A Worthy Suitor

by Jennifer AlLee

  “Yes, please.”

  She drew him away a few steps and explained that she’d like to free Charles to dance with Matilda. After commending her on her sensible outlook, he gave his permission, then returned to his friends who were discussing the merits of Teddy Roosevelt.

  Making her way through the crowd, Gwen found Charles and Matilda standing together, she sipping a glass of punch as he smiled down at her. Oh, yes, there was definitely something blossoming between those two. Which gave Gwen a legitimate reason to get to know Charles better.

  “Ah, there you are, Gwen.” Charles handed her the other cup of punch he held.

  “Thank you.” She sipped slowly, enjoying the dueling flavors of sweet and tart on her tongue. She turned to Matilda and smiled, then returned her attention to Charles. “I just spoke to Father, and he’s given permission for you to become Matilda’s escort for the evening.”

  “If you’d like to, of course.” Matilda spoke up.

  “Certainly.” The lift of his brows said he didn’t know how she could think he wouldn’t be pleased. He glanced quickly at the dancers and looked back at Gwen. “I understand. And thank you.”

  It may have been the nicest thing he’d said to her in the short time that she’d known him. Matilda finished her punch, then set the glass on the empty tray of a server passing by. Her expectant look made Gwen laugh.

  “I do believe my sister is ready to dance.”

  Charles offered his arm. “It would be my pleasure.”

  As the two walked together to the dance floor, Gwen felt a twinge of envy. Matilda was so elegant, she and Charles made a striking couple. And as they began the waltz, her movements were effortless. Gwen had long known she could never match her sister’s graceful movements, and she’d made peace with it, for the most part. But sometimes, she couldn’t help but wish things were different.

  What would it be like to attend a grand party on the arm of a gentleman who truly wanted to be with her? An image of Albert Taylor sprung to mind, looking dashing in one of the new-style dinner jackets all the men were sporting. What would it be like to dance with him, to feel one hand on her waist as he cradled her fingers gently in his other?

  “Good evening, Miss Banks.”

  Good heavens, now she was even hearing his voice. She turned to see if in fact anyone had actually spoken and nearly dropped her punch glass.

  “Albert.”

  He reached out to steady her hand. “I didn’t mean to startle you. But I suppose I’m the last person you expected to see here.”

  “Truthfully, yes.” Villagers never socialized with the parkies. Gwen thought it a ridiculous class separation, but it was the way things were. Yet here he was, not holding a silver tray and serving as a butler, but dressed just as she’d imagined him, looking more handsome than any other man in the room.

  Before she could say any more, the host of the party, Grenville Kane, came up and slapped Albert on the back. “There you are, son. If I can pull you away from Miss Banks, there are some people I want you to meet.”

  The imposing man moved quickly away, obviously not concerned with whether or not Gwen wanted to end their conversation. Albert looked at her apologetically as he backed away.

  “I’ll explain everything just as soon as I can. I promise.”

  Then he turned and moved with long, sure steps to catch up with Mr. Kane, who was already talking to a group of men and gesturing behind him. Gwen watched as Albert joined the group and, following quick introductions, exchanged handshakes all around.

  It was indeed curious.

  “Gwenie, what’s going on?” Matilda bounded up to her. “Are my eyes playing tricks on me, or did I see your archery instructor friend?”

  Gwen frowned. “Why aren’t you dancing? Where’s Charles?”

  “I handed him off to my friend Sadie.”

  A quick scan of the dance floor and Gwen spotted Charles dancing with a woman several inches taller than he. Oh yes, Sadie. Her height combined with her long, thin face gave her an unfortunately equine look.

  Matilda shook her head. “The poor dear always comes to these things alone and rarely has the opportunity to dance. When I asked Charles, I expected him to say no, but he was happy to comply.”

  Another surprise. Gwen was beginning to feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. “That’s very nice of him.” Then she looked back at Albert.

  “Yes, it is. But enough of that.” She followed Gwen’s gaze, then made an affirmative sound. “I was right. That is Albert. No wonder you wanted to free yourself of Charles.”

