“Thank goodness you were able to locate your tennis gown, Gwendolyn,” Adelaide said, joining Gwendolyn as she stepped out of the Newport Casino carrying the racquet the children had given her. “I was worried you’d have to resort to the one I lent you.”
“It was in the last trunk I emptied at Catriona’s cottage,” Gwendolyn said, smoothing down the shortened skirt of her gown, one that didn’t boast as much fabric as her other gowns and made playing tennis far more enjoyable since she didn’t have to contend with billowing fabric as she ran about a court. “But thank you again for loaning me your tennis dress, even though I wasn’t certain how I was going to go about mending the large burn on the back, along with the singed hem.”
Adelaide winced. “I had a feeling that would be tricky for you to mend, even with your impressive seamstress skills. And before you ask, I was visiting the Doane family in Bar Harbor this spring. They have a magnificent estate complete with their own lawn court and were hosting a weekend gathering. Anyway, the day was turning chilly, so a footman built a fire ina bricked firepit. I got a touch too close, and the next thing I knew, I was in flames.”
Gwendolyn blinked. “What happened?”
“Well, everyone knows you’re supposed to drop and roll when you catch fire, but I may have panicked. I started running, and that’s when Gideon Abbott tackled me and began rolling me around to smother the flames. Unfortunately, there was a sharp slope beside the firepit. The next thing I knew, Mr. Abbott and I were tumbling down the hill.” Adelaide’s eyes twinkled. “There just happened to be a pond at the bottom of that hill, so in we splashed, which put out the last of the flames.”
“Mr. Abbott sounds like a chivalrous sort.”
“Oh, he is. But don’t set your sights on him for a potential match for Miss Hannah Howe, the only lady Mrs. Parker is still sponsoring. He’s let it be known he’s not in the market for a wife, which is why I believe he limits the social engagements he attends.” Adelaide leaned closer. “He was at Mr. McAllister’s picnic but didn’t linger long, probably because he took note of quite a few ladies casting hopeful glances his way. But Mr. Abbott and his reluctance regarding the marriage mart is surely not a matter you should concern yourself with right now.”
She nodded to something past the three lawn courts they were standing in front of. “If I were you, I’d be far more worried about playing tennis in front of what is growing into an impressive crowd.”
Gwendolyn directed her attention to where Adelaide was nodding and winced. “Surely all of those people aren’t here to see my match, are they?”
“Since Tillie reserved the far court, and that’s where all the spectators are gathered, I’m afraid they are.” Adelaide took hold of Gwendolyn’s arm and gave it a soothing rub. “But no need to fret that most of Newport society has shown up today. All the ladies I’ve spoken with are intending to cheer for you because most of them have been bested by Tillie on the court.”
“I have a feeling they’re going to be sadly disappointed. I’m an infrequent player, and a mediocre player at best. But...”
She narrowed her eyes as her gaze settled on Mrs. Parker, then shifted to the many gentlemen sitting around her. “Honestly, what is that woman thinking?” She turned to Adelaide. “Would you excuse me? I feel a distinct need to have a few words with my employer.”
“You don’t think she’s going to agree to sponsor all those gentlemen surrounding her, do you?”
“That’s what I’m going to have a word with her about, along with a few words regarding the latest harebrained idea my cousin’s come up with.” With that, Gwendolyn headed Mrs. Parker’s way, slipping around a fence that separated the court from what was, indeed, far too many onlookers.
“I need a moment of your time,” she began as she stopped in front of her employer, forcing a smile when Mr. Frank Lambert, who was sitting on one side of Mrs. Parker—Miss Hannah Howe sitting on the other—sent her a wave of his overly large hand.
“You’re looking like a true sportswoman today,” Frank boomed in a voice that had more than one society matron sending him looks of disapproval. “I wish you the best of luck, Miss Brinley, and I’m hopeful you and I will have time for a chat after your match.”
She narrowed her eyes on him before turning to Mrs. Parker. “We have a few matters to discuss.”
Mrs. Parker batted innocent lashes Gwendolyn’s way. “If you’re hoping I can give you pointers regarding your upcoming match, I’m afraid you’re out of luck. Tennis was never my strong suit.”
“You know that’s not what I want to speak to you about. You’re clearly soliciting new business, which we need to discuss—as well as delve into the conversation I’m sure you’ve already held with my cousin.”
“Catriona is a delightful, and very generous, lady,” Mrs. Parker said, giving a telling tap to a large reticule sitting on her lap.
“Don’t get attached to the choker. You’ll be giving it back.”
“Perhaps we should find someplace less conspicuous to sort everything out.” Mrs. Parker nodded to her footman. “I’d like to repair to that large tree over there, Collin.”
As Collin pushed Mrs. Parker into motion, Gwendolyn chanced another glance to Frank Lambert, who sent her a grin before he mouthed the wordrubiesto her. Knowing exactly why he’d done that, she squared her shoulders, pivoted on her heel, and stalked after Mrs. Parker, reaching her just as Collin got her settled and moved a discreet distance away.
“I cannot believe you allowed the lure of rubies to sway you into agreeing to sponsor Mr. Frank Lambert,” Gwendolyn began. “May I assume you’ll soon be sporting a new ruby bracelet?”
“Not just a bracelet, dear. Frank promised me a ruby bracelet, necklace, and ring. He told me I can pick those out from my jeweler of choice, which is obviously Tiffany.”
“You know taking him on is a certain recipe for failure, no matter his generosity to you. It’ll be impossible to secure him that alliance he desires with a Knickerbocker family since he’s what that set considersnouveau riche.”
“You shouldn’t underestimate your abilities, dear, because I certainly don’t. Besides, how could I have possibly refused his far-too-tempting offer?”
“By simply saying ‘No.’ It’s a small word, and one easily spoken.” Gwendolyn blew out a breath. “Honestly, Mrs. Parker, I’m beginning to believe you should set up an appointment with Reverend Eberhard at Trinity Church, because you seem to be developing an unquenchable desire for jewelry and are in serious need of some guidance concerning the topic of greed.”
Mrs. Parker raised a hand to her throat. “You find me greedy?”
“I don’t think that’s a question that even needs to be asked. But please tell me you haven’t told all those gentlemen who were in your company that we’ll find them matches as well.”
