Read Constant Hearts, Inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion Page 4
Chapter 4
Seated in the main gathering room inside Brooks’s, Reed toyed with his glass and only half-listened to Lord Evensley. He scanned the club, admiring the architecture of the old building. As a guest of a peer, he’d been allowed into the exclusive club, but he’d never get in on his own merit. No matter. He’d never belonged to the beau monde, despite his parents’ attempts to climb the elite ladders of society, nor did he care. Still, the good food and excellent port made the trip worthwhile.
A gentleman walking by stopped to chat. Remembering the gentleman from the dinner party the other night, Reed nodded a greeting, then narrowed his gaze. That had been the gentleman sitting next to Amelia, engrossed in conversation with her. How he’d envied that man!
Reed shook himself. He wanted nothing to do with that rich, spoiled lord’s daughter who thought she was too good for the likes of him.
The other gentleman sat. “I say, where have you been hiding that charming Amelia Dasherwood?”
Reed gave a little start.
Lord Evensley grinned. “You liked her, eh?”
“Lovely,” said the gentleman. “And intelligent, too. I didn’t think I’d find that combination so appealing. Have you heard about that orphanage she’s sponsoring?”
Lord Evensley nodded. “Of course. We’ve already pledged our help.”
Reed’s ears perked. “Orphanage?”
“One that had a huge death toll last winter,” Lord Evensley explained. “Mrs. Dasherwood has turned the place upside down making it more healthful for children.”
The other gentleman nodded. “I went on a tour with her yesterday, and I must admit it was impossible not to get caught up in all the excitement. I dug deep into my pockets. But seeing her eyes light up was worth every shilling.”
How well Reed recalled Amy’s eyes all aglow.
“Hmmm,” continued the other man. “Perhaps she’ll let me court her now that she sees me so generous.”
Reed glared at the man as he rhapsodized about Amy. She’d been his Amy. Or so he’d thought.
But if she were funding an orphanage, she’d obviously matured since he’d seen her. Maybe status was no longer so important. It had been odd, really, how she’d seemed so in love with him, and then the moment her uncle refused his proposal, Amy had turned so cold. He’d thought she’d had more substance than that.
An orphanage. Now that was worthwhile. Perhaps he could help. He could offer his services as a doctor to the children.
But no, putting himself in Amy’s path would lead nowhere he wished to go. Besides, he was leaving town soon and had no plans ever to return.
The other gentleman finally stopped yammering on about beautiful women on missions, and left.
“What is it about him you don’t like?” Lord Evensley’s voice broke in.
Reed jumped. “Eh? Oh, nothing. He seems a decent chap.”
“You were positively glowering.” Humor glittered his eyes.
“I meant no offense to your friend.”
“Methinks you have designs upon Mrs. Dasherwood?” Lord Evensley raised a brow.
“No, of course not. Far above my class. I want nothing to do with lords’ daughters. Too much trouble.”
“Ah. You’ve asked about her, then.”
“No. I already knew….” Reed closed his mouth with a snap.
Lord Evensley cocked his head and examined him while a smile played with his mouth. “A lady from the past?” He drew in a breath and snapped his fingers. “Of course. She’s the lady from the past.”
Reed scowled. “I never said anything about a lady from the past.”
“When I first met you on the peninsula, you had the clear look of a man nursing a broken heart. Only a woman can leave a man in that kind of wreckage.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Reed rubbed his eyes.
“Do you remember the night we got so drunk we got lost on the way back from that little tavern?”
Reed grinned. “After the brawl?”
“The same. You told me you envied me that I’d fallen for a woman who returned my affection. You refused to say anything more on the matter, but weeks later mentioned something about reaching above your class and getting your hand cut off.”
“So now you know,” Reed growled.
“Mrs. Dasherwood went on to marry a real lout.”
“It was her choice.”
“Are you sure?”
Reed folded his arms. “Her uncle refused my suit and she coldly told me that her uncle knew best and that she couldn’t see me ever again.”
“How old was she?”
“Seventeen.”
“Young. Impressionable.”
“Unwilling to risk living on my means and social status.”
Lord Evensley sipped his drink thoughtfully. “Is that why she refused you?”
“Look who she married. An Earl.”
“Someone of whom her uncle approved.”
“You see?” Reed toyed with a napkin.
“Perhaps it was his approval that mattered. Going against the wishes of a guardian to whom she felt she owed her gratitude and obedience would have been difficult for any young lady.”
“I begged her to elope.”
“And disappoint her uncle, to say nothing of the scandal?” He made a tsking sound. “I had no idea you had such an impetuous romantic side.”
“Not any more. I’ve learned my lesson.” Reed took out his watch and manufactured an escape. “I have an appointment. Thank you for inviting me here.”
“Good afternoon.” A knowing gleam remained in Lord Evensley’s eye.
Reed left, mulling over his friend’s words. Perhaps he’d asked too much of Amy, after all. Still, she’d married that earl only a few months later. Obviously their relationship had meant more to Reed than it had to Amy.