Page 3 of The Best of Friends
The usual nervousness tugged at her as they walked inside to speak to their parents. Facing themwith Tobiashad seen Daria through a lifetime of being unimportant and insignificant. Her brother loved her and liked her and cared about her happiness. She tried very hard not to think about what life would be like once he was married and gone.
Mother and Father were in the small sitting room, where they passed most every day, Mother with her needlepoint and Father with a newspaper.
“Do you suspect the Duke of Kielder will be in Town for the Season?” Tobias didn’t bother toslowlyintroduce the topic. Daria hoped that wasn’t a misstep.
“He doesn’t neglect his duties in Parliament,” Father said, looking up at his son. “And the duchess and her sisters and sister-in-law are sought-after guests and hostesses in Society. I suspect the entire family will be in London for at least part of the social whirl.”
Tobias and Daria sat in adjacent chairs, facing their parents. To her, Tobias said, “I’m certain the youngest of the duchess’s sisters will be in Town.”
“Artemis never misses the Season,” Daria confirmed.
“And her husband’s family will, no doubt, be in London as well.” Tobias did a fine job of making his conjecture sound like a randomly seized thought.
Daria nodded. “And many of her husband’s close friends.”
“Do you think—” Tobias stopped himself short. “I would consider it an honor to meet both of their families and Mr. Jonquil’s friends. They are all such significant members of theton.Meeting them would...” He shook his head as if unable to finish the thought.
While she hadn’t her brother’s ability to enact complicated plans or navigate tricky waters, she had gained some confidence through her association with Artemis. She at least didn’t fall to pieces any longer. “I cannot extend any invitations on their behalf, but I could introduce you to those I know because of Artemis and Charlie.”
“Tobias already knows them both from our sojourn in Bath.” Father employed his usual tone of strained patience. “He has no need of your introductions.”
They’d not thought of that. The all-important first introductions had been undertaken in Bath. What were they to do now to convince her parents?
Tobias was quick to adjust the approach. “Bowing acquaintances are seldom invited to more exclusive gatherings nor eagerly introduced to others in the acquaintance’s sphere. I had hoped to make greater inroads this Season.” He allowed a small sigh tinged with disappointment.
Mother watched him with concern. “For my part, I cannot understand why the important gentlemen of your age have not eagerly pulled you into their friendships. How could they not wish for you to be part of their circle?”
Three years earlier, her parents had expressed shock when Artemis Lancaster—as she’d been then—had befriended Daria. Father and Mother had debated for weeks whether it had been an act of pity or a joke that would eventually result in Daria’s humiliation. They had a better opinion of Tobias, which might prove exactly what was needed at that moment.
“I think, if I had the chance to spend more time with the gentlemen in the Jonquils’ and Lancasters’ spheres, I would be granted space in those circles. But how am I to claim that chance?”
Oh, he was brilliant. She had so often wished she were as clever and quick as he—as almost anyone, really. If she were, she might manage a tactic other than ignoring her parents’ more pointed commentary.
Father turned a stern gaze on Daria. “You spend time in those circles. Surely you must know how to gain Tobias entry.”
It was not a demand she’d been expecting. She wasn’t certain how to answer.
“Would there be objections if I accompanied you to some of the gatherings the Huntresses are part of?” Tobias asked her.
As quickly as that, she had the thread once more. “You did so in Bath and could certainly do so again, and as often as is needed until you carve out your own place.”
“I would be grateful to you,” Tobias said.
Mother set aside her needlepoint. “Daria, you must include him in every gathering you possibly can. You mustn’t be selfish in this matter.”
“But I’m not going—”
Tobias spoke over her. “This Season will be a turning point for me, I am certain.” He tossed Daria a quick look of warning, which she felt certain was meant to prevent her from mentioning, as she had been about to, the fact that she was not meant to participate in the Season.
“We will expect a regular reporting,” Father said.
“I vow to keep you abreast,” Tobias said. “I daresay, by the end of our time in Town, I will have laid claim to a great many very beneficial connections.”
He’d planted in their parents’ minds the need for Daria to remain in London throughout the family’s time there. Tobias truly was brilliant.
“If Daria keeps to those gatherings her friends are at and we do not put her forward, then her being unwed still and with no prospects might not be the gossip fodder it would be otherwise. But she will have to be very circumspect during this final Season.” Mother retook her sewing. “Ending her days in London by helping her brother is a fine thing.”
This final Season.
