Page 68 of A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

“It is an old story…with some truth to it.” Felicity inhaled slowly. “Is there more?”

Edward hesitated before meeting her gaze. “And he knows that I have been searching. For a child.”

Her breath hitched. “Oh no⁠—”

“He will not stand for someone less than worthy to belong to his club,” Edward stated in clipped tones. “He has informed me that unless I can prove my honor beyond doubt, provide an explanation both for my actions and the consequences, I will be removed from it.”

Felicity’s fingers curled into fists. “If you are removed, that would cause harm to you.”

“It will cast doubt on my reputation. Yes.” He did not need to say the rest. It would affect her. It would affect Daphne. Everything.

The woman he cared far too much about was quiet for a long moment. Then, her voice low and sure, she said, “That is not fair.”

“It is Society.”

“Ugh. Society.” She shook her head, disgust on her features. “I lecture Daphne about the strictures of Society almost daily, but the unforgiving hypocrites in charge of everything are always eager to dig their claws into someone. Especially someone good. Someone like you. So what shall we do?”

“We?” Edward repeated, looking down at her in bewilderment.

Her eyebrows raised. “Yes, we. Daphne is your ward. I am her aunt. We are a part of your household, your reputation is inextricably linked to ours. We are all in this together, Edward. I am completely on your side at every turn. If you say we ride at dawn, then I will prepare my musket. Or parasol.” She offered him a gentle smile. “Truly. What do you wish for us to do?”

He was silent, moved by her quick acceptance and her tender loyalty to him. It was more than he deserved.

Felicity stepped closer, resting a hand against his chest. “We will find a way through this.”

He looked at her, running his thumb along her jaw. “I believe you actually could, my darling.” He released a sigh. “Let me think on it. I have been given a fortnight to decide what to tell Lord Blackstone.”

Felicity nodded and stepped away, immediately leaving him to curse her absence in the cool air between them. “Do not hesitate to speak to me of it, Edward. Please.”

“I will not,” he promised.

“I had best go attend to Daphne. Good night, Edward.”

“Good night, Captain.” He watched her go, his chest lighter though his burdens remained the same.

Chapter Twenty-One

For two days, Felicity could not stop thinking about Edward’s dilemma. It had settled in the back of her mind, lingering like an out of tune chord, its tension humming beneath everything she did.

She had not spoken to Edward much since their conversation in the study. Not because she did not wish to, but because every time she looked at him, she saw the weight on his shoulders, the quiet way he carried his burden, quite literally soldiering on. He was still thinking it all through.

And he had kissed her. That, too, she could not forget.

Which was precisely why she had invited Mrs. Norman and Miss Norman for tea today—to distract herself, if nothing else.

The parlor was bright with afternoon light, the fire warming the chill which still determinedly clung to early spring. The tea service was laid out neatly and Daphne sat beside her, in high spirits, telling Miss Norman some amusing story about the ball two nights prior.

Mrs. Norman, however, was watching Felicity. The older woman had always been perceptive, and today was no exception, waiting to speak her mind until the young ladies crossed the room to sit at a table to play draughts while they continued to chatter about upcoming invitations.

“You seem troubled, Miss Price,” Mrs. Norman said smoothly, lifting her teacup.

Felicity offered what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “Oh, not at all.”

Mrs. Norman hummed in a way that suggested she did not believe her in the slightest. “You know, your niece is very important to my daughter. Their friendship has been quickly made, but it seems to be of a steady nature. I consider Daphne a dear girl, and I am most grateful you have allowed the acquaintance.”

“Oh, Mrs. Norman, of course. Miss Norman is exactly the sort of friend Daphne needs at present, and I hope they are friends for many years beyond it. I give myself leave to hope that their daughters may in turn find some friendship together.”

“As do I.” Mrs. Norman put her cup down. She folded her hands in her lap. “As I hope that you will be my friend for many years to come, Miss Price. You are an intelligent woman, and I have the greatest pleasure in your company.”