A Gentleman's Daughter: Her Choice by Reina M. Williams

carpet. Miss Wilcox was absent from the room. His smile faded. Mrs. Higham greeted him, as Mrs. Wilcox entertained some other caller, a young man who had danced twice with Miss Wilcox at the ball. But it was he she assented to drive out with, not these other young men. Still, he was unsure how much time she had spent with Mainmount, who was the most immediate threat. Mrs. Higham fell into silence, rare for her, as was her worried frown, which he had never known that lady to evince. Mr. Thornhill became concerned that Miss Wilcox’s indisposition was more serious than Jennings had known.
    “Is Miss Wilcox dangerously unwell, Mrs. Higham? You seem very troubled. If I may be of service to her, please tell me.” He sat on the edge of the sofa, uncomfortable in the company and his own desire to protect Miss Wilcox.
    “Thank you, sir. You are most kind, as always. My niece should be well enough tomorrow. I hesitate to tell you what worries me, however. It is really a matter for the Misters Wilcox.”
    “But they are not here. Is it a pressing matter? Perhaps you ought send for Mr. Wilcox.”
    “No, that would not do.” Mrs. Higham tapped her fingers on the arm of the couch, as if counting off her options.
    “I assume it is something to do with Miss Wilcox? I offer my help, in any way I can. I would be most grieved if she came to harm.” He pulled himself taller to remind himself it was never correct to reveal too much.
    “Thank you, sir. It would ease my mind to unburden myself,” Mrs. Higham began in hushed tones. “I am concerned by Mr. Mainmount’s behavior. After dinner last night, he contrived to be alone in the garden with her. Fortunately, I realized what was afoot and found her before any mischief could be made. While I know she would not welcome any forward attentions, I fear she may be unequal to repelling them. Though I make every effort to see she is properly chaperoned, I am afraid Mrs. Wilcox favors his suit and so is liable to let him act too freely. I am sorry, I ought not have told you any of this. It was wrong of me…” Mrs. Higham broke off.
    He slumped slightly as if someone jabbed him in his gut. Forcing himself to sit taller again, he clenched his jaw, biting back the fury which would blind him if he did not squelch it. “No, madam. I offered my help. Are you certain Miss Wilcox does not welcome his attentions? I do not wish to interfere where I ought not.”
    “I assure you, she does not. She may like him, I suppose, but she does not wish to marry him. She told Miss Amelia so.”
    He prayed this was true. His neck prickled, hot with his suppressed feelings. “Why do you not speak to her then? She need not receive him if she does not wish to.”
    “You do not know my sister, Mr. Thornhill. My niece rightly feels it would be better to keep those engagements she has already made with that gentleman. I only feel at a loss as to how to prevent any further schemes on his part.”
    Why was this woman torturing him? He shifted in his seat. Miss Wilcox had spirit enough to refuse Mr. Mainmount, if she did not like him. “I do not know what I can accomplish, Mrs. Higham. My uncle and his daughter arrive tomorrow and I will be much occupied with them. However, I will call on Miss Wilcox before then and think of what might be done. I urge you to speak with her. It would be best if she did not see him again,” Mr. Thornhill said, rising and taking his leave. Perhaps he should speak to Anna, she had a clear mind and was a comfort, unlike Miss Wilcox, who bedeviled him at every turn. Of course, when had love not treated him thusly? He shook his head, knowing the only sensible course was to forget Miss Wilcox.
    Cecilia, after her day of rest and applications of a hot water bottle, indeed felt much better the next morning, though she did not regret her assertion that she would not ride out that day. Her recovery was soon tested by the scoldings of her mother and the questions of her aunt, who had managed