Page 48 of Lady of Charade
When he knocked on the door of Torrington’s townhouse, the answering butler looked him up and down as though assessing his worthiness for entry.
“Yes?” The butler asked.
“I would like to see Lord Torrington, if possible,” David replied. “Please tell him Mr. David Redmond, son of Lord of Brentford, is calling.”
The butler allowed him entry but then held up a finger. “One moment, please.”
David looked around him as he waited for the butler to return. The foyer was opulent, clearly meant to impress those who called upon the Earl and his Countess. David had only met the woman once or twice before, and received the impression that she was quite proud of her station in life.
As though she was aware of his thoughts, it was the Countess herself who joined him in the foyer a few minutes later. She was a tall woman and had retained her looks over the years. Dressed as though she was entertaining, she looked David up and down much as her butler had done.
“Mr. Redmond, what a surprise,” she said, her tone making it clear that it was not a pleasant one. “Unfortunately, my husband is not here this evening. Is there anything with which I can assist you?”
David chuckled within his own mind as he considered what her reaction might be were he to tell her that he was here to ask her husband if he had ever known a woman by the name of Mary Jones, whether he had loved her and potentially could have produced a child with her some twenty years ago.
Of course, even he would never actually say such a thing, but it was interesting to contemplate.
“It is no urgent matter,” he said with a smile. “I shall seek out your husband another time.”
“I believe he can be found this evening at White’s Gentlemen’s Club,” she said, as though she would rather not have an occasion to see David at her door again. “Goodnight, Mr. Redmond.”
Well, that was easy enough.
“Goodnight.”
“Oh,” she said, halting him before he could depart. “I also have heard that congratulations might be in order fairly soon.”
“Unfortunately, Lady Torrington, I know not what you mean,” David said, wondering if she had mistaken him for his brother.
“I had the pleasure of tea with your mother a few days ago, and she told me that an announcement regarding your nuptials with Lady Georgina, daughter of Lord Buckworth, were likely very soon forthcoming.”
David could only stare at the woman in shock. He had been quite clear with his parents that he had no wish to marry Lady Georgina, let alone court the idea. He had meant to speak with Lady Georgina himself to express this to her, but with everything he had been focused on in regard to Sarah and his visit to the country, it had completely left his mind.
“My mother is mistaken, Lady Torrington,” he said, forcing a smile to his face so that she wouldn’t see his anger. “I am sorry to have disturbed you this evening.”
And with that, he left the manor, knowing as he did so that he had likely provided Lady Torrington with a most interesting piece of news to share with her friends. Never mind the matter. He would prefer that over allowing such a lie to continue.
Entering White’s Gentlemen’s Club was more like coming home than returning to the manor in which he had been raised. There was something comforting about the solid building on the corner of Bond and St. James Street, with its nondescript white exterior and the rich, warm interior.
The doorman greeted him by name, and David asked after Lord Torrington and whether he was within. The man shook his head, telling him that no, the Lord had been here but had quickly left with a few other gentlemen. David exhaled sharply, frustrated by his lack of progress in his search for the man. Why was everything such a struggle for him? He often wished life would come more easily, as it seemed to do for Clarence or even his own brother.
He was about to walk into the room when another gentleman passing by tapped him on the shoulder.
“Did you say you were looking for Torrington?”
“I am, yes.”
“He left to The Red Lion. You could likely find him there.”
“Thank you very much.”
The Red Lion. Why did Torrington have to choose what had been one of David’s favorite haunts? Never before would he think that a woman could potentially change his perspective, but he was shocked to find that he had no desire to visit the gaming hell once more.
Except that was where he would find Torrington, so there he would go.
CHAPTER21
“Mr. Redmond!”
