CHAPTER 10

As the following day rolled around, Wesley found himself seated in his family's carriage, making its way to Lady Maria's garden tea party, a prominent event in the social calendar of the ton. He was accompanied by his mother and sister, who were both incredibly excited with what was to come. The carriage rocked gently over the cobble stone streets, the sound of the wheels a steady rhythm that failed to calm Wesley's mounting irritation.

He did not want to be here, he did not want to attend another social event, but as always he did not have any choice in the matter.

It did not help that Wesley's mother was all abuzz with talk of Lady Arabella and her parents, who would also be in attendance. Her voice was animated, her words spilling out in an endless stream of praises about her, and the connection that she so desperately wanted to happen. "Today is going to be a great opportunity for you to make things right with Lady Arabella, Wesley. You can ensure that you pay her all the attention, and make sure that she feels special by the end of the day. The diamond of the Season is quickly becoming the talk of the ton. Plus that dowry her father is offering makes her very appealing. It will not be long before she has many suitors vying for her attention."

Wesley nodded absentmindedly, his thoughts drifting elsewhere. He had heard it all before, countless times and he was not swayed. He could not see any situation in which he would be swayed. Lady Arabella was simply not for him. If she was the diamond of the Season with a lot of attention, then that worked well for Wesley because it meant she would not be affected by him and what he was doing.

"Wesley," his mother's voice sharpened, pulling him back to the present. "Are you even listening to me?"

"Yes, Mother," he replied, his tone resigned.

His mother gave him a stern look. "You must seriously consider this match with Lady Arabella. I mean it when I say that she will not lack suitors, and you can not afford to let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Her father's business connections could greatly benefit our family, and the bond will work well for your social standing as well."

Harriet, sitting quietly beside Wesley, glanced at him with a sympathetic smile. They had both heard this far too many times. Wesley's sense of relief grew as the carriage finally came to a halt in front of Lady Maria's grand estate. He was eager to escape his mother's relentless match making, if only for a few hours. He hoped that she would be far too busy to really pay any attention to him and what he was doing.

The garden was a breathtaking sight, with blooming flowers in every color imaginable and neatly trimmed hedges, creating a lovely environment for this party. Guests milled about, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Lady Maria had spared no expense in trying to make her tea party the highlight of the Season, and she might have just achieved it.

Wesley stepped out of the carriage, offering a hand to help his mother and sister down. His mother immediately began scanning the crowd, no doubt searching for Lady Arabella and her parents. Wesley took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he knew would be an afternoon filled with subtle, and not so subtle, nudges toward Lady Arabella. Unless he managed to escape his mother's clutches early on in the evening, allowing her to focus on other people.

"Lady Victoria," Lady Maria greeted them with genuine enthusiasm as soon as they entered her party, her eyes sparkling with the joy of the occasion. "How delightful to see you all, your children are looking lovely as ever. I do hope the journey was pleasant?"

Victoria responded with practiced elegance, "It was, indeed, Lady Maria. Your hospitality, as always, is most appreciated."

Wesley offered a polite nod, feeling slightly reassured by Lady Maria's kindness. "Thank you for having us," he added, striving to match his mother's poise. "It looks like you have a wonderful event here."

"Please, enjoy the party. As you can see, we already have a lot of guests so there are plenty of people for you to talk to."

Welsey watched his mother scan her eyes around the garden before she turned to him.

"Wesley, there she is," Victoria said, her voice hushed but urgent. She nodded towards a group of elegantly dressed guests where Lady Arabella stood, her shining hair catching the sun light like a halo, adding to the ethereal look of her dress. "Go and speak with her right now."

Wesley grimaced, but decided to do it. He hoped that it would relieve his mother of her incessant preoccupations and he could fulfill his duty early on, giving him time to enjoy himself for the rest of the day.

"Lord Wesley, it is so good to see you," Lady Arabella greeted him warmly as he approached. Her smile was genuine, her blue eyes sparkling with interest.

