He knew what it was to be different. He’d made the choice to step away from the expectations his birth had placed upon him and forge his own path. Bram understood that was not possible for a woman.
“Penny knows her aunt quite well. Miss Birdwhistle’s parents were killed tragically when she was a child, and she came to live with them.”
Ivy had been orphaned as a child. His heart felt heavy for her loss. He may not have liked his parents overly much, but he did love them.
“I sat next to her for the morning meal. She is an interesting lady. What else can you tell me about her, in case I am seated next to her again. I like to at least appear knowledgeable, even if it is untrue.”
“Lady Beacon said she was excited about her first season, but after that she did not want to return. She did, of course; her aunt and uncle insisted upon it. From what I gather, they had hopes of her making a match. But when she was due to travel to London for her third season, she became ill so did not attend.
“I remember being in the room once with Penny and Lady Beacon when they were discussing her. Her aunt is convinced something happened that first year, as she changed after that, in manner and her dress. But her niece would not discuss it.”
The ladies were now walking to the other end. They pulled their arrows from the targets once arrow placements were noted.Had something happened to Ivy?
“Now, if you will excuse me, Bram, I must greet your mother.”
“Good luck.”
David snorted before walking away.
He could see Ivy’s face now. It was expressionless as she once again prepared to fire her arrows at the target. Her bonnet was the same hideous color as her dress. Had she hidden herself away because something happened four years ago?
What was it about that woman that stirred something inside him? Pity? Perhaps that was it.
“Are you enjoying the spectacle, Bramstone?”
“I am, thank you, Pansy.” She was now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him.
“Hasn’t our Miss Birdwhistle excelled?”
“She has.”Our Miss Birdwhistle?
“I’ve always liked that girl. There is a lot people do not see there.”
He shot her a look, wondering why she was speaking to him about Ivy this way.
“I would be grateful if you acknowledged her, Bram. Talked and danced with her.”
“Why? It’s my understanding she has been out in society for some time.”
“Her aunt is still hopeful for a match.”
“I am not a matchmaker, my lady. I leave that to you and others. You would be better to get my brother to acknowledge her. He has far more power than I.”
Her lips tightened at the mention of his brother. A lot of people reacted like that to Malcolm.
“I promised her aunt I would try to help Ivy, Bram. I would appreciate your assistance.”
“Who else have you asked?”
“Others.” She waved a hand about. “Now I must be off, but make sure you congratulate her on her performance. You talking to her will go a long way to others doing the same.”
“I have been absent from society for years, Pansy.”
“But were always popular.”
As he watched Lady Osborne stomp away, Bram wondered why he had an uncomfortable itchy feeling on the back of his neck.
CHAPTER8