  “What?” Gwen turned her attention back to Matilda. “No, that wasn’t the reason at all. I didn’t even know Albert would be here.”

  “Why is he here?”

  “I have no idea.” She motioned to the crowd of men. “I think he was about to tell me, but then Mr. Kane came and pulled him over to talk to his friends.”

  Matilda’s eyes widened. “So it’s a mystery we have here. Leave it to me, sister. I’ll get to the bottom of it.”

  Before Gwen could stop her, Matilda was off, moving to a group of women who were already clucking about some juicy piece of gossip. Surely it wouldn’t take her long to turn the conversation to Albert Taylor and find out exactly what the man was doing here.

  It took even less time than she expected. By the time she’d moved to a cozy seating area of chairs and couches in the corner, the orchestra had begun playing a new song and Matilda was hurrying to her side.

  “That was quick,” Gwen said.

  Matilda settled on the couch and gave her sister a wink. “It’s not my first time. There’s a fabulous story behind Mr. Taylor’s appearance here.”

  When Matilda didn’t immediately share, Gwen poked her in the ribs. “Do tell.”

  Matilda giggled as she inched sideways. “All right. It seems that Mr. Kane has a bee in his bonnet about the Summer Games. Since they’ll be held in Saint Louis, he’s determined the Tuxedo Park Club be represented.”

  Things were beginning to make sense. “I see. So he’s interested in Albert’s skill as an archer.”

  “That’s right. He’s putting together a team with Albert at the head, and he’s making sure all his cronies know about it.”

  Of course, taking a team to the world’s premier athletic event would require support from the community, as well as a financial commitment. What better way to ensure both of those than to bring Albert right into the middle of Tuxedo Park society?

  Matilda leaned close to Gwen and whispered in her ear. “This could be the answer to your conundrum.”

  “What conundrum is that?”

  “Your attraction to Mr. Taylor, despite your difference in status.” Matilda leaned back and smiled. “Father is much less likely to disapprove now that Grenville Kane is the man’s sponsor.”

  Gwen was ready to counter with the fact that it didn’t matter what Father thought of Albert, but then she stopped. Matilda was right. Gwen had real feelings for Albert Taylor, and this new development would make it easier for them to build a relationship. But of course there was one very important piece of information missing.

  “I don’t even know if he shares my feelings,” Gwen said. “Most likely, he simply sees me as a friend and a student, in which case, this point is moot.”

  “There’s one way to find out.”

  Matilda jumped to her feet, but Gwen snatched her wrist before she could get away. “Oh no you don’t. Please, Tilda. Let’s just wait and see how events unfold.”

  The softening of Matilda’s mouth and the glow in her eyes showed she understood. “Of course. Now, if you’ll release your grip, I believe I’ll see if I can coax another dance out of Charles.”

  Gwen smiled as she watched her sister move away. The girl was full of such natural joy, she almost skipped across the room. Matilda could find the good in just about anyone, even someone as difficult to read as Charles. Gwen, on the other hand, was used to seeing the less positive side of people. She’d over
heard too many unkind comments made by people who apparently thought that having a lame foot also meant she had a hearing problem.

  Albert was an altogether different sort of man. He spoke with her honestly about her disability, but never belittled her because of it. He never considered her less than capable simply because of her limp.

  She looked around the room and her eyes finally came to rest on Albert. Mr. Kane was still with him, but they were now talking to Mr. Kane’s wife and his daughter, Eloise. Mr. Kane had apparently just made the introductions, because Eloise held up her hand. Albert took her fingers very gently and bent over them, not enough to actually kiss them, but close. When he straightened up, Mr. Kane gestured to the dancing couples. Albert smiled and said something to Eloise. She nodded. Then he took her hand and walked her onto the dance floor.

