Page 40 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
“What nonsense. You know I am not one for sentiments. This notion of love can be fetchingly unrealistic.”
“If you ever fall in love, you will know it, Thornton. It is the purest and the most innocent thing ever, stemming from feelings somewhere deep within the core of the heart.” Gilbert placed a hand over his heart.
“I say love is fleeting and fickle, but then again, I have never experienced it. “I have only ever been in lust and of that, I am well versed,” Conrad gave a devilish grin.
“Conrad, I am pleased to see there is no prospect that you will confuse the two,” Gilbert said.
Alexander sighed, “Because love is fickle there are notions of uncertainty. I have seen love drive people to despair and they make foolish decisions based upon this notion.”
“I suppose love has a bit of magic; we dream about a love that is fantastical. We can’t all be a killjoy Thornton.” Gilbert explained.
“I have heard that love causes a man to lose their way and do crazy things. I am not quite sure I would be pleased to be in such a state,” Conrad said.
“Do you not see. Thislovedefies the very basis on which human existence claims superiority, it derides the very essence of human beings. I am content to have respect, affection, understanding, and compromise. These will serve me much more than love will,” Thornton said with an air of superiority.
“I am wondering how it came to be that we are having such a discourse on love,” Conrad scoffed.
“I forgive you, gentlemen. You have not felt the excitement and exhilaration,” Gilbert said.
“I actually do wish to discuss how we may support more charities.”
“In a more generous mood, are we?” Conrad’s eyes twinkled.
The next set had ended and it was time for Alexander to discreetly leave for the garden. Alexander ignored Conrad’s remarks.
“I shall be in touch. If you gentlemen will excuse me, there is someone that I must greet,” Alexander gave Gilbert and Conrad a nod before he walked into the crowd. He did indeed greet one of the guests but he kept it to light pleasantries and conversation. He would prefer to arrive in the garden before Elizabeth. Alexander glimpsed Elizabeth as he made his way through the double doors and out onto the terrace.
The ballroom was hot and stuffy so he would be pleased to be outdoors. He inhaled the fresh cool air and filled his lungs before he descended the steps into the garden. There were a couple of gentlemen milling around on the terrace taking advantage of the cool breeze. He walked to the back of the garden where there was a secluded path and seating. He sat and waited for Elizabeth. Thus far the ball was a success, or so he thought and he hoped Elizabeth felt the same way. He had really done this all for her. He did not want to be fussing and hovering over her in the ballroom yet, he wondered if any invitations to social gatherings had been issued.
Alexander lifted his face to the night sky which was picturesque in its unique beauty. A black gradient was the backdrop for a full moon; the night sky so clear it was as though he could see every crater. The moon, a glowing yellow-white, loomed large, surrounded by an ethereal glow. There were stars sprinkled all around it in a tiny sparkling glow. The moon symbolized mystery, beauty, and endless possibilities. In this moment of calm, he would admire its beauty, enjoy it, and think about the changes that Elizabeth had brought into his life ever since she entered it.
He sat in the garden long enough to know that something was amiss for Elizabeth should have been with him by now. Alexander wondered what could possibly have kept her in the ballroom all this time. Could it be that she was thronged by thehaut tonfor if so, he needed to rescue her. Alexander made his way up the garden path to the terrace and at that moment the orchestra started up. He left the cool night air behind as he was enveloped by the warmth of the room. He searched the periphery of the room for Elizabeth but he did not find her there. He cast his gaze at the couples twirling across the dance floor and there he found her.
Elizabeth was smiling and swirling in another man’s arms when she should have been at the rendezvous in the garden.What was the meaning of this? He stood rooted in the spot. He wanted to move, but although he commanded his feet to do so they would not comply. He felt a cold grip on the back of his neck when upon inspection he recognized that Elizabeth’s dance partner was none other than Viscount Salisbury.
What the devil was he doing there?
How the hell could Elizabeth be in Salisbury’s arms when he was waiting for her in the garden?
Disbelief. Uncertainty. Skepticism. Suspicion. Alexander's thoughts were jumbled. Since they had come to London there were several occasions in the past two weeks when he could not find Elizabeth. Once she said she had gone painting, but that had been for quite a while. He had asked her, but she was evasive. Where had she gone? Did she dare to rendezvous with Salisbury?
Damn it to hell!
CHAPTER17
Elizabeth was so stunned when Lord Salisbury approached her. She prayed her mouth was not agape when he asked her for the next waltz. Their meeting was inevitable, but she did not expect it so soon after her marriage. Elizabeth’s thoughts flashed back to the last time she had seen the viscount. Barlow’s words were clear when he threw the bag of coins:
“You will never contact Lady Elizabeth again….”
Yet, here was the viscount who was looking quite dashing with a radiant smile on his face. One would never guess that he almost caused her ruin. She was in the presence of Lady Clara Camden, Lord Cecil Garfield, and his entire family and she had two options, to accept or to refuse his hand. She cast a furtive glance around the room but she did not see Alexander or Barlow. It would have been impossible to refuse the viscount without raising the eyebrows of those within close proximity. After all, they heard the viscount issue his invitation, so Elizabeth resolved to dance with him and be over with it. She sincerely hoped that after this dance he would be on his way.
They moved to the flow of the music. Elizabeth did not remember how she came to be standing with the viscount’s arms at the small of her back. The music was like a rush in her ears and she fought to remain calm. She discreetly glanced at the viscount beneath her lashes. She still thought he was handsome but ….
“Countess Thornton, you are positively glowing. Marriage has favored you if I may say so. My congratulations.”
“It is kind of you to say so, Lord Salisbury.” She smiled through gritted teeth.
“I suppose this is one of the reasons why Thornton chased us down and why he insisted that we could not marry.” The viscount’s wide smile did not touch his eyes.
