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He noticed her frown first.
Ever the outsider, Lord Debling wanted to escape the Ton as quickly as possible. His comforting and cozy farm life had everything he needed, but he wanted to find love. Most of the people in his small village lacked the inquisitive, intellectual lifestyle he was accustomed to. Could Lord Debling meet someone in the Ton who shared his love for discussing the social, biological, and psychological philosophies of the natural world? Could he meet someone in the Ton with an appreciation for the world and all of its living creatures? This was his hope, but he wasn’t having much luck!
Many women in the Ton appreciated frivolities, fainting, and feathers more than stimulating conversation. They ruffled their extravagant feathers for attraction, but pecked at departing feet. Lord Debling laughed to himself as he walked through the gardens, observing the people around him.
Lord Debling eventually noticed six people standing upon a gated area of the park. Four of them were women, all sporting intense red hair and gaudy gowns. The older woman, along with two of the younger ones, stood with their husbands in front of the smallest woman. Why was she on her own? From Lord Debling’s perspective, she appeared incredibly lonely, as none of them gave her any attention.
She was beautiful. A citrus gown, sour disposition and fully-curved figure clashed with the Ton’s population, and Lord Debling was immediately thankful for it. What was this marvelous lady thinking about? It wasn’t the appropriate time for him to ask her, but he needed to make a move if he wanted to leave an impression. Her frown needed a smile, so he quietly walked in her direction so as not to startle her.
“Psst…psst…”
Penelope slightly jumped! Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a man a few feet behind her. Tall and lean, with hair a softer yellow than she was used to. He leaned against manicured hedges, giving her a dashing smile, much to her confusion and discomfort. Who did he think he was? A small grunt escaped her scowl as she abruptly turned her head away from him, only to hear another, “Psst…psst…”.
Portia and Penelope’s sisters remained oblivious to the stranger’s presence, and it was for the best. The mother would throw a fit over his sudden silly mockery of her movements and expressions! Small hand and facial gestures exaggerating Portia’s behavior drew some giggles out of Penelope. She did her best to contain her laughter. Shaking her head, she waved her hands to suggest that her new aquaintance leave before he was caught, but he continued to make some faces and movements in his quest for her laughter.
“Penelope! We are leaving for home now! Come along!”
“Yes, mama! I am coming!”
Wanting to thank the stranger for making her laugh, Penelope flipped back to face him, only to find him gone.
Had she imagined him?
With a sigh, she turned to leave, but noticed a pink wildflower at her feet. With a quick heartbeat and motion, she picked up the flower and left, noticing how her frown had flown away.