Neil’s mouth fell open behind his son, but he recovered quickly. Albert, however, was caught completely off guard. Young Henry was certainly smitten with Miss Elwood. What surprised Albert was the tiniest twinge of jealousy he felt as the child sweetly admired the young lady. It was just a young boy, after all. And it wasn’t as if Albert had any feelings for her. Did he?
Albert didn’t dare to speak, but he glanced at Miss Elwood. Her cheeks flushed deep crimson, and it was clear that she was trying to think of a response for the child.
Miss Elwood eventually shook her head, giving the boy one of the sweetest smiles Albert had ever seen.
“I’m afraid that I’m not a princess,” she said, shrugging sheepishly. “I do hope that’s not a disappointment to you.”
Albert held his breath, as did Neil. The child beamed at her, shaking his head.
“Oh, no,” he said. “It’s just that your dress is gold, and you’re really pretty. And, well, I thought you must be a princess.”
Miss Elwood giggled, shaking her head again. She glanced at Albert once more, and he thought his heart would stop. How did her eyes get prettier every time he looked into them?
“Well thank you,” she said. “I thought you might be a prince who was seeking a princess.”
It was the boy’s turn to blush. He scuffed his boot on the ground and looked down, suddenly bashful. He shook his head, but he didn’t say anything more.
Neil cleared his throat then, and Albert realized he had yet to make any introductions. Blushing redder than Miss Elwood and Henry combined, he stepped toward Miss Elwood, gesturing toward Neil.
“Please, forgive my manners,” he said. “Miss Elwood, this is my oldest friend, Neil Smith. And this is his son, Henry.”
Neil bowed elegantly, smiling warmly at Miss Elwood before giving Albert an impish gleam.
“I dare say my dear friend knows how to insult people,” he said, wagging his eyebrows. “That is why I am not only his longest lasting friend, but his only friend.”
The emphasis on ‘longest lasting’ made Miss Elwood laugh, even as she curtseyed.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Smith,” she said.
Neil turned another warm smile on her and dipped his head, removing his hat.
“Likewise, dear Miss Elwood,” he said in his kind fashion.
Albert, meanwhile, gave Neil a harsh look.
“Neil is quite the comedian,” he said. “If he’s my only friend, then he is wifeless.”
Neil laughed heartily, causing Albert to nearly lose his fake sincere façade.
“What Albert doesn’t know is that Rachel merely pities him,” he said. “She really thinks he’s a bit too blond.”
Miss Elwood laughed again, and Albert shivered at the sound. He was amazed at how delighted the sound made him feel each time he heard it. He would have let Neil tease him all day, if it made Miss Elwood keep laughing so sweetly.
“And what Neil doesn’t know is that Rachel settled for him,” Albert quipped.
Miss Elwood looked ready to collapse with laughter. Young Henry decided to join in, jumping between the adults and looking at his father with playful disdain.
“Don’t tease Lord Billington,” he said. “Especially not in front of a lady.”
At this, Miss Elwood hid a smile behind her hand, but her eyes were positively sparkling.
“It’s quite all right,” she said. “This is great fun.”
Neil bowed comically, grinning at Miss Elwood as he did so.
“Thank you, milady,” he said humorously.
Albert shook his head, though he could see that the day was already off to a good start. Miss Elwood was having a good time, and Albert had briefly forgotten all about the scandal sheets. He was preparing to ask to escort Miss Elwood to the picnic, but Henry intercepted him.
