Page 2 of The Best of Friends
“Mother and Fatherwereimpressed that I spent a bit of time with Charlie Jonquil in Bath,” Tobias said, his eyes narrowing in thought. “I think they were hoping I might become one of his particular friends, he being the son and brother of an earl.”
“And I am closely connected to him now that he is married to Artemis,” Daria said.
Artemis Jonquil was the creator of Daria’s group of friends known to all of Society as the Huntresses. Artemis was quite well connected in her own right, being sister-in-law to an earl as well as to the most powerful and influential man in the kingdom: the infamous Duke of Kielder.
Daria’s connection to Artemis had not been beneficial enough to outweigh the burden, social and financial, of a daughter with no prospects undertaking a fourth Season.
“What if,” Tobias said in conspiratorial tones, “we convince our parents that I could not hope to build a connection with the husband of your dear friend and his group of close-knit gentlemen without you to facilitate the connection?”
An interesting thought. “They would be more likely to allow me to make the journey to London if they thoughtyoustood to benefit.”
Tobias stopped their forward movement along the garden path and turned to face her. “We tell our parents that you will be able to facilitate my entry into the social circle of Charlie and Artemis Jonquil if they permit you to take part in the Season.”
“That could be accomplished in a fortnight.” Daria shook her head. “They’d likely send me home after that.”
“Arranging a journey back to Yorkshire for only you would likely seem an unwarranted inconvenience in their minds.” His lips pressed together, and his eyes narrowed. “They go to great lengths to avoid inconvenience. I am convinced that if we can only get you to London, you will be permitted to remain as long as they do.”
“And as long asyoudo,” she pressed. “I could not imagine London without you.”
His smile had been such a balm to her over the years. It was again now. “I think this plan will work. Your presence will allow me to interact with those in the Huntresses’ sphere, and it will be the easiest thing to convince our parents of how beneficial that would be for my future, which they repeatedly tell me is important to them.”
His future was important to her as well. She wanted him to be happy, to build a wonderful life. He deserved that more than almost anyone she knew.
“Will you make me a promise, Tobias?”
He nodded.
“If our parents still don’t permit me to go to London despite our efforts, you have to promise you will go for the Season without me.”
“Daria—”
“One of us has to have a chance at happiness,” she continued before he could protest further. “You missing out on that opportunity because I didn’t make a match in the three Seasons I was given to attempt it would not improve anything. It certainly wouldn’t make me feel any better should I be left behind.”
“You ought to be permitted a fourth Season. Our parents are being unfair.” He spoke with firmness, defending her as he always had.
“You have to promise,” she insisted again. “I cannot move forward with any of this if you don’t solemnly swear to me that you will go to London regardless of their decision.”
“I promise, Daria,” he said. “But I also do not think it will come to that. We will convince them, and you will have your Season.”
“What forfeit are you willing to place on that declaration?”
Tobias laughed. “We are to undertake another wager, are we?”
“We’ve done so all our lives. There seems little point changing that now.” They’d indulged in some rather ridiculous bets over the years. It had helped them weather difficult storms. Perhaps it would help them endure this one.
“If our parents agree to allow you to journey to London, you will have to let me buy you a ribbon for your hair in whatever color I choose, and you will have to wear it at a gathering also of my choosing.”
She tightened her arm more snugly around his. “Agreed.”
“And what is your required forfeit if I am proven wrong?”
“I have already told you. If I am left behind, you will have to go without me.”
Their steps took them back to the house. Tobias eyed the structure with a hint of uncertainty that must have been in her expression as well.
“Shall we toss ourselves into the fray once more?” Tobias asked.
“The fray will find us either way, I suspect.”
