Page 57 of The Best of Friends
“Oh, he paid her attention, to be certain. But it was not toward him that her eyes continually turned.” Mater patted his hand, a gesture he remembered his own mother employing. “Her gaze was on you every bit as often yesterday at Falstone House as yours were on her, perhaps even more often. Do not abandon your hopes so readily. She sees you as a dear and beloved friend, but that does not mean she sees youonlyin that light. In fact, I am certain her feelings fall far closer to yours than you now believe.”
“You will raise my hopes to dangerous heights, Mater.” Contradictory emotions welled up inside. He felt himself on a precipice, not knowing how to move forward.
“Charlie’s father used to say that love is always a risk, but for the right person it is a risk worth taking.”
Toss breathed through the nervousness that he felt. “I don’t want to lose her friendship. It has come to mean everything to me. The thought of not having her in my life anymore, even if only as a friend, is more than I can bear.”
Mater squeezed his hand. “My dear boy, I would not have arranged this if I harbored the least doubt that this nudge is precisely what the two of you need.”
Arrangedwhat? This conversation? He suspected there was more to it.
“What is the rest of this arrangement?”
“You and I are taking Daria for a ride in Hyde Park, and, on the way, I will be decidedly distracted by a great many things while the two of you sort out a great many more.”
“I’m meant to make a declaration of affection with a witness present?”
“Unfortunately, the rules of Society mean many couple’s tender moments occur with other people around. You could not ride alone with Daria in a carriage, regardless, and I suspect you would be even more uncomfortable with your declaration overheard by a maid or Daria’s brother or, worse yet, either of Daria’s parents.”
There was a tremendous amount of truth in that.
“While I know you are often able to find quiet moments when your friends are together, I also know that, as much as I adore my Charlie, should he stumble upon an affectionate interaction between you and Daria . . .” Mater shook her head. “It is abundantly clear to me that the two of you need a chance to sort all of this out. You are unlikely to accomplish that without a bit of much-needed distance from her parents, your brother, and, for completely different reasons, your friends.”
Again, all very true.
The landau pulled up in front of the Mullins’s London home. A nervous excitement built in Toss’s chest.
“How have you arranged this bit?” he asked. “Am I meant to fetch her?”
“Her brother agreed to watch for our arrival and accompany Daria to the carriage. That way, we will avoid the difficulty of interacting with Mr. and Mrs. Mullins.”
“Wise,” Toss said.
“I know.” She wore a satisfied smile, testament to the fact that she did, in fact, know that the arrangement was a good one while also recognizing the humor in being so obviously self-confident.
Before Toss could so much as take another breath, the door opened and Tobias emerged with Daria on his arm, walking with her toward the carriage. Seeing her was usually the very best part of any day in which he was granted the privilege of her company, but knowing the coming interlude would likely change everything about their connection, he was anxious.
“Steady on, Toss,” Mater whispered. “You have courage enough for this.”
I have courage enough.And hewouldrather if he had a chance of securing Daria’s affection, if perhaps he actually already had, than to go on in such heart-twisting uncertainty.
Daria was soon situated, seated beside Mater as propriety insisted. Tobias offered Mater his gratitude for granting Daria an excursion. He gave Toss a nod of acknowledgement.
“Enjoy yourself, Daria,” Tobias said. “And enjoy your reprieve from our parents.”
She smiled back at him, “Oh, I will.”
Tobias returned to the house as the carriage was set in motion.
“I have instructed the coachman to make his way to Hyde Park by an exaggeratedly circuitous route,” Mater said. “You’ve a bit of time before we will be interrupted by others attending the fashionable hour.” With that, she produced a small book from her accommodatingly sized reticule and began reading.
Daria looked at him, confused. Her pulled brow spoke of worry.
Toss could not in good conscience hesitate to begin. “Mater has kindly arranged this outing so that you and I could have some time together free of my brother and your parents.”
“Oh.” Daria’s face brightened with relief.
Toss leaned closer so she could hear him without having to speak too loudly.
