Page 30 of A Match for Princess Pompous
“It was our pleasure,” Odette said.
“You are partners for this set and for supper, I believe,” Mrs. Summerfield said. “Do not let me keep you.”
As they turned to walk away, they came face-to-face with Her Grace. She did not speak but offered a smile and nod of approval. The same thing repeated itself several times, always offered to the two of them together. The set was well underway; joining the other couples could have been managed but wouldhave been a bit difficult. Instead, they simply made a slow circuit of the room, made increasingly slow by the many people who stopped to comment upon the evening and their handsomeness as a couple.
They had nearly completed their circuit when they came upon Mrs. Northrop.
“I hear a great many things of you,” she said. “Your parents are hearing the same.”
“And what is their reaction?” Odette asked anxiously.
“They approve of your chivalrous and kind behavior and, it seemed to me, are beginning to consider a connection they had not before.”
Odette took in a sharp, audible breath. “Oh, Jack.”
He hesitated. “How deeply are they considering it?” he pressed.
“Deeply enough.” Mrs. Northrop’s calm serenity gave him confidence. “Continue on as you have been tonight, and by Season’s end, I will fully expect an announcement in theTimes.”
Odette sighed deeply. Jack did the same. Months of worry were finally easing.
“I know this will sound awful,” Odette said, “but I am so grateful Mr. Tolmer accidentally spilled his claret.”
Mrs. Northrop nodded slowly. “Yes.Accidentally.” She offered a dip of her head and turned and walked away.
For just a moment, the reality of what the matchmaker had nearly admitted did not penetrate his mind. Odette, however, grinned.
“I am grateful she is on our side,” Jack said.
“As am I.” Odette turned a happy, joyous gaze to him. “As am I.”
***
Adelaide spent the remainder of the supper dance and much of the meal that followed inserting subtly into conversations the occasional comment about the tender scene that had played out between Miss Summerfield and Mr. Lexington as well as mentions of Odette and young Mr. Hewitt’s kindness during that ordeal. She did not mean to draw attention to her efforts, simply to guide the impression the guests would leave with that night. The two couples would be thought of fondly. More to the point, they would be thought ofas couples.
Maneuvering all that needed to happen that night had not been easy. Making certain Mr. Lexington engaged her for the supper dance so she could insist he abandon her for the role of rescuing knight. Getting enough people to stop and speak with Mr. Hewitt so that he would be near Miss Summerfield when her disappointment was first realized. Motioning Odette in that direction as the supper dance began. Literally bumping into Mr. Tolmer at the most opportune moment. She likely ought to find a means of compensating him for his ruined cravat and waistcoat. There was no means of secretly doing so monetarily.
He was quiet and unlikely to draw the notice of the young ladies of theton.Yet, he was precisely the sort of good-hearted and devoted young gentleman who ought to be highly sought after. That might be the key to paying the debt he did not realize she owed him. She would, during her various assignments, watch for an opportunity to help him secure his future. Perhaps she might even find someone perfectly suited to the unassuming young gentleman.
Her efforts never truly ended. Every time she accepted a new post, she met new people struggling to find what they sought, struggling to secure a happy future rather than the one too often forced upon them by a society far more concerned with wealth and power than the well-being of its sons and daughters.
So long as that held true, she would continue her work.
Chapter Twelve
The Season wound to its inevitable close. Most of the important families had already or would soon abandon Town for house parties throughout the countryside before returning to their homes. Odette’s family was no exception. Her belongings were packed and ready for placing in the traveling carriage. Mother was frantically directing the servants’ efforts.
Odette stood outside Father’s library, waiting. Mrs. Northrop was leaving London that day as well, but not with them. She had another assignment, this time in the country. While Odette suspected she would see Mrs. Northrop in Town in the Seasons to come, she would miss having her nearby. She had come to value the lady’s straightforward, serene, calm approach to difficulties. She had also discovered a kindness beneath her originally implacable demeanor.
After a time, the door opened. Mrs. Northrop stepped out. She seemed only slightly surprised to find Odette there waiting. “Good morning, Odette.”
“You are leaving.” She hadn’t intended to make such an abrupt declaration, but her mind had simply pushed the words out without softening them.
“It is time.” Mrs. Northrop never was one for sentimentality. “I did read the announcement in theTimeslast week. There is nothing left here for me to do.”
Odette kept pace with her as she walked along the corridor. “You needn’t remain as a matchmaker. You could simply be here as a friend.”
“As much as I would enjoy that—and I genuinely would—there is a young lady in Dorset who is in need of my help.”
