Best Laid Plans (A Gentleman of Misfortune, Book 2)

Chapter Nine

To my horror, Mr. Anderson guided me to where his daughter was seated. "I'll leave you here. Enjoy the evening," he said, his tone cheerful. He rushed off before his daughter had even turned from the conversation she was having with the woman next to her.

"Oh," she said, dismay crossing her face. "Mr. Bywood. I didn't realize you would be here tonight."

"Miss Anderson," I said, nodding my head. "Your parents were gracious enough to extend an invitation to my friend and me earlier today. Will you be entertaining us tonight as well?"

"Of course. I will be playing the pianoforte and singing." She smoothed her gloved hands and hesitated before asking, "Do you enjoy music, Mr. Bywood?"

I considered the question. "For the most part, yes." A young lady I didn't know began to play the pianoforte and the first few notes made me flinch. "But I've found many young ladies are not as talented as their mamas proclaim."

"That is unkind of you to say." Despite her harsh words, the corner of her mouth quirked up as though she were fighting a smile. "Do you know how much courage it takes for some of these girls to perform?"

"I wish more of them had some cowardice," I whispered as the lady began to sing. "Or perhaps a better understanding of their talents...or lack of talent, in some cases."

Miss Anderson hushed me and then turned her attention to the performance with a polite smile on her face. I took a moment to glance around the room. There was, maybe, a total of twenty-five people gathered. To my left, Ward had managed to secure a seat next to Miss Forester.

Perhaps my friend was on his way to finding love with the young lady.

I wished him well. Miss Forester's brother was a good sort and the family was respectable. At least as far as I knew.

My thoughts were wandering, and I tried to bring them back to focus on the performance. I regretted it immediately. The enthusiastic young singer hit a note that didn't quite go with the melody. Trying not to cringe, I leaned back in my seat. I wanted nothing more than to close my eyes and ignore the whole situation.

Instead, like the polite and well mannered my mother had raised, I applauded along with everyone else when the lady was done. And then did so again after the next performer. When Miss Anderson played a cheerful tune on the pianoforte, I could feel her parents watching my reaction.

Heavens! We had only been in each other's company twice and spoken three times. We hadn't shown any preference for each other. How could that have been enough to raise the hopes of her parents?

Were they so desperate to see her married any gentleman who came along would do?

Instead of returning to the seat beside me, Miss Anderson chose to go to the other side of the room. She sat beside Mrs. Forester, who took her hand and patted it with affection.

Well, I suppose I wasn't the best or most entertaining companion at the moment. And maybe it would send a message to her parents not to expect a romance between us.

"Oh, Mr. Bywood!" Miss Dunbar exclaimed as she sat beside me. She managed to keep her voice at a whisper, but she still drew annoyed glances from those close by. "I didn't expect to see you this evening. Now we can finally talk. How are you finding Bath? Who have you met? You must tell me all!"

On second thought, perhaps enduring the hopeful expectations of Miss Anderson's parents would be better than this. What was Miss Dunbar's fascination with me? And why was she leaning against me in such a suggestive manner?

"Good evening, Miss Dunbar," I managed to say with all politeness. I edged away from her. "I believe it is customary to remain silent and appreciate the performance. We wouldn't want to disturb anyone with conversation."