“Do you have any idea why I was included in this little scheme?” Terrance didn’t seem truly upset, but there was no denying the nervous tension in his posture.
“Mrs. Northrop didn’t offer an explanation, but she was very specific and firm.” Indeed, he’d rather felt like a schoolboy again, called to an accounting by the headmaster. “As she is Odette’s and my only hope for happiness, I am choosing to do whatever she asks of me.”
“And whatever she asks ofme,” Terrance added with a quick laugh.
“Perhaps she will find a match for you as well.”
If anything, Terrance grew more uncomfortable. “Lud,” he muttered.
They’d reached the Barringtons’ box. The show had not yet begun, but they had been instructed to present themselves before the opening curtain.
The expected bows and curtsies were exchanged. Both he and Terrance were warmly welcomed. Miss Summerfield stood beside Odette; Jack hadn’t been expecting to see her. He looked to Mrs. Northrop, unsure what the matchmaker intended with this arrangement.
She simply motioned them to be seated.
Terrance moved a bit faster than Jack. He requested of Miss Summerfield the seat beside hers and was granted it. Terrance’s sacrifice meant Jack would be granted the open seat beside Odette. He took it quickly, before anyone could move positions.
“Good evening, Miss Armistead,” he said. “A delight to see you.”
She looked up at him, affection clear in her expression. For more than a year, ever since they’d realized their sentiments went beyond mere friendship, they had both been very careful to hide their tender feelings. To see her love on display in public caught him utterly unaware.
“Has something happened?” he asked quietly, careful not to lift his voice above a whisper.
“I’m simply happy to see you.”
He quickly eyed her parents before returning his gaze to her once more. “And you aren’t worried your parents will realize . . . will be upset that . . .”
“Mrs. Northrop is on our side.”
“I know.”
She took a breath, one clearly underwritten by relief. “She told me not to be afraid to be my actual self and to allow my affections to show, within reason.”
“Did she?” He very much liked that idea. “Am I permitted to do the same, do you suppose?”
She nodded. “Though Mrs. Northrop was careful to emphasize that subtlety is important.”
“I cannot simply pull you into my arms right here and kiss you thoroughly?”
He had never before seen Odette blush, yet she did in that moment. She also smiled broadly. “If all goes to plan, there will be time and plenty for that.”
“I am looking forward to it.”
She bit her lips closed and turned her gaze to the stage, though the opera had not yet begun. Jack didn’t bother hiding his grin. He had never before been permitted to flirt with Odette. He was rather enjoying it.
Miss Summerfield’s light laugh floated over from Odette’s other side. “That is not what I said, Mr. Lexington.”
“Truly?” Terrance was clearly teasing. “I am almost certain I heard you say you intend to race at Ascot this year.”
“I did not.” Miss Summerfield laughed through her response.
Jack leaned a little closer to Odette, though not so much as to draw undue attention. “Are you intending to race at Ascot as well?”
She sighed dramatically. “I thought I would give someone else a chance this year.”
It was his turn to laugh. Their ride in Hyde Park had been this way. Terrance had managed to pull Miss Summerfield from her usual bashfulness. Jack had been granted the rare opportunity to talk with Odette free of the subterfuge they’d been forced into.
Behind them, Mrs. Northrop spoke to Odette’s parents. “These four make a lovely group of friends, do they not?”
