Season's Feather

Chapter Six

Lord Aevery escaped finally after dealing with many different girls who either showed off too much chest or flaunted their skills too much.

"Aevery!" A man called. "I owe you a drink!"

"Whatever for?" Williamson asked.

"With you as the prize catch of the season, the rest of us shall receive a respite from the marriage-minded mamas this season, indeed."

"Enjoy your freedom while it lasts." Williamson frowned, "You, too, will soon submit to this ridiculous rigmarole of courtship. Parading around every eligible miss around town until you're barely able to see straight."

The man chuckled, "Is one lady unlike any other? Simply pick the least objectionable and get her wed, bed, and bred. Then you can return to the more pleasurable pursuits, and more pleasurable partners."

Williamson chuckled, "You may be cavalier, but if I must leg-shackle myself in marriage, the lady in question should have more to recommend her."

"Do not tell us you are hoping for a love match?"

"Love is the last thing I desire. But if my children are to be of good stock, then their mother must be of impeccable quality. A pleasing face, an acceptable wit, genteel manners enough to credit a lady. It should not be hard to find." Williamson explained, "And yet, the debutantes of London fall short at every turn."

Williamson turned to one of the Lord's in the small group, "You want the best. Perhaps the queen will finally name a diamond. Save you some trouble. At least, of choosing her."

Another man spoke up, "Wooing the piece will be a different story, indeed."

Williamson smirked, "I shall have no problem there."

All the men share a chuckle. 

"Smoking room, gentlemen?" The first man spoke again.

"I shall be there anon." Williamson nodded.

As the men left he heard a twig snap, "Someone there?" He called.

Williamson turned to the garden, "I can hear y-" He stumbled upon the woman from the forest, "You."

"Pardon me, my lord." The woman spoke.

"I never got your name. I was wondering if we'd meet again." Williamson asked.

The woman scoffed, "So you might discern if my wit is acceptable, manners genteel?"

"You were eavesdropping?"

"It was hardly an effort," The woman shrugged, "seeing as you were proclaiming your many requirements for a wife loud enough for the entire party to hear."

Williamson scoffed, "You take issue with them?"

The woman frowned, "I take issue with any man who views women merely as chattels and breeding stock."

"None of that was meant-"

"Lord Aevery, yes?" The woman asked. "When you manage to find this paragon of virtue, whatever makes you think she will accept your suit? Are the young ladies of London truly so easily won by a pleasing smile and nothing more?"

Williamson smirked, "So you find my smile pleasing?"

"I find your opinion of yourself entirely too high. Your character is as deficient as your horsemanship. I shall bid you goodnight." The woman dismissed him.

Williamson watched as she walked past him and back into the party. And he thought back to his conversation with the men. He should have not said those things. He wished he had not said those things.

But, that woman was entirely rude. And even though he found her captivating and beautiful and mysterious. Attitude was not sufficient in her personality. For him, that would not do.

— & —

Delilah made her way over to the punch table to grab a refresher. She was parched and exhausted and wanted to leave, though she stayed, because she knew the second she was back in her home -

"Lady Silvester!"

Delilah turned to find Lady Danbury there. She smiled at the woman, a second mother, "Lady Danbury! Splendid evening."

Lady Danbury hummed, "Well, for the most part. There are a few guests whose absence I might not have regretted."

"Oh, well I do hope I was not one of them," Delilah laughed shortly.

"You and I have common interests this season, it seems." Lady Danbury said.

Delilah looked at the woman and smiled, "Is that what the rumors are. Do you have some you have taken under your wing this season as well? I look forward to meeting them."

Lady Danbury smiled at her, "And I looked forward to showing these other mamas how the game ought to be played. Though, it appears you have already stoked the fire by informing them of the new arrivals interest in marriage. Lord Aevery was it?"

Delilah smiled tensely, "A deal of my fathers. I did not have the heart to send him away without a wife. He came here expecting to leave married, I can at least help him find someone to replace me."

"They all must come around eventually," Lady Danbury agreed, "I suppose."

"Lady Danbury, we wish to leave."

The two turned to the Sharma sisters. Delilah looked at them in interest, these were the girls Lady Danbury was sponsoring. She smiled to herself recalling their brief introductions earlier.

Lady Danbury looked at them, then at Delilah, before turning back and motioning to her, "Miss Sharma, allow me to introduce you to-"

"Lady Silvester, charmed." The eldest Miss Sharma spoke without looking at her, "My mama is already in our carriage. We will see you at home."

Delilah stood by as Lady Danbury leaned in to whisper with the misses. She sipped quietly on her own drink. Kate Sharma was certainly a force to be reckoned with. It reminded her of someone else who was under her wing for the season.

"Well," Delilah sighed when Lady Danbury turned back around, "It would seem both of us will have our hands full this year."

"Not if I have something to say about it. And as you very well know, I always have something to say." Lady Danbury smiled, "And, happy birthday my dear."