Chapter 8: A Walk in Hyde Park
The lush expanse of Hyde Park was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, casting dappled shadows on the paths where London's elite often strolled to see and be seen. Today, Eloise Bridgerton, accompanied by her brothers Benedict and Colin, and her dear friend Penelope Featherington, was among them, promenading along the serpentine walkways lined with blooming flowers and vibrant greenery.
Their conversation was light and filled with the usual banter and gossip that such outings entailed, but Eloise's mind was elsewhere. The recent family discussions about Sebastian Foxworth had left her conflicted, struggling to reconcile the man's public persona with the rumors and accusations surrounding his business practices.
As they rounded a bend near the ornate fountain, they unexpectedly ran into Sebastian himself. His appearance was as composed as ever, his attire impeccably tailored, making him stand out even in the affluent crowd of Hyde Park. His eyes briefly met Eloise's, a flash of something unspoken passing between them before he addressed the group.
"Good afternoon," Sebastian began, his tone polite. "Miss Bridgerton, might I have the pleasure of your company for a walk?"
The request hung in the air, unexpected and somewhat unwelcome. Colin's response was swift and colder than the autumn breeze. "I believe we have plans, Mr. Foxworth," he said, his voice carrying an edge, influenced no doubt by Anthony's stern advice to maintain distance from the man.
Benedict, ever the diplomat, attempted to smooth over the awkwardness. "Colin, perhaps Eloise can speak for herself. Mr. Foxworth, it's good to see you."
Sebastian's expression, a careful mask of civility, faltered just slightly, revealing a hint of disappointment and hurt—emotions that Eloise alone seemed to notice. As he turned to leave, resigning himself to their refusal, Eloise felt an unexpected tug at her conscience. Her voice, when she spoke, was tinged with reluctance. "Mr. Foxworth, wait. I will walk with you."
The change in Sebastian's demeanor was immediate and palpable. A smile, genuine and relieved, lit up his face as he waited for her to join him. Penelope gave Eloise a supportive nod, sensing her friend's internal struggle, while Benedict offered a subtle smile of approval, glad to avoid further social friction.
As Eloise stepped away from her group to join Sebastian, the atmosphere shifted. Their walk commenced with a politeness that bordered on formality, a stark contrast to the warmth of their previous encounters. Eloise's aloofness was not lost on Sebastian, who, after a few moments of strained conversation about the weather and the park's beauty, addressed the elephant between them.
"Miss Bridgerton, you seem... distant today," he ventured, his voice soft, careful not to encroach too much into her private thoughts. "Have I done something to offend?"
Eloise, caught off guard by his directness, struggled to maintain her composure. She chose her words with care, not wishing to delve into the rumors yet not wanting to lie either. "No, Mr. Foxworth, you have not offended me. I am perhaps a bit preoccupied with family matters. I apologize if I seem out of sorts."
Sebastian studied her for a moment, his gaze insightful. "I understand. However, I can't help but feel that there might be more troubling you. If rumors have reached your ears, as they have a way of spreading in our circles, I would hope you might judge me by my actions rather than the whispers of society."
His words, honest and earnest, struck a chord in Eloise. Yet, she remained guarded, her recent conversations with her family echoing in her mind, warning her of potential repercussions of associating too closely with him.
Recognizing her discomfort, Sebastian gave her a small, resigned smile. "I appreciate your willingness to accompany me today, Miss Bridgerton. Perhaps it is best if we cut our walk short. I would not wish to cause you any further unease."
As he politely excused himself, leaving her amidst the beauty of Hyde Park, Eloise felt a pang of guilt. His kindness in stepping back so gracefully only intensified her feelings of confusion and regret.
Standing alone, watching him disappear into the crowd, Eloise made a decision. She couldn't let her opinion of Sebastian be swayed solely by the rumors and family biases without seeking her own truth. She needed to understand the real Sebastian Foxworth—beyond the businessman, beyond the rumors, beyond the social façade.
As she rejoined her friends, her resolve hardened. She planned to observe him more closely, perhaps engage with him in settings that would reveal more of his character. Maybe she would visit some of the communities affected by his factories, or better yet, see those factories for herself. Only by gathering her own evidence could she truly make up her mind about him.
With this new purpose, Eloise felt a sense of direction. The walk in Hyde Park had not only brought clarity but had also set her on a path that would, she hoped, lead to understanding and perhaps to peace with whatever conclusion she reached about Sebastian Foxworth.