Page 24 of A Mismatch Made in London

“No, he had some business in Kent.”

“Would you like to go for a ride today in my curricle?”

“I think it is too rainy for that,” Marianne said, her tone a bit incredulous.

“The curricle does have a top,” Mr. Fairweather said.

“But it is quite open in front and on the sides,” Marianne said. “I know the very kind of carriage it is, and it is impossible not to become quite wet in this kind of weather.”

Mr. Fairweather said nothing.

There was also the problem of the two of them riding together without a third person to make it entirely respectable and proper, but I didn’t wish to dampen everyone’s mood.

Someone mentioned we had tickets to a theatrical that evening. “Perhaps you could get tickets and come with us,” Juliet said.

I began to think that she liked Mr. Fairweather more than I thought she did. But she had said very little about him, so I concluded that she was only being friendly. Juliet was ever of the belief in the more the merrier.

“These things are commonly sold out well before the evening of the performance,” Robert said. “I bought these tickets weeks ago.”

Mr. Fairweather’s face was crestfallen. “I seem to be always thwarted.”

He looked like one of my younger brothers, pouting because he didn’t get what he wanted. I nearly laughed. But Juliet seemed genuinely concerned.

“Perhaps if we go there and inquire...”

“No, I’m sure Mr. Lynch is correct. They would not have any more tickets so late and during the Season.”

We all sat in silence.

Soon Mr. Fairweather and Mr. Wallcroft took their leave of us. As Mr. Wallcroft was saying farewell to Robert and Marianne, I heard Mr. Fairweather say quietly to Juliet, “I shall bring my curricle tomorrow and take you riding. It is the most exhilarating feeling, the wind in your face.”

I didn’t hear what Juliet said, but I hoped she’d find an excuse not to go with him. In any case, her cousins would stop her. It would not be good to do anything that gave the appearance of impropriety. A lady’s reputation could be easily ruined, as I’d heard many times from various relatives and nosy neighbors—and seen for myself in the gossip columns.

When calling hours were over, we sat down for a lively game of cards with Robert and Marianne. I’d never thought myself much of a card player, but they made it more enjoyable, with their high spirits and wit and Juliet’s enthusiasm for strategy.

We played until it was time to get ready for the theater, which turned out to be just as pleasant as the music concert. The play was very dramatic and ended better than I’d expected. The actors seemed perfect for their parts, and as much as I’d heard that acting was demeaning to women and improper, I saw nothing improper or demeaning at all. I saw only talent and beauty and drama of the best kind.

We went home in the Lynches’ carriage amid lively conversation.

I thought I would take a long time to get to sleep, as my mind kept going over and over the play’s plot, but Juliet fell asleep as soon as her head touched her pillow, and I soon followed.

The next morning, when we were nearly finished breakfasting, Jeremy Beaumont arrived home. His shoulders drooped a bit, something I’d never observed before, and his eyelids likewise hung low, dark smudges shading the underside.

“Oh, Jeremy, couldn’t you have stayed away another night?” Juliet said. “I was about to convince our cousins to take us to the pleasure gardens at Vauxhall.”

He frowned. “I’m glad I was missed.”

“We can go to Vauxhall if you like,” Robert said, then glanced at his wife. “If you are not too tired, my dear.”

“Not at all. Vauxhall Gardens is one of my favorite places. It is our cousin Jeremy who looks tired. Will you be able to go with us, Jeremy?”

He had already started climbing the staircase, as we had met him in the hallway to welcome him back. He turned around slowly.

“I will probably forgo the pleasure. But you should do as you wish. Go and enjoy yourselves.” His eyes met mine, inexplicably, and he didn’t look disapproving, as I would have expected.

“Was your errand’s outcome favorable?” I couldn’t help asking. Everyone standing there knew what his errand had been, after all.

“I accomplished what I set out to do.” He met my eye again, as if searching my thoughts. “He will provide for Rebecca and the child.”