  Seeing the two together made the breath catch in Gwen’s throat. Eloise was a beautiful young woman: tall, but not too tall, with classic features and chestnut hair that glowed with red highlights as she moved gracefully across the floor. If Albert was positioning himself to move up in society, as a bid for the competition certainly implied, then Eloise was exactly the type of woman he should have at his side.

  Gwen rose from the couch, suddenly feeling weighted. She would find her father and tell him that she planned to sit in the rear garden until the family was ready to return home. Time outside in the night air surrounded by the smells and sounds of nature would lift her spirits, and no doubt cool the heat that had blossomed in her cheeks.

  Chapter 7

  Albert checked his watch one more time, then slipped it back in his trouser pocket. She was ten minutes late. He’d come to expect Gwen to show up early for their walks in the woods, or right on the dot, but never had she arrived late. Perhaps she’d had a difficult time getting away from her family today. Or perhaps, she was upset about the party.

  He should have told her ahead of time that they might run into each other, but he hadn’t even known he’d be attending until the last minute. Mr. Kane had been hinting at it for weeks, but yesterday he’d arrived at the archery range just as Albert finished up his last lesson of the day. Mr. Kane said he would have everything Albert needed brought to his home before the party started. Thankfully, Albert had enough time to make it home before the delivery driver arrived and discovered Rachel.

  But there hadn’t been time to speak to Gwen, not even at the party. Mr. Kane had kept him busy interacting with everyone from the youngest socialites to the oldest doyennes of the community. There hadn’t been a free moment until the orchestra began to pack up their instruments, and by that time, the Banks family had left.

  The crunch of leaves behind him signaled a change. He turned and broke out into a grin. “Gwen. It’s good to see you.”

  “I’m sorry to be late.” Her voice was low and even tempered, a difference from her usual morning exuberance.

  “I was afraid you decided not to come.”

  She hesitated. “I almost didn’t.”

  “I’m so sorry about the party last night.” He took a step closer, but her crossed arms and serious expression warned him against touching her. “I’m sure you wonder why I was there.”

  “I know some of the why.” Gwen gazed at him with an intensity he hadn’t seen before. “Matilda found out about Mr. Kane wanting to sponsor you in the games. That’s wonderful news.”

  “Yes, it is. And you’re probably wondering why I never mentioned it to you.”

  Gwen waved her hand as if she cared no more about it than she did about Jason Adler’s automobile. “You certainly don’t owe me an explanation. Although I would have been interested to know you were hoping to compete, it’s your own business.”

  Albert sighed. “If it was only my business, I would have told you. But Mr. Kane swore me to secrecy until it was time for him to trot me out and meet his friends. Last night just happened to be my debut.”

  Gwen frowned. “You make it sound like you’re a show pony.”

  “I rather felt like one last night. Soliciting is not something I enjoy doing, but it’s necessary if I want to make something out of myself.”

  “I understand.” She uncrossed her arms, but still held her journal in front of her. “It looked like you enjoyed some of the party last night. You spent a lot of time dancing.”

  When he saw her at the party, he knew she’d most likely seen him dancing. He’d wanted to tell her right then why he was there, but his promise to Mr. Kane prevented that. He’d thought all night about what to say when he next saw her, and he could settle on only one answer: the truth. “There are many charming ladies in Tuxedo Park. But there was only one woman I really wanted to dance with, and sadly, she was not available.”

  Gwen drew in a slow breath. “That’s a shame. Hopefully, your lady will be available next time.”

  “I certainly hope so.” He reached out and took one of her hands, pulling it away from her book. “In case you haven’t realized, I’m talking about you.”

  Her eyes widened. “Me?”

  “Yes, you.” Albert laughed. “I know it’s unusual for someone like me to express a personal interest in someone like you. But you’re quite an unusual woman.”

  Gwen bit her bottom lip and looked down at her feet.

  “Oh, no.” Albert put a finger beneath her chin and tilted her head up. “I meant because of class distinctions, nothing more. And you are unusual, but in the most wonderful way.”

  Her eyes glistened and a careful smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. “I find you quite…unusual…as well.”