"Likewise, Lady Arabella," Wesley replied, bowing slightly. "You look lovely today."

"Thank you," she said, her cheeks tinged with a delicate blush. "I'm positively delighted that you could grace us with your presence at the tea soiree. Lady Maria has truly surpassed herself."

"Yes, it is quite a spectacle," Wesley agreed, forcing a polite smile.

As the conversation continued, Wesley found himself slipping into the expected roles, giving vague and boring responses to equally dull questions, his mind wandering. He could not help but think of Sylvia, with her quiet strength and unassuming grace. Despite the rumors and scandal sheets, she had an authenticity that he found refreshing, a stark contrast to the polished perfection of Lady Arabella and the others.

But if he did not engage in this conversation with Lady Arabella, then he would have to listen to her father regaling the crowds with the intricacies of his investments in the tea trade. "...and you see, the East India Company has opened new avenues in China…"

Wesley nodded absently, his eyes flickering toward the grand staircase which guests descended when they arrived. The one person that he wanted to get to know was not yet here, and that was why he could not fully relax as yet…

It was then that he saw her.

Lady Sylvia appeared at the top of the staircase, her presence instantly commanding his attention. She was accompanied by her aunt, Lady Grace, and Lord George Martin, but it was Lady Sylvia who captivated Wesley entirely. She descended the staircase with a simple elegance that seemed almost otherworldly, each step a perfect blend of poise and grace, which was even more impressive with all the judging eyes of the ton upon her. The soft fabric of her gown flowed around her like water, and her hair, swept up with a few tendrils artfully loose, framed her face in a way that highlighted her delicate features.

In that moment, the garden seemed to dim around her, the other guests fading into the background. The ladies, adorned in their finest tea party gowns and jewels, suddenly appeared garish and insubstantial in comparison. He could look at her forever without getting bored, she was just so lovely. Every part of her.

"Lord Wesley, do you not agree?" The Duke's voice, cut through Wesley's reverie, jolting him back to the present.

"Pardon?" Wesley stammered, his face flushing slightly as he realized he had been caught day dreaming.

The Duke frowned, clearly displeased at the lapse in Wesley's attention. "I was saying that the prospects for the next quarter look exceptionally promising, especially with the new trade routes we have secured."

"Ah, yes, of course," Wesley replied hastily. "Quite promising indeed."

But his words were automatic, devoid of true comprehension. His gaze had already drifted back to Lady Sylvia, who had reached the foot of the staircase and was now making her way through the crowd. George and her aunt engaged in conversation with a few acquaintances, but Lady Sylvia seemed momentarily alone, her eyes scanning the garden.

As if sensing his stare, she looked up and their eyes met. A faint smile touched her lips, and Wesley felt a rush of warmth spread through him. It was a simple, fleeting connection, but it felt profoundly significant. This was yet another reminder that it was not just a passing fancy, he truly did want to get to know Lady Sylvia better. She really had intrigued him.

His reverie was interrupted by a subtle but pointed look from Harriet, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly as she caught his gaze lingering too long on Lady Sylvia. The silent admonition was clear: he was staring, and it was neither polite nor discreet. Wesley flushed, breaking his gaze and glancing around the garden to regain his composure.

He had to be careful, just because he was not interested in Lady Arabella, did not mean he wanted to cause upset with other people. He most certainly did not want to make Lady Sylvia's current situation worse.

Lady Arabella's family, still deep in conversation about their various business ventures, finally moved on to mingle with other guests. Wesley sighed in relief, grateful for the temporary rest. He most certainly needed time alone to gather up his thoughts.

Scanning the garden, Wesley spotted Edward near the refreshment table, a glass of wine in hand and a welcoming smile on his face. Seizing the opportunity to escape, Wesley made his way through the horde of guests, his steps quickening as he approached his friend.

"Edward," Wesley greeted him, his voice betraying his relief. "It is good to see you again."

