Romancing a Wallflower

John,” Lilian mouthed quietly.
“I am afraid I must also take my leave, Lady Lydia,” Lord Yarstone added. He kissed Lydia’s outstretched hand and gave a quick bow. “I too look forward to seeing you again.”
“I reciprocate your sentiments, sir,” Lady Lydia responded, her face glowing with evident contentment.
Chambers waited at the front door, holding their hats and gloves. Harlow and Lord Yarstone accepted their items and walked down the steps together.
“That was awkward,” Harlow uttered when the door closed behind them. “I did not get the feeling Chambers disliked us, earlier. However, of a certainty, I detected a certain level of displeasure in his actions just now.”
“I believe he dislikes the puppy,” Yarstone offered, chuckling. “But I think the dog will stay. Odd, is it not, that he would display such an aversion though?”
“I believe you could be right, my friend. Did you collect how Lady Avalon’s argument turned to dust the minute Lord Avalon came into the room?” He was certain Lord Avalon would accept the puppy. “I will bet that the puppy is being bathed as we speak.”
“I never bet against a certainty,” Yarstone added, laughing. “There seemed to be some urgency, at least on Lady Avalon’s part.”
Chuckling amicably, both men turned to their carriages.
“I cannot imagine the last time the little critter had more than a rain shower. It will want for naught, now. Lady Lilian will dote on him,” reflected Harlow.
“Wait.” Lord Yarstone came up from behind him. “I need to say something.”
Yarstone touched him on the shoulder as Harlow was about to mount into his curricle.
“I apologize, Harlow, for my unforgivable jealousy earlier today.”
Harlow bit back a smile. “Give it no further thought, my friend. I understood. Lady Lydia is a beautiful lady. It is obvious you are making a claim for her. I think she may feel the same way,” he added. “For myself, I prefer…”
“Lady Lilian,” Yarstone supplied, smiling.
“Yes. I like her, but I need to give serious thought to anything further. I do not know if I am ready for marriage as much as my mother would like me to be.” He winced, thinking about his mother. She would undoubtedly hear of his courtship of Lady Lilian and have expectations and questions—lots of questions.
“May I offer a word of advice, Harlow?”
“Yes, I suppose I could accept that. It does not mean I will agree.” His lips twitched.
“I had a similar situation with my family. My own mother was making me uncomfortable by parading eligible misses under my nose and insisting I squire her to parties, where she paraded me to all her bosom-bows. It came to the point where I could not bear to go home, so I decided to broach the subject. I had naught to lose.” Yarstone paused a moment. “I spoke with Mother and explained how her faradiddles and tricks and stratagems, however well-meant, made me feel. I told her I had no desire to let the title leave the family but would make my own decisions at my own pace.”
“And how did that go with your mother?” Harlow was very interested. He all but avoided his mother because of her machinations. Perhaps a straightforward approach would be for the best. It made sense. As Yarstone said, what have I to lose?
“She apologized and said she would try. That is all I can ask of her, in truth.” Yarstone reached his hand out to Harlow, who shook it.
“Thank you, Yarstone. I have not thought to be clear with Mother. Perhaps it is time.” It would also give me time to reflect, he added, finishing his thought.
“One more thing, Harlow.” Yarstone looked serious.
“Yes?”
“I noticed a woman watching us in the park today, from a distance. I made no comment on it to Lady Lydia, and as far as I am aware, she took no note of the occurrence.”
“You did? Where? Did you recognize this woman?” Harlow’s breath caught in his throat, hoping he had not twice put the lady he considered so beautiful in danger.
“I believe it was the widow, Lady Poinz. I noticed her at the ball the other night, dressed in red satin. Somewhat hard to miss, that one.” He smiled wryly.
“Yes. Lady Catherine Poinz is hard to ignore.” Extremely so, he thought. Perhaps that bears more discussion.
“She was walking with a gentleman I did not recognize. I could not see him clearly; the large plumes on her hat hid his face,” Yarstone stated. “They were walking along the path beside a stream. I was behind you and noticed her staring in your direction, looking anything but appreciative in her demeaner, if you get my meaning. They stopped and watched when you turned off the pathway to the small picnic site. I suppose I have become somewhat protective of the DeLacey ladies,” he admitted slowly.
“I did not notice Lady Poinz today, and I thank you for this information. She is an old acquaintance. I met with her briefly at the party.” He laughed it off, hoping to convince Yarstone of his sincerity. “I am afraid the lady makes more of our acquaintance than I ever have. Perhaps it startled her to see me in the park.” This was becoming difficult. He would speak with Catherine as soon as he could and try to determine why she was staring at him in such a fashion. “Yarstone…”
“I should have no objections should we be on first name terms,” Yarstone put in, “if that is acceptable to you. I am thinking we are like to meet a good deal in the future.” He stretched out his hand. “Richard.” As an afterthought, he added, “I trust you do not plan to toy with Lady Lilian’s affections…?”
Harlow cut him off. “I assure you, I do not intend to do that. I understand your concerns and I assure you there is naught between the widow Poinz and myself. Nevertheless, I thank you for this information, Richard.” He took the Viscount’s hand. “Most of my friends call me Harlow and that suits my inclinations.” Harlow