Page 28 of The Wallflower's Choice
“Wait a moment.”
Lord Kingshill let out a low groan.
“Why? Whatever is the matter now?”
“I – I wondered if you would wish to go and speak with Lady Prudence for a short whilebeforeyou make the announcement,” James found himself saying, feeling both foolish and angry in equal measure. “You cannot simply go and flirt and tease those young ladies on the very same evening as you are to announce a courtship!”
“Why can I not?” Lord Kingshill frowned. “I have already made it perfectly clear to Lady Prudence that she is not to expect anything from me whether we are wed