Page 67 of A Marquess to Save Her
When Callum finally got to Felington’s residence moments later, he headed straight for his friend's study where he was certain that he would be.
As he anticipated, Felington was at his desk, staring at a bunch of papers, a depressed look on his face.
"Felington," Callum called to his friend in an upbeat tone.
"Langton," Felington responded, a small smile creeping on his face, "I had no idea you would be coming here."
Callum shrugged. "I thought to pay you a visit when I sent you a letter and you did not respond."
Felington sighed, running a hand through his hair. It was then that Callum truly saw the state that his best friend was in. His hair was matted and with the bags underneath his eyes, one could easily tell that he had had sleepless nights.
"How are you, Felington?" Callum asked as he sat on a chair opposite his friend.
"As good as a man who is hated by all of London can be," Felington responded.
"You know thetonlikes to gossip. Another scandal will break out soon and they all will forget about you," Callum reassured him.
"I suppose so," Felington replied, "for now, however, I cannot show my face in the streets without whispers following me." Felington bit his lower lip as though in deep thought. "Now that I have given it enough thought, I find it just ridiculous how I am the object of ridicule when I am, in fact, the victim," Felington suddenly said.
"Such is the way of theton. I have heard rumors that they believe that you must have a shortcoming for Lady Emily to have left you so," Callum responded.
"What nonsense!" He boomed, slamming his fist on the table angrily, "I have no shortcomings. Not a single one. Lady Emily and her captain lover are the ones who have wronged me after all the money I have spent on the engagement house party and the preparation for the wedding. If anyone should be hated by theton, it should be that harlot, Emily."
"Do you know that my grandfather is planning on taking a wife?" Callum said, trying to take Felington's attention off his woes for a moment.
"Is that so?" Felington asked, his eyes widening.
"He met her at your house party and he became absolutely smitten by her," Callum said, "and despite my counsel, he is bent on throwing a big ball to announce his engagement and then a big wedding to boot."
"The old man had performed responsibilities all his life, I suppose he deserves a chance at being extravagant," Felington replied, "and if there is a ball, why have I not gotten an invitation card for it yet? Oh, do not tell me that His Grace has decided not to invite me to his ball because of my scandal."
Callum laughed. "You know my grandfather is fond of you. The invitation cards have not been sent out but I can assure you, you will get yours the moment they are. You could even make your entrance back to the society with the ball."
"Do you think so?" Felington asked, and since they started talking, Callum saw a ray of hope in his eyes.
"Believe me, Felington," Callum said, "if you came to the ball looking dapper, everyone would be quick to forget about your scandal. Show them that it did not affect you. Before you know it, mothers would be pushing their daughters toward you, hoping to snag a match. And remember, you are still the most eligible bachelor in London this season."
Felington smiled. "I suppose you are right," he said, "then I have to get my tailor to sew me a fitting outfit. If I want thetonto forget my scandal, then I have to look the part."
Callum also smiled. "Now, you are sounding more like the Felington that I used to know."
"Who is the lucky lady your grandfather is marrying anyway?" Felington asked.
"Lady Theodora," Callum said, pausing to see if Felington would recognize the name.
"Lady Theodora?" Felington asked, frowning, "Isn't that Louise's aunt?"
"Indeed, she is," Callum replied.
"If your grandfather is marrying Louise's aunt, then that means that Louise would now be your family, your cousin?" Felington said, laughing.
"No, we would not be family," Callum said, a little too quickly.
"Why are you bothered anyway?" Felington asked, "It is not as though you have taken a liking to her."
Callum smiled nervously. He knew that if the conversation continued, he might accidentally reveal just how much he was infatuated with Louise so he decided to change the subject.
"Now that Emily has jilted you, would you rather not try to court Lady Catherine? You two have always been close anyway."
