Just another season in London. Just another few months filled with balls and calls. Occasionally he wondered why he bothered. He had seen most of the young ladies time and time again. Every year his mothers and sisters would present another young lady to him. He would be polite and pleasant, but it would never be enough. There was always something missing, even the lovely Lady Clementina, daughter of the Duke of Devonshire was not enough. He considered marrying for money, her dowry was considerable, but it was not necessary. The family fortune was large and he refused to rely on a wife's fortune.
This time it was different. He was not just Viscount Darling, but Earl Darlington. His father had been in ill-health for the last few years, but he death had struck them hard. He was so young, though he would be strong. He would take the role left behind by his father. He would venture to London as Head of the Family. At least Josephine was married and Elsie was engaged, but that still left two sisters whose futures were not secure. Someone needed to watch over them until they could be married. That was now his duty.
Today it was another day of making calls. He had visited Miss Pratt as was customary though the young lady was as dull as the day before and with his duty done he hoped he could be done with her. It was quite clear that none of his mother or sister's recommendations would be suitable.
The road was filled with more carriages than was customary and he paused to allow one to pass. It was never wise to trust in some of the carriage drivers to control the horses appropriately. However, on the other side of the street a young lady was not so wise. It was so unusual it was the only reason he even noticed. It was even more apparent when he noticed her stumble. The girl clearly had no brains or any grace. It was the only thing he could think of at least until the carriage got closer. He knew woman were very peculiar about their footwear but this was something else.
Robert was not someone who had a repuation of being particular brave, but for a young lady he could be gallant and charming as that was how he was taught. Stepping out onto the road, he gestured to the driver but he did not notice. Again and again he waved his arms in a way that he felt was particular foolish, but somehow his heart was beating and his movements were more frantic. Did this man even notice?
He did not. His eyes flicked from the driver to the girl. Again and agin it flickered. Until somehow he made his decision. Running forward he seized the only part of her that he could, her arms and tugged violently. It was improper and probably painful to the girl, but it was the only thing he could do. Finally as it got closer and closer it finally snapped. He was not sure if it was her shoe or her foot had finally become free, either way they were suddenly lurched free. He fell back onto the footpath followed by the girl who landed in an underdignified heap on the cobbled streets, himself breathing heavily as he attempted to recover himself and was left to wonder what had just happened.