, though I do very much hope that there is nothing untoward there.”
“I quite understand and, of course, should she give me permission, then I shall be glad to tell you,” Frederick promised. “But I shall go and find the lady now and take my opportunity to speak with her.”
