William leaned back against the wall, half closing his eyes as he thought about the woman who had cut up his peace so completely.
“How simple and how complex that question is! I have known her since we were children, but we were so young when she married, and everyone told me it was nothing but calf love, so I forced myself to think of her only as a friend and fellow enthusiast for science and history.”
“And you achieved that?”
William smiled ruefully. “I managed to convince myself that my regard for her was not romantic in nature. It is her intelligence that has always captivated me. She asks such difficult, insightful questions at every lecture we attend, and always seems so genuinely fascinated by the subject at hand. When she went into half-mourning, I escorted her to a lecture about Egyptian death rituals. I think that was when I realized I was captivated.”
“With the subject or the companion?”
“Both,” he replied, laughing. “We had a fierce argument over the ritual significance of mummifying animals, and I was lost to her. It is not just her intellect, though. She has a way of putting one at ease in her company, of making one feel as though they are as important to her as a king. She laughs so easily, and just being in her presence can take even the most insipid of events and render them delightful. Have you seen her dance? But you must have. She is graceful and poised, and yet her enjoyment is evident.”
“And she is beautiful, non?”
William grinned. “Yes, and always fashionable with never a hair out of place. That is not why I love her, Louis. Almost every woman in my acquaintance can be described as beautiful and elegant. It is the quickness of her mind and the goodness of her heart that render her a nonpareil. If you told me I would have none but Amy to talk to for the rest of my life, I would consider myself the luckiest man alive.”
Louis didn’t answer straight away. William turned to face his friend, whose expression, while pleasant, was otherwise unreadable.
“Have you thought to tell her everything you have just told me?” he asked eventually.
William let out a bark of laughter.
“Lord, no! What do you propose I say to her: Hello, Amy, I love that you can discuss dead Egyptians in a friendly manner and understand the scientific lectures you attend, so I’d like to marry you’? I thought the French were supposed to be masters at flirtation!”
“Trust me, mon ami, tell her you love her mind and spirit, and that you wish to court her through scientific lectures and enjoyable evenings at Vauxhall. I predict she will be charmed.”
William crossed his arms over his chest. “And when have you ever used a lecture as a method of courtship?”
Louis shrugged. “I have never tried to court Madame du Fellowes.”
“Only flirt with her.”
“But I flirt with every woman I meet, except for Madame du Jersey, who terrifies me.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “And Madame Lade, although she is tres amusant.”
“It is good to know that even you can be scared by the idea of flirtation,” sighed William. “Unfortunately, I’m scared of flirtation with any woman, even one I love.”
Louis patted him on the shoulder in commiseration. “Do not give up yet, William. Our friends will bring Madam Fellowes to you very soon, and from experience, I can promise that being yourself is all that is needed.”
He rolled his eyes. “That’s easy to say when you’re the Chevalier D’Arras and not William Haddington.”
“Stop it,” said Louis, dropping his usual demeanor and replacing it with that of a strong-willed older brother. “Self-pity is not attractive, and you are better than this. Does not Madam Fellowes enjoy your company? Has she not chosen to spend time with you at lectures instead of at house parties with others?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“And does she not share your passions and interests in things?”
“Yes, but when you put it like that—”
“Then you must trust my advice and be yourself, William,” continued Louis, ignoring any counterarguments. “Do not pretend to be someone else. Instead, be the scholar. She will fall into your arms, I promise it.”
Something in William’s brain shifted position, and hope flared once again.
“By God, you’re right,” he said as he ran one hand through his hair, freeing it from the velvet ribbon in the process. “I might not be a dashing rogue, but I am her intellectual equal.”
“Oui,” said Louis with a firm nod of his head. “I shall go and await her arrival, while you must prepare yourself. Bon chance, William!”
“Merci, my friend,” said William, his conviction wavering only a little as he watched the chevalier retreating to the ballroom. “I will need all the luck I can get.”
Chapter Four
I went up to me chamber to take a needed slumber
And dream of gold and girls, so o’course it was no wonder
That Jenny took me charges and filled them up with water
Then called on Captain Howell to be ready for the slaughter
Mush rim damma dur um da
One for the daddy-o
There’s whiskey in the jar
Darling Sporting Jenny
If Lady Melbourne’s masquerade had earned the epithet of a sad crush an hour earlier, the rooms were now so stuffed full of members of the Beau Monde that it would be long remembered as a dreadful squeeze. While the thin material of Amelia’s dressed afforded her some small comfort, poor Lydia was at real risk of fainting thanks to her thick velvet robes. They had quickly decided to return to the cool of the gardens, champagne in hand, but the outdoor space offered only small comfort, considering how many other guests had had the same idea.
“Next time, I shall dress in something much lighter,” said Lydia as she allowed Amelia to fan her. “This wig, Amy! How did our parents suffer such things?”
“Can you not remove it?”
“I do not even want to contemplate the state of my hair beneath,” shuddered Lydia. “Why did I not think to come dressed as an Egyptian princess at your side, or a Roman goddess?”
“Because we would have never escaped Lord Gowding’s attention if you had,” she replied. “Should I fetch you another drink, dearest?”
“I’m afraid the bubbles are already going to my head, so I best not. I’m terribly sorry for being such a poor sport. I should be helping you hunt out a certain gentleman instead of making you hide out here with me.”
“One does not hunt for a gentleman,” replied Amelia. “Besides, I’m not even convinced he’s here.”
“I have faith,” smiled Lydia. “Or at least I will if it just cools down a little. I’ve never before hoped for a snowstorm during the Season.”
Amy considered her friend and made a decision.
“As soon as you are recovered enough to brave the masses again, let us go collect our things and order the carriage. It’s far too hot to enjoy anything tonight.”
“No,” said her friend, suddenly looking as stern as the magistrate she was dressed as. “I am not going to be responsible for ruining your chance at happiness.”
Amelia couldn’t help but laugh at this comment. “Good grief, it’s not as though I am Cinderella with one chance at meeting a prince!”