Sending a bitter smile inward, Evelyn turned her gaze away from Mr. Townsend so he could not see her expression. So, it had not been a proper outing for a courting couple. Evelyn’s heart sank at the realization, but she brushed that away. It was a slight issue. Hardly worth noting. Disappointing, to be sure, but it did not alter Mr. Townsend’s other actions that showed a marked preference for her. The addition of Miss Abbott or any others did not change that fact.
“I am certain we shall have a marvelous time,” said Evelyn with a nod.
“Capital,” said Mr. Townsend, motioning the ladies forward.
Turning her attention towards the festival’s offerings, Evelyn cast Miss Abbott from her thoughts. It was difficult, as she and Mr. Townsend quickly launched into a lively discussion about the latest news, which was little more than thinly veiled gossip concerning people she did not know.
Taking in a breath, Evelyn forced herself to smile. Jealousy was not a good look, and there was nothing to be jealous of. Miss Abbott was a family friend, and not a good one if the acquaintance required renewing as Mr. Townsend had said. Besides, Miss Abbott looked askance at the slice of pumpkin bread and mug of cider Evelyn had procured and studied the festival with an air of long-suffering that was not becoming, especially as Mr. Townsend was enjoying himself so thoroughly.
“A puppet show,” said Evelyn with a grin, pointing them towards it.
Mr. Townsend huffed, his tone biting as he replied, “Such a childish entertainment.”
Evelyn stopped in place and turned to face him. “It may be intended for children, but that does not mean we cannot find enjoyment in it.”
“Nonsense,” said Miss Abbott with a scoff, though her expression held a hint of mirth. “What grown person is amused by puppets? I hardly found them worthwhile when I was a child.”
Over the years Evelyn had often cursed her complexion. On some days, it was because of the abundance of freckles that speckled her porcelain skin. But on others, it was the fact that she was prone to turning as bright as a strawberry. There was no hiding it, and her embarrassment was on full display at that very moment.
Forcing her throat to swallow, Evelyn replied, “Even if the story itself is not diverting, it can be amusing to watch the children’s enthusiasm. It is hard not to laugh when surrounded by such glee.”
“Calm yourself, Miss Finch,” said Mr. Townsend with a jaunty smile. “We did not mean to offend you, and I shan’t condemn you for having such juvenile tastes, but there are so many better things to see that we needn’t waste our time.”
Evelyn nodded, pasting on a smile, and followed the pair along, content to allow their conversation to continue with only a few minor comments from herself. It was better to keep her own company than allow something so silly to slip from her lips again. She did not usually make such a fool of herself in front of Mr. Townsend, and if she could not keep herself in check, it was better to remain silent for now.
Miss Abbott would be gone soon enough, and Evelyn would have him to herself again.
***
George Finch was a coward. A fact he had ample time to consider as they strolled through the festival. Had he simply opened his mouth and told Marian his thoughts, would she be holding his arm instead? Hiding a wince, George replayed the disaster again and again. It was after the third time he nodded at something directed at him and the fourth time picking apart the details of what had happened during that waltz that he was struck by a realization. Slanting a look at Marian, George studied her profile while weaving between the children hurrying to and fro. His heart stirred, expanding as he considered just how brave she had to have been to speak her feelings to him all those years ago.
His courtship with Juliette had been simple. She hadn’t hidden her feelings for him, and his declaration had been no surprise. There was no mystery as to whether or not she would accept him. Their future was known, so speaking to her hadn’t required much courage.
The same could not be said of Marian. And whereas she had been brave enough to speak out, George had turned tail and fled.
Yet even with that dose of understanding, George couldn’t imagine laying himself bare to her. Not yet. It wouldn’t do to hurry things along simply because he was impatient. This afternoon was about friendship, after all. Laying a foundation with her.
Father’s words returned to George’s thoughts, and though he didn’t care to admit it, George saw the merit in them. Marian had spent years as his friend, watching as he flirted with and courted other ladies. She’d smiled as he’d waxed poetic about their qualities and beauty, given him a listening ear when he debated their merits, and never once made him feel anything but supported as her heart silently broke.
This was his penance, and it was only fitting that he should be made to suffer as Marian and Mr. Clements walked together. As much as his gaze drifted towards that lady, it darted away just as quickly at the sight of her smiling and laughing with the vicar.
Chapter 23
“George,” called his sister, and he turned, eager for relief from this torture, only to find something equally troubling.
Mr. Townsend stood beside a young lady who was most certainly not Evelyn, and though his sister smiled broadly at her brother and his party, George remarked the distance between her and the fellow who had invited her on this outing. George held onto his smile, though it strained at the edges.
“Miss Finch, how good to see you again,” said Marian with a genuine show of warmth that softened George’s expression once more.
Evelyn gave the introductions, making certain to mention that Miss Abbott was a friend of Mr. Townsend’s family, her smile never faltering. George watched for any sign of distress, and though Evelyn seemed not wholly pleased, neither was she overwrought. Slanting a narrowed look at Mr. Townsend, George inwardly promised the fellow retribution if he treated her poorly, though the fellow did not seem to notice.
“We were going to the circus performance,” said Marian. “I heard there shall be trick riding.”
“That sounds delightful,” said Evelyn, turning her gaze to her companions. “Do you care to join them?”
Miss Abbott wrinkled her nose. “I doubt they will rival the shows I’ve seen in London.”
“You’ve been to London?” asked Mr. Townsend with far more awe than her statement demanded. “I managed a short visit there a few years ago, but I fear I wasn’t afforded the opportunity to explore it properly.”
