CHAPTER 24

Wesley hated to see Lady Sylvia step away from him, but he understood. She was afraid of his mother, just as most people were. His heart ached as he watched her retreat, but he respected her need for distance. Her safety and comfort were his priority, especially in this strange moment.

Lord George, noticing that people were still watching, quickly took charge of the situation. He approached Wesley with a calm but firm demeanor. "Lord Wesley, let us move everyone to a quieter area," he suggested, his eyes scanning the lingering crowd. "Give everyone a place to dry off away from curious eyes."

Wesley nodded, grateful for Lord George's necessary intervention. "Yes, that is a good idea."

Lord George turned to the onlookers, his voice carrying a tone of authority. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your concern, but the excitement is over. Please, let us give everyone some privacy."

With Lord George leading the way, the crowd began to disperse more swiftly, obeying his command. Wesley walked over to Lady Sylvia, who was still standing by the water's edge, her gaze fixed on the rippling surface of the Serpentine.

"Lady Sylvia," he said gently, touching her arm. "Let us move to a quieter area. Get away from the curious eyes of others."

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. "Alright," she whispered.

Wesley guided her towards a secluded part of the park. He could not help but notice Lady Arabella staring at him with shock. He had almost forgotten that he was here with the Easton family, but thankfully not wanting to be a part of this scandal, her father led her away.

But he was sure that would not be the end of it.

His mother was bound to have words with him for ruining things later, but he did not care. For now, Lady Sylvia was his priority.

"How are you feeling?" Wesley asked Lady Sylvia, his concern evident once they were alone.

A bit better," she replied, managing a small smile. "Thank you. I am much better with everyone not looking at me."

Wesley gave her a reassuring nod. "You have been through quite an ordeal. It is only natural to feel overwhelmed."

Lady Sylvia glanced around, panic crossing her face. "I just did not want to cause any more trouble."

"You did not cause any trouble," Wesley said firmly. "You saved Harriet. You did something incredibly brave."

Lady Sylvia's eyes softened. "It was the right thing to do. I could not just stand by. Is she in good health? Might you inquire after her welfare?"

Wesley's focus momentarily shifted to Harriet, who was now under the attentive care of his mother. She had a blanket wrapped around her, looking pale but composed. Wesley felt a surge of concern and walked over to them, leaving Lady Sylvia under the tree for a moment.

"Harriet, how are you feeling?" Wesley asked gently, his voice full of genuine worry.

Harriet looked up at him, her eyes reflecting both fatigue and relief. "I am alright, Wesley. Just a bit shaken, but I will be fine."

His mother placed a comforting hand on Harriet's shoulder. "She is a strong girl, my dear. And she has been very brave."

Wesley nodded, a mix of pride and admiration swelling within him. "She certainly has," he agreed, glancing back at Lady Sylvia, who was now speaking quietly with Lord George who seemed to be checking in on her. The sight of her, still shivering slightly but standing strong, filled him with a deep sense of gratitude.

Harriet, noticing his lingering gaze, gave Wesley a meaningful look. Her eyes, filled with a knowing warmth, conveyed a silent message: follow your heart. The subtle nod she gave towards Lady Sylvia was unmistakable. Wesley felt his heart skip a beat, the unspoken endorsement resonating deeply within him.

It did not even matter how his mother felt in this moment, he needed to focus on himself. His mother, and Lady Arabella, would move on. But if he did not do this, then he would live to regret it forever. He would never forgive himself for not taking this step.

Turning back to Lady Sylvia, Wesley gently guided her to a more secluded spot, even further away from the prying eyes of the crowd. The weight of his impending confession bore down on him, his heart fluttering with anticipation and nervousness. Standing before Lady Sylvia, he looked deep in to her eyes, seeking a moment of stillness amidst the surrounding chaos.

Taking a deep breath, he prepared to speak from his heart, revealing his true feelings. The feelings he did not think that he would ever be brave enough to confess.

"Lady Sylvia," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "I can not bear the thought of you leaving for Bath." He paused, searching her eyes for any sign of understanding. "The time we have spent together has made me realise something profound. I have fallen deeply in love with you." Lady Sylvia's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. Wesley pressed on, his words tumbling out in a rush of sincerity and passion. "I wish to court you formally, to honour traditions, and ultimately, I hope for you to be my wife."

As he reached for Lady Sylvia's hand, she gasped, her reaction a whirlwind of emotions. Her eyes flickered with happiness and worry, each feeling more intense than the last. Wesley's heart pounded in his chest as he waited for Lady Sylvia's response, his declaration of love hanging in the air between them.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The noise of the crowd faded into a distant hum, the world narrowing to just the two of them. Lady Sylvia's expression softened, her eyes filling with unshed tears. She took a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Lord Wesley," she began, her voice quivering with emotion, "I never expected this... I never imagined that you felt this way."

Wesley waited with terrified anticipation, each passing second stretching into an eternity. He could see the internal struggle in Lady Sylvia's eyes, a battle between her fear and the burgeoning love he hoped she felt. So much had happened between them, and he desperately hoped that it was not too much for her.

This was the most terrified that he had ever felt in his whole life, because he had no idea what was coming next.