“Why else would I have rented a racquet with Sherman at the casino? We learned how to play at boarding school last year.”
“Sherman goes to your boarding school?”
Gwendolyn wasn’t a bit surprised when that earned Walter another rolling of the eyes. “His parents decided to send Sherman to the same school as me because they know we’re fast friends.”
Walter opened his mouth, but knowing whatever was about to come out of it was not going to be well received by a son who clearly felt his father was severely lacking in the parenting department, Gwendolyn cleared her throat. “Well, I have to say that this is a spectacular present. I will now be able to face my opponents with a renewed sense of confidence.”
“It’s not a magic racquet, Miss Brinley,” Oscar said solemnly. “I’ve seen your opponents play. It’s not going to be pretty, but at least you won’t be using a ratty old racquet.”
“She’ll also be dressed in the first state of tennis fashion, now that I’ve arrived with Gwendolyn’s tennis costumes,” Catriona said. “So even if she gets soundly trounced, at least she has anice racquet and will be appropriately clothed.” She checked the dainty watch encircling her wrist, then sent a nod Gwendolyn’s way. “You need to get changed and off to the Newport Casino.”
“Are you coming with us?” Priscilla asked Catriona. “You could sit beside me and tell me more about princes, the good kind.”
Catriona shook her head. “I’m not certain I’d be well-received there, my dear, and the last thing Gwendolyn needs to deal with before taking to the court is a contentious situation. I know she’d rise magnificently to the occasion, because she’s never failed to rise to my defense, but if someone were to slight me, the situation could very well turn ... unpleasant. I’ll simply content myself with spending the afternoon reading or perhaps taking a stroll by the sea.”
A smile tugged Gwendolyn’s lips because, even though her cousin could be incredibly self-centered, she was more astute than most people gave her credit for, as well as considerate at the most surprising of times. Before she could express her appreciation for Catriona’s thoughtfulness though, Walter stepped closer to Catriona and inclined his head.
“I’ve seen Gwendolyn in action when unkindness is directed at anyone, Mrs. Zimmerman. She can be downright terrifying in her defense of those who are placed in vulnerable positions. Nevertheless, there’s no need for you to miss the match. It would be an honor if you’d agree to accompany me. No one would have the audacity to slight you while in my company. You’ll be treated with the respect you deserve. You have my word on that.”
Something warm began flowing through Gwendolyn, increasing when Catriona settled a sparkling smile on Walter, one that had caused gentlemen to fall at her feet for years, but curiously enough, Walter didn’t so much as blink.
“What a delightful gentleman you are, Mr. Townsend,” Catriona said. “I can hardly refuse such a kind offer.” She consultedher watch again. “I’ll need a few minutes to change.” She nodded to Gwendolyn. “Shall we repair to my room and then meet up with Mr. Townsend in say ... fifteen minutes?”
“Please, you must call me Walter.”
Catriona settled a smile on Walter again. “How gracious of you to offer. You must, of course, call me Catriona.”
Walter inclined his head. “And with all that out of the way, the children and I will await the two of you outside.”
“Don’t forget your new racquet,” Priscilla said, scampering to Gwendolyn’s side.
“I could never forget that,” Gwendolyn said, bending down to kiss Priscilla’s upturned face, which left Priscilla grinning before she turned and skipped for the front door.
After giving Samuel a kiss on the cheek as well, which left him red in the face but smiling ever so slightly, Gwendolyn opted to shake Oscar’s hand instead of kissing him on the cheek—mostly because he was sporting a look she’d seen often on her brothers’ faces, one that clearly said “Do not even think about kissing me.”
Smiling as the boys traipsed after their sister, followed by Walter, who told them not to rush, Gwendolyn turned and found Catriona considering her closely, an expression on her face that was usually followed by trouble.
“What?” she asked as Catriona fell into step beside her and they began walking down the hallway.
“He’s a very nice gentleman, isn’t he,” Catriona said, taking hold of Gwendolyn’s arm, before she pulled her to a stop.
“Why do I get the distinct feeling you’re contemplating something other than the idea Walter is nice?”
Catriona smiled. “How well you know me, cousin dear. And forgive me, because I’m convinced what I’m about to do next is going to annoy you, but after I change, I intend to dig out my diamond choker, since there’s a good chance Mrs. Parker will be attending the match as well.”
An unpleasant knot began forming in the pit of Gwendolyn’s stomach. “Do not say you’re going to attempt to convince Mrs. Parker to allow you to dabble in matchmaking, because you’re then intending on using that position to match yourself up with Walter.”
Catriona released a snort. “Please. Walter Townsend doesn’t deserve the likes of me. I possess what can only be described as a dramatic nature. He seems to be one of those gentlemen who needs less drama in his life. But his kind gesture to me lends credence to the notion he’s deserving of a spectacular match this Season. I’ve decided I should return his kindness by assisting you with making that match.”
“I don’t need your assistance.”
Catriona shrugged. “That’s your opinion, but I’m not going to abandon my desire to find Walter his perfect bride. In fact, perhaps you and I should look at this as a friendly competition, the winner, of course, being the one who finds success making that match.” She batted far too innocent lashes Gwendolyn’s way. “In the spirit of fair play though, know that I already have a specific lady in mind for him.”
Another pesky knot formed in Gwendolyn’s stomach. “Someone you met at the picnic yesterday?”
Catriona rolled her eyes. “I’m hardly going to tell you her name. If you’ve forgotten, darling, I’m somewhat competitive when I set my mind to it. You’re simply going to have to wait and see. You mark my words though—by the end of the Season, I will have had a very large part in finding Walter his new Mrs. Townsend, and it’ll be a match that will leave society talking for years.”
Twenty-Five
