Page 29 of The Wallflower's Choice
“You did. Now, here is your carriage. Let me help you up into it.” With great effort from both James and the driver, Lord Kingshill managed to get himself inside and, with a long sigh of evident relief, flopped back and leaned his head against thesquabs. “Good evening, Kingshill,” James called, waving one hand. “I will speak with you tomorrow, I am sure.”
He waited until the carriage had pulled away and then, with a long sigh of relief, rubbed his hands together and turned back towards the house. The evening had, to his mind, been a great success. After hearing from Lord Kingshill that he had no intention of treating Lady Prudence with even the smallest amount of kindness, he had come up with another plan and an entirely different solution.
No announcement of the courtship had been made, and that was exactly what James had wanted. Lady Prudence was not about to be embarrassed by a gentleman who cared nothing for her, and who made that more than apparent in what he said and in what he did. The idea of having Lord Kingshill make that announcement when it was clear that he had no intention of spending any time whatsoever with Lady Prudence made James’ heart sink so low that he had not been able to bear it. Kingshill’s attitude was so very different from how James knew himself to be, but he had not let the implications of that comparison sink deep into his thoughts. The only thing that he had wanted to do was to make certain that Lady Prudence was treated well, and not brought to any sort of further embarrassment, and thus, he had found himself acting in a way which was most unlike him. Turning on his heel, James went to walk back towards the townhouse, only to come face to face with a gentleman he had never encountered before.
“Might I enquire as to your name, sir?” The gentleman’s eyes flashed, his bearded chin lifting just a little. “I have seen you speaking with my daughter and, though I believe that my wife is introduced to you, given the way that she merely watched and did not interject, I wonder if I might be granted the same privilege?”
A little perturbed by this remark, James hesitated but, seeing the gleam in the older gentleman’s eye, felt very much that he simply could not refuse.
“The Marquess of Childers, sir.” He inclined his head. “Forgive me, might I ask the same of you?”
The gentleman snorted.
“I suppose it is to be expected that a gentleman of your caliber would not recognizewhichyoung lady it is that I speak of. No doubt you have entertained many of them this evening alone!”
James scowled, his jaw jutting forward.
“I assure you, the only prolonged conversation I have had this evening has been with one young lady. Thereafter, I spent all of my time with friends and acquaintances.” His eyes widened for a moment, his breath catching as he realized who this gentleman might be. “Might I guess that you are Lord Lymington?”
The gentleman’s eyebrows knotted together.
“Yes. That does surprise me, I must say. I would have thought that, after all that I have heard of you, you would not know of whom I spoke. But then, mayhap on this occasion, you have done as you said, yes?”
“Yes, I did.” James held his gaze without blinking, refusing to be cowed. “Might I ask why you think to speak to me? I can assure you, I did nothing to upset your daughter.”
“No, you did not.” Lord Lymington tilted his head, studying James in the dim light. “I must ask why you prevented your friend from announcing his courtship. I know that he had intended it to be made this evening and yet, you prevented it. I saw how you led Lord Kingshill away from the center of the ballroom, and how you encouraged him to step to the back of the room instead. He sat there, slumped in the shadows for a while, did he not?”
“Yes, he did.” Unable to ascertain why this gentleman might be saying such a thing, James spread out both his hands. “You may be surprised to learn – as your daughter was also – that I am able to have concern for those other than myself. This evening, knowing that my friend was to make such an announcement, I went to speak with him.” Choosing to be truthful, James dropped his hands again and shrugged. “I do not want your daughter to be embarrassed. I was the one who arranged the match, I confess, and yet I find that I am concerned that Lord Kingshill may not be taking the matter as seriously as he ought. Given that he intended to make the announcement when he was already in his cups – and, given that he did not care about what impact it would have upon your daughter either – I confess that Ididmake certain that he could not do so. As he drank more brandy, I encouraged him away from the other guests until I was finally able to encourage him to return home.”
This statement was met with a long silence and James, despite his best intentions, found himself struggling to look at Lord Lymington any longer. Instead, with a clearing of his throat, he pulled his shoulders back as he clasped his hands behind his back, shuffled his feet a little, and then eventually, dropped his gaze.
“Goodness, I confess that I am most astonished – and I am not often astonished, Lord Childers.”
Blinking, James lifted his head.
“I beg your pardon?”
“You have the reputation of a rogue and yet, here you are, looking after my daughter’s interests as though she were your sister. I confess that, despite my uncertainty about your character, I am grateful to you for what you did this evening.” Lord Lymington shook his head and then ran one hand over his chin. “I too have been watching Lord Kingshill this evening. I did not find myself pleased with his behavior nor with his completelack of interest in my daughter.” A dark scowl pulled at Lord Lymington’s expression, and he shook his head again. “If she was not so determined, then I would do all that I could to make certain that she did not marry him. Though…” Coming to a slow stop, Lord Lymington frowned as though he had just realized who it was that he was speaking to. “Regardless of that, the only thing I wish to say is thank you for considering her – and for your awareness as regards the impropriety of your friend.”
With a quick bow, he turned away and walked back to his own carriage, no doubt ready to take his leave with his family.
James did not move.
All that had just happened to him had made him feel so utterly astonished, it was as though every single part of his body was laden with heavy weights. He could not move, not even if he tried, for Lord Lymington’s words were rushing through his mind and pushing down upon him. Was it guilt that he felt? Relief? Gladness? He could not quite make it out, closing his eyes and letting his emotions slowly begin to separate themselves, one from the other.
He felt… happy. It was the most extraordinary feeling to be appreciated, and for his good actions to be noticed. He had been determined to defend himself, a little surprised when the gentleman had accepted his words as truth. Was this what it felt like to be a respectable gentleman, held high in the esteem of others? It had been so long since he had felt himself a respectable fellow that he had quite forgotten what it felt like.
A slow but small smile began to push at the corners of his lips. Instead of being berated, instead of feeling chagrin and telling himself that he cared nothing for the consideration of others, James suddenly felt a sense of pride, as though he now stood just a fraction taller.
It was a wonderful feeling and, as James finally began to make his way back towards the townhouse, having thought toenter the ball again and enjoy a little more company, he turned quickly and instead, hailed his carriage. There was no more need for dancing, teasing, or flirtation tonight. He did not want to do such things, having already committed to Lady Prudence that he would consideronlyher for as long as it took and, besides which, had he not already embarrassed himself a great deal in front of her already?
With a nod to himself, James silently resolved to return home, praying that this sensation of appreciation and happiness would continue to linger for the next few hours at least.
Chapter Thirteen
Swinging her leg idly, Prudence leaned her head back against the bench, letting her eyes close as the sunlight shone down upon her. She could only linger here for a few moments with the sun on her skin for fear of developing freckles, but the warmth felt good and made her smile.
“Prudence? Your mother said that you were out in the gardens.” Prudence sat up quickly, rearranging her skirts as she inclined her head to her father, afraid of what he would think. “My dear girl, you need not stand on ceremony for me!” Lord Lymington chuckled and then, much to Prudence’s surprise, embraced her. “I thought you did very well last evening, my dear.”
