Page 4 of Romancing A Wallflower
“Good evening, Lady Avalon. Ladies.” Effortlessly, he gave an elegant leg.
“Lord Harlow, a very good evening to you.” Curtsying, the five women responded in unison, their turbaned heads covered in feathers and jewels that threatened to tip them over when they curtsied. Lady Avalon nodded, giving a practised smile and stepped forward, giving him her full attention.
Good God! The group of anxious mothers converged behind her, making him feel as one might if a piece of cooked mutton with forks poised to partake. He was no longer sure he wanted to meet anyone.
“I trust that you ladies are enjoying yourselves,” he began, willing calmness to descend upon them.
“Truly, we are, my lord. And you? Are you enjoying yourself, as well, Lord Harlow?” Pointedly, Lady Avalon looked from him to her daughter on the dance floor. Smiling tightly, she invited him to follow her gaze. She seemed determined to bring her daughter to his notice, and he chided himself for what felt like a lapse in his own judgement. He should excuse himself now—hewantedto excuse himself. Unfortunately, the only way to meet Lilian was through her mother, at least for the moment.
“I am, indeed.” He nodded and tossed a smile in the ladies’ direction. “I wonder, Lady Avalon, if you would find it unseemly in me to ask for an introduction to your daughter? It occurred to me that I have never had the pleasure.”
She smiled demurely, straining to look casually to her daughter on the dance floor.
“Certainly, Lord Harlow.” She moved towards him, fairly gushing. “Your timing is impeccable. This dance is ending, although I feel certain she would enjoy your company…”
“Please.” He held up his hand imploringly. “I apologize for the interruption, but you misunderstand, my lady. I am referring to yourotherdaughter.” He turned and nodded towards Lilian. She was still sitting with the other wallflowers, across the room from the dance floor, where her sister was just completing the final steps of a Cotillion, and away from the musical entertainment. Without reason, it pricked at his heart to see the young lady wearing a look of boredom and staring aimlessly at the dancers moving in front of her.
Startled, her mother glanced hesitantly in Lilian’s direction and back to him, in a clear moment of bewilderment, before smoothly responding.
“Yes, of course, Lord Harlow. Please follow me.” The two approached the row of wallflowers. Her daughter’s bored countenance was fixed on the door to the veranda, and she did not notice their approach.
“Lilian…” Lady Avalon leaned forward and gently touched her daughter’s shoulder, gaining her attention.
“Oh, Mama, please forgive my impertinence. I did not see you.”
The Countess smiled broadly at her daughter. “My dear, please allow me to make known to you Lord Harlow, an associate of your father’s.”
Harlow noticed a sudden change in the older woman’s eyes, as if recognition dawned as she spoke.
“You must remember Lord Harlow. He was the gentleman who rescued you a year ago and returned you to us after your fall,” she continued smoothly without waiting for Lilian’s response. “Lord Harlow, please allow me to introduce my beautiful daughter, Lady Lilian DeLacey.
Harlow winced, comprehending the flicker of pain which crossed Lilian’s face at the mention of the accident. Nevertheless, he mused, from a wholly selfish point of view it gave him leave to ask questions of the accident and for that he was grateful.
He flashed a warm smile at her anxious face and bowed gallantly. “Lady Lilian, I thought I recognized you and your sister when I arrived. Two such beauties always light up a room.”
She nodded at his words, her expression one of torment.
I understand that emotion, he thought to himself. “This chair would appear not to be taken. I wonder if you would mind if I sat next to you for a few moments?” He struggled to order his thoughts as he spoke. He did not want to embarrass her by asking her to dance or take a turn when she had obviously gone to some lengths to avoid her wheel-chair. He wanted to become acquainted with her, but he knew he must be cautious. It was a dilemma indeed.
“Lord Harlow, I am most pleased to make your acquaintance,” she responded tentatively, her voice low. “However, the seats are all…” She broke off, looking from side to side, and appeared, for the first time, to notice the two vacant seats to her right. A glimmer of amusement lit up her eyes. “The seats do appear to be empty,” she finished, with a slight smile and touched the unoccupied seat.
Harlow permitted himself a slight smile. He had observed two young women vacating their seats and walking in the direction of the supper room a few minutes before. Lady Lilian had been looking in the opposite direction at the time. The ladies had still not returned. Perhaps they were on the dance floor. However, that might be, it was fortuitous for him. They could have a short conversation.I will make it be enough.
“Surely your kindness may indulge me, if only for a few moments?” he coaxed, his blue eyes twinkling.
“Well, if that is settled, I will leave you two to talk.” Lady Avalon glanced at her daughter and displayed a hopeful smile before returning to her friends.
“Lady Lilian, I had hoped, one day, to meet you formally. You should know I have inquired of your health several times.” He kept his own voice low. “I would, however, with your permission, like to ask you a question.”
She nervously glanced towards her chair. “That is kind, Lord Harlow, but…”
Sensing her embarrassment, he quickly added, “I wondered if I might call on you tomorrow and take you for a drive.”
“Lord Harlow, I…” Lilian flushed and glanced away for a moment. “You are most generous, my lord…”
Her eyes spoke of intelligence. “Lady Lilian, if you are worried about your wheel-chair, I have seen it and that matters not to me. Your company is what matters.” He smiled broadly. “If you are amenable to my attentions, I will call on you tomorrow morning and take you for a drive about the park.” He did not want to be turned down. For some inexplicable reason, he felt drawn to the girl. Over the past year, her broken image had sporadically flooded his mind for no obvious reason. To see her seated among the wallflowers, as if on the row of shame, unnerved him.
“I…yes, I would be honoured, my lord.” A look of relief flashed across her face, ahead of a speculative smile.
