A Match in the Making by Jen Turano

Author:Jen Turano [Turano, Jen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction;Romance fiction;Novels;FIC042110;FIC042030;FIC027360
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2022-12-04T18:30:00+00:00

Twenty-Two

“May I assume you’re wanting another word with me because I’ve done something to irritate you?” Walter asked when Gwendolyn stopped beside him, temper flashing through her green eyes.

“As surprising as this may seem,” she began, tucking an errant strand of hair underneath her hat, “I’m not presently annoyed with you because you’re not responsible for my plight of being inundated with gentlemen determined to acquire my assistant-matchmaking skills. I’m placing the blame for that squarely at Mrs. Parker’s feet.”

“So I’m not a gentleman in danger of evoking your temper today?”

“The day is still young, but as of this moment, I’m not irritated with you. In fact, I’m actually delighted to see you’ve returned early, because I can use you to keep those other bothersome gentlemen at bay.” She took his arm and prodded him into motion.

“I saw you speaking to August Ryerson,” Walter said as they strolled past a gathering of young ladies who smiled at him but didn’t approach, which was a step in the right direction and proved he’d accurately predicted how effective Gwendolyn would be at managing all the feminine attention directed his way. “I find it hard to believe you found him annoying. I’ve heard he’s a pleasant sort.”

A sliver of temper faded from her eyes. “August was an exception to the irritating rule today. He’s charming and was ever so apologetic about seeking me out. His mother is pressuring him to consider marrying over the next year, and while she’s not overly enthusiastic about Mrs. Parker—probably because Mrs. Parker enjoys giving Mrs. Ryerson tips on how to improve August’s conversational skills—she’s intrigued by the success I’ve already experienced. August and I were enjoying a pleasant conversation when Mr. Daniel Mizner and Mr. Russell Damrosch very rudely muscled him aside.”

“What did they want?”

Gwendolyn grimaced. “I get the feeling Daniel’s interested in having me convince Mrs. Parker to sponsor him, but I’m not sure that’s a good idea. There’s something too earnest about him, but he didn’t have an opportunity to speak much because Russell dominated the conversation. Russell wanted me to know he’d take it easy on me tomorrow when I play a friendly game of tennis against him and Tillie Wickham. I use the term friendly loosely, because I’m afraid it may turn into a bloodbath, and one where I’m the one covered in blood.”

Walter brought them to an immediate stop. “You’re playing tennis against Tillie? Did you forget what she did to Cordelia?”

“Considering Cordelia is still sporting bruises around her eye, of course not. But I agreed to the match because I want to see if Tillie’s learned her lesson and will at least attempt to play a pleasant game instead of turning it into a battle.”

“I thought you’d already decided Tillie wasn’t a good candidate for me.”

“She’s not. But considering Mrs. Parker is taking on more gentlemen to sponsor, Tillie may be well suited to one of them.”

Walter rubbed a hand over his face. “Mrs. Parker is taking on additional gentlemen?”

“She was finalizing terms with Mr.

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