“I know for certain we won’t be sponsoring Daniel Mizner.”
“He was only one of several gentlemen sitting near you.”
“I can’t say for certain we won’t sponsor a few of those, and did I mention Mr. Russell Damrosch, your opponent today, sought me out to see if I’d consider taking him on?”
“No, you didn’t mention that.”
“Well, he did. I may have said yes, but only because... I insist you don’t call me greedy again, but he wants to give me a diamond snake bracelet and then give me matching earrings to make up for the whole broken leg business.”
“Why would you want to wear a snake wrapped around your wrist?”
“Did you miss the part where I said it’s made up of diamonds?”
Gwendolyn gave the air a bit of a chop with her racquet, reminding herself that she’d definitely find herself in trouble if she gave in to the impulse to poke Mrs. Parker with it. “Never mind. I’ll content myself with the knowledge you didn’t take up Daniel Mizner, although now I find myself beyond curious as to why. Did he not offer you the proper amount of diamonds?”
Mrs. Parker’s lips thinned. “He didn’t offer me anything at all. In fact, he told me I wouldn’t be compensated until after vows were exchanged, which left me with the distinct impression Mr. Daniel Mizner is a fortune hunter. It also left me with a feeling the rumors about his being seen often at gambling dens may very well be true.”
A discreet clearing of a throat drew Gwendolyn’s attention. Turning, she found Mr. August Ryerson standing a few feet away, dressed in tennis whites and looking quite as if he might know what he was about on the tennis court.
“Forgive me for interrupting what appeared to be a rather,ah, interesting conversation,” August began, “but Miss Wickham has arrived. She’s not a lady known to possess a patient attitude, so we should probably take our places on the court.”
“Indeed,” Gwendolyn agreed before she moved closer to Mrs. Parker and lowered her voice. “Do not under any circumstances agree to sponsor anyone else until you and I have an opportunity to finish our discussion.”
“We have more to discuss?”
“Too right we do, especially regarding one expensive diamond choker I know you’re now in possession of—one that used to belong to my cousin. She will not, if it’s in question, be brought on board to help me in the assistant-matchmaker department.”
“I think Catriona could add a touch of flair to our endeavors.”
“Or burn all future matchmaking possibilities for you to the ground,” Gwendolyn said before she moved to join August, leaving Mrs. Parker muttering something about how lovely the choker Catriona had given her was.
“Is everything alright?” August asked as they began walking toward the court.
“Nothing has been alright since I landed in Newport, but it’s not anything for you to concern yourself about.” Gwendolyn smiled. “We have a match to play, and may I say you’re looking very sharp this afternoon, Mr. Ryerson.”
He smiled rather sheepishly. “Don’t get your hopes up that I’m about to storm the castle, or rather the lawn court, Miss Brinley. Mother had my tailor rush this outfit over to our cottage last night. I’m normally not this well turned out.” He leaned closer to her. “Mother heard whispers our match was going to be well attended, and she wanted me looking my best.”
“You look downright dashing, but please call me Gwendolyn. We’re going off to battle together, so formality seems somewhat ridiculous.”
He inclined his head. “And you must call me August, but before we enter into combat, has Mrs. Parker made a decision about sponsoring me?”
“We didn’t get that far in our conversation, but I believe I can convince her to take you on.”
“Mrs. Parker told my mother she doesn’t believe I’m ready to enter the marriage mart yet.”
“I don’t believe Mrs. Parker’s opinion matters regarding your readiness, August. You, and only you, know if you’re at the right place in life to marry.”
August gave his racquet a twirl. “And to that I say I’m convinced I am. I’m firmly established with the family business, and I now want to turn my attention to courting, if we can possibly find a young lady who wouldn’t mind that I’m never the life of any society event.”
Gwendolyn gave his arm a pat. “Don’t you worry about that. That’ll be my job. For now, let’s concentrate on making it off the court alive.” She slowed her pace when they reached the stands where the spectators were gathered and frowned when she caught sight of Hannah Howe, who was looking quite like a deer in the lantern light, probably because Frank had moved his chair directly beside her.
He was clearly swept up in telling her a story, his large hands gesturing wildly about right as he released a loud guffaw, which had Hannah inching her chair away from him.
“I have no idea what that man is thinking. He should know better than to set his sights on a young lady almost fresh from the schoolroom.” Gwendolyn sent a wave Hannah’s way. “Miss Howe!” she called. “May I trouble you for a moment? I have a favor to ask.”
Hannah was up and out of her seat a blink of an eye later, hurrying her way to join Gwendolyn and August, relief flickering through her eyes.
“I’d be pleased to do any favor for you,” Hannah breathedonce she reached Gwendolyn’s side. “Especially if it keeps me well removed from Mr. Lambert.”
