Page 63 of Lady of Providence
Elizabeth stood,stunned, as Gabriel marched by her and down the hallway. When she had seen him emerge from the library, she had instinctively stepped back at the look of anger on his face, and she must have been hidden from his view by the longcase clock next to her. Either that or Gabriel was so intent and focused on where he was going and what he was doing, he chose not to see her. For as angry as he was with her, he wouldn’t have purposefully ignored her — would he?
She took a step forward in order to follow him down the hallway, but at that moment the library door opened once again and out stepped Lady Pomfret. When she saw Elizabeth standing there, a wide smile broke out on her face, and she sauntered toward her.
“Lady Elizabeth,” she crooned. “How are you this evening?”
“I am fine, thank you,” said Elizabeth, holding her head high despite the fact that her stomach was in knots. It was as though the past was coming back to haunt her. For five years ago, Lady Pomfret was saying nearly the same words to her after Elizabeth had witnessed their tryst in the gardens. Elizabeth hadn’t seen anything untoward this time, it was true, but still…
“And how are you?” she forced herself to ask, and the woman smiled at her smugly.
“Oh, quite well,” she said. “You must tell me, Lady Elizabeth, are the rumors true? I have heard it said that you and the Duke have become… friendly once more, and for my own peace of mind I would like to know if such a relationship exists between the two of you.”
“No,” Elizabeth choked out. “We are acquaintances.”
“Oh good,” Lady Pomfret said, clapping her hands together. “What a relief.”
Elizabeth sorely wanted to ask her justwhyit was such a relief, but that would provide Lady Pomfret with far too much satisfaction. So instead, Elizabeth just forced a smile onto her face, nodded, and returned the way she came.
“Are you all right?” Sarah asked when Elizabeth returned to the party, and she gave her head a quick shake.
“No,” she said. “Not at all. In fact, I think I will—”
“Lady Elizabeth?”
She turned to find Mr. Cartwright standing there, and despite her inner turmoil, she took a deep breath. He was not only an old friend of her grandparents, but also a partner of the bank and she must keep up appearances, not allowing any of the emotion she was feeling to overcome her.
“Mr. Cartwright, how lovely to see you.”
“It is a pleasure to see you as well, Lady Elizabeth; however, I felt I must come to speak with you directly as I have heard the most distressing news.”
“Oh?” Had word of the removal of the partners traveled so quickly?
“It is just that…” he trailed off, his eyes flicking from one side to the other, as he nervously tapped his fingers on his legs. “Well, I’m not sure how to say this.”
“It’s fine,” she said. “You can say anything to me, particularly if it is important to the bank.”
“Your reputation has been called into question,” he blurted out, and Elizabeth looked down in some shock at the man standing in front of her, tufts of hair standing out on end about his head.
“My reputation? In terms of my role as senior partner?”
“Somewhat,” he said. “It is more your personal reputation that is being questioned, but of course we know how that can affect what others may think of you in your professional role as well.”
Elizabeth stood still, refusing to show any sign of the effect his words had upon her until she knew exactly what it was he had to say.
Mr. Cartwright cleared his throat, apparently struggling with telling her just what it was he wanted her to know.
“Just tonight I was told of a… liaison you may have had a few years ago with the Duke of Clarence,” he said, and suddenly Elizabeth’s entire body seemed to be flooded with heat.
“The Duke and I were courting a few years ago, that is true,” she said slowly. “However, I don’t believe that a broken courtship is anything to be particularly concerned about. We remain friends.”
“Yes, well…” he fidgeted once more. “I was told it was more than that, that there was an… incident, at the Holderness’ party. That you were seen in the gardens.”
Elizabeth had no idea what else to say, and lapsed into silence. She had no idea what to say. She could — and should — deny his words, though it would be a lie to do so. Why now, all of a sudden, should someone feel the need to spread this?
Henry. Elizabeth had no idea how he knew, but who else would care enough, would feel slighted enough, to say such a thing now?
“As I said, Mr. Cartwright,” she said, willing calm into her voice, “The Duke and I courted at the time. I will speak with you, and the rest of the partners, of this. But please be aware that nothing occurred which would have any repercussions on the bank. You can be assured of that.”
He nodded, but he didn’t look reassured. No, he looked concerned. And, as Elizabeth looked around the room, she noted more than a few stares directed her way. So Henry had done his work quickly. If only he would put his efficiency to good use, he could have done much more good in the world. She sighed.