Edward clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. "And you, my friend. You looked like you needed rescuing."

"You have no idea," Wesley replied, glancing back briefly to ensure that neither Lady Arabella nor his mother had noticed his departure. "The Duke's detailed account of his investments was… enlightening."

Edward chuckled, taking a sip of his wine. "I can imagine. Tea shares, was it?"

"Yes, and quite an in-depth discussion at that," Wesley said wryly. "I do not think I have ever heard anyone speak so passionately about trade routes."

They both laughed, the tension easing from Wesley's shoulders. Edward had a knack for making any situation seem less dire, and his presence was a welcome relief.

Wesley stood alongside Edward, his gaze fixed on Lady Sylvia from a distance. Her elegance and grace captivated him deeply, especially because of the mess that she currently found herself in. Despite the whispers and pointed glances, Lady Sylvia held her head high and continued to smile, being friendly with everyone who approached her.

She truly was brave in the face of such adversity. It was utterly impressive.

Edward's voice, discussing an upcoming auction at Tattersalls, barely pierced Wesley's preoccupation. "The collection this season is particularly impressive," Edward remarked, his enthusiasm palpable. Yet, Wesley could only muster a vague nod, his mind adrift. "I am looking forward to bidding on some of his amazing pieces."

A sudden twinge of jealousy gripped Wesley's heart as he noticed Lord Marcus approach Lady Sylvia, coming out of the crowds as if from nowhere. The sight of them together sent a rush of unease through him. Lord Marcus's reputation as a frequent gambler haunted Wesley's thoughts, adding to his growing discomfort as he watched Lady Sylvia smile sweetly at him. The man's charm and swagger masked the darkness Wesley believed lurked beneath. He hated the fact that he could only watch from afar, unable to stop what was happening right in front of him.

The call for guests to take their seats at the garden tea table interrupted Wesley's brooding before he could act out and do something silly that he would later go on to regret. He moved with the crowd, his steps heavy with reluctance. As he reached his assigned place at the table, his heart sank. He knew his mother had to have had a hand in this because he was seated next to Lady Arabella, her incessant chatter, a prospect he dreaded, and directly across from Lady Sylvia. Although his mother likely did not have a part in that…

To make it worse, Lord Marcus occupied the seat beside her, his smug expression only intensifying Wesley's irritation. He loved sitting beside Lady Sylvia, that much was obvious, and it twisted up in Wesley's guts.

"Ooh, this is lovely," Lord Arabella's voice pierced through his contemplation. "To sit beside you, how wonderful."

Wesley forced a smile, hoping to mask his disinterest. "Yes, quite," he replied, the words hollow and automatic. "Lady Maria has made this whole party just wonderful."

He could not stop himself from trying to capture Lady Sylvia's attention. He wanted her eyes on him, he could not help himself.

As the tea service began, the clinking of fine china and the murmur of polite conversation filled the air. Wesley picked up his cup, taking a sip of the fragrant brew, all the while stealing glances at Lady Sylvia. Her composure and light as she conversed with Lord Marcus were captivating, but also deeply troubling to him. Each shared smile between them felt like a blow.

Lord Marcus leaned in, whispering something into Lady Sylvia's ear that made her laugh. The sound, usually so delightful to Wesley, now felt like a twist of the knife. He watched Lord Marcus's hand rest lightly on the back of Lady Sylvia's chair, a casual but possessive gesture that made Wesley's blood boil. Why was he acting like he knew her so well? Had something happened that he was unaware of? His mother was so concerned with Lady Arabella having other suitors, he had not had a moment to worry about Lady Sylvia's suitors.

To his surprise, the next time he looked at Lady Sylvia, he found her looking back at him. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and the world seemed to fall away. In her gaze, he saw a flicker of something — recognition, perhaps even regret that she was not able to talk with him too. It was enough to stoke the embers of his hope, and he offered her a small, tentative smile.