“And I’m not a bloody prig.”
“That, my friend, is a matter ofopinion,” Edward replied with a smirk. “I’ll be in touch.”
Chapter Seven
Lydia received apolite summons to the Lyon’s Den barely a week after her initial meeting with the establishment’s enigmatic owner. Had Mrs. Dove-Lyon found a potential husband already?
Well, not exactly. Indeed, Lydia, seated once more beside the lady on the same settee, could never have imagined the offer that had just been proposed to her.
“I didn’t expect anything like this, Mrs. Dove-Lyon,” Lydia said. “Why would a viscount and his lady wife be agreeable to taking me under their wing?”
“Lord Eskdale was curious about you, my dear, and he guessed correctly at your reason for being here. Which led to his offer of assistance.”
Lydia shook her head. “I must confess to being somewhat confused. Lord Eskdale is happily married, is he not? So why would he be seeking your services?”
“Because he has a friend who is in need of a wife and wondered if you might be suited. I happen to know this friend, and I have to say I believe the two of you would be well matched. Well matched indeed.”
Lydia ignored a little tingle of excitement and instead grabbed onto something that didn’t quite make sense. “Thenmay I ask why this potential suitor has not approached you himself?”
“You ask all the right questions, my dear,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon replied. “The answer is, because he insists he doesnotneed my services. And this is where, if you agree to it, there will be a little game afoot. A harmless game with two players. Yourself and this fine gentleman.”
“A game.” Lydia squirmed inwardly. “I’m not sure I like the sound of that, Mrs. Dove-Lyon. It sounds… frivolous.”
“It is quite the opposite, Miss Page. There is no obligation to either one of you. May I explain?”
“Please do,” Lydia replied. “I am certainly intrigued.”
“Good. So, here is what we are proposing. Whilst in the company of Lord and Lady Eskdale, you will attend three social events. Your potential suitor will also be present at these events, but there will be no official introduction. You will not know who he is. He, on the other hand, will know whoyouare and why you are there. He will observe you, maybe even listen to you. But he will not approach or make himself known to you until the third event, and then only if he decides to do so. That will behisdecision.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon paused. “Yes, my dear, I agree with what your expression is telling me. It sounds unfair, as if this stranger appears to have the advantage. However, if he does approach you, the subsequent decision on whether or not the encounter will go further is yours and yours entirely. You are under no obligation to him. In other words, you will have the final say.”
Lydia’s first reaction was to flatly reject such an unorthodox scheme. Indeed, she opened her mouth in readiness to fire off her refusal. But something stirred deep inside. The allure of a mystery to be solved, possibly igniting a spark of romance between two strangers. And, in that, the potential promise ofhappiness, gained by throwing caution and propriety to the winds.
“Be brave, take chances, and live your life, for it is a gift to be savored.”
“Why three events?” she asked, still a little hesitant to agree with the game.
“Because we are of the opinion it should be enough time for the potential suitor to make up his mind. If, by the end of the third event, he has not approached you, we must assume he is not interested.”
Lydia tapped a fingertip to her lip. “What if he makes a decision against me before the third event?”
“He has agreed to attend all three events, no matter his mindset. As for deciding against you, I suppose it’s a possibility, albeit unlikely.”
“And in that case?”
“My dear Miss Page, as the saying goes, there are plenty of fish in the sea.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon clucked her tongue. “Indeed, who knows where this venture might lead? And bear in mind, this reluctant suitor will not be the only eligible man in the room. You’ll be introduced to others who are completely unaware of our little project, and you might find yourself attracted to one of them. The question will then be where does that leave your supposed prince? In the proverbial lurch, I should imagine. In that case, I must be informed as to the other man’s identity. Not all men are as honorable as they may appear to be.”
Lydia cocked her head. “So, in that case, he must meet with your approval.”
“He must beworthyof you,” came the reply. “Your father directed you to me specifically because you have no one who can guide you through this situation, no one to give their approval in the case of a potentially poor outcome. And, of course, Lord and Lady Eskdale will be on hand to protect your interests if need be.I have a suspicion, however, that your secret suitor will definitely make himself known to you on the third day.”
“Then may Ipleaseknow something about him?” Lydia asked, putting on her best pleading voice. “Just a hint or two?”
“I shall give you two,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon replied. “He is handsome and he is wealthy.”
“Those are fine attributes, of course,” Lydia said, wrinkling her nose, “but I was thinking more along the lines of good-natured and intelligent.”
A chuckle followed. “Both apply, so four hints, then. Do I take it that you are amenable to our little scheme?”
Lydia laughed. “I believe I’d be foolish to refuse, Mrs. Dove-Lyon. It’s like being part of a fairy tale.”