  “Then perhaps you’ll honor me with a dance one day.”

  A look of terror came over her face. “I don’t dance.”

  “Have you tried?”

  “No.” She gave a hard shake of her head.

  “Then how do you know?”

  “I just know.” She pulled her hand from his and turned away. “I’ve never tried to fly, either, but I know I can’t do that.”

  How hard should he push her? Certainly not enough to make her cry, but he didn’t want her to think he was giving up on her, either.

  “We don’t have to talk about it now.” He took a step away. “But I will ask you to dance again.”

  She looked over her shoulder. “You’ll be at more parties?”

  “Oh, yes, Mr. Kane believes I need to be visible, so I’ll be as common a sight at these soirees as goose liver pâté.”

  Gwen laughed as she turned back around. “I’ll be much happier to see you than the goose liver.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  “But I’m still not going to dance with you.”

  Albert detected a note of challenge in her voice that he couldn’t resist. “Then I hope you won’t mind if I keep asking you.”

  She smiled shyly. “Not if you won’t mind that I keep turning you down.”

  So that was how it would be—a battle of wills to see which one would give in first. Miss Gwendolyn Banks was about to find out just how stubborn and determined he could be.

  He let a smile slowly lift the corner of his mouth. “Agreed.”

  * * *

  Gwen woke to sunlight streaming through her window, and a chickadee singing its distinctive song on the tree limb outside her bedroom. She stretched her arms far above her head, then wiped the sleep from her eyes with the back of one hand. Now that the whirl of gaiety had begun and parties were an almost nightly occurrence, Gwen had accompanied her family to all of them for the past week. Never before had she participated in so much. It was exhausting, but exhilarating. For once, Gwen was beginning to understand what Matilda meant when she said she wished summer would never end.

  It had taken a while for Gwen to fully comprehend the depth of Albert’s admission on the archery field. When the truth had finally become clear, she was in shock. Albert had feelings for her. He was genuinely interested in her, not only as a student, nor as a means to an end, but as a person. For the first time in her life, Gwen had feelings of
affection for a man, and the most incredible part was that he returned them.

  Albert had been as good as his word. She’d seen him at almost all the parties, and every time, he politely asked her to dance. And every time, she politely turned him down. At first, she treated it like a game, considering herself the winner when he walked away to dance with someone else. But last night, that had changed.

  He had asked in the same polite way, and accepted her refusal gracefully, as he always did. But when he walked away, Gwen had not felt at all like a winner. She’d felt great disappointment. And as she watched Albert dancing with another young woman, Gwen finally realized she was missing out on something.

  No more. Gwen threw back the covers and reached for her robe at the foot of the bed. Today was the day she would do something about it.

  She walked carefully down the hall and tapped on her sister’s door. “Matilda.” Gwen rasped a greeting, then pushed the door open.

  There was a lump under the covers of her sister’s bed, and it sounded like the lump was crying. Gwen sat down beside her, careful not to crush an arm or leg. “Tilda, what’s wrong?”

  A gasp sounded, and then Matilda popped up, throwing the covers away. “Gwenie, what are you doing here?”

  “I came to ask you something, but that’s not important now. What’s wrong?”

  Matilda hung her head, shoulders slumped. “You’ll think I’m being silly.”

  “No, I won’t.”

  “Yes, you will.”

  Gwen sighed. “Perhaps I might think you’re silly. But that doesn’t mean I won’t listen seriously to what’s bothering you.”

  “All right.” Matilda took a deep breath and sat up straighter. “It’s about Charles.”

  “Charles?” Gwen clenched her fists. “Has he acted with you in an untoward manner?”

  “Oh no, of course not. It’s just the opposite.”

  Gwen blinked in confusion. “Excuse me?”

  “He’s been a perfect gentleman. Even though you have no interest in him, and I’ve all but thrown myself at his feet, he treats me almost like a sister.”

  “I think you’re exaggerating.” In fact, Gwen had noticed Charles looking at Matilda several times in a most nonbrotherly way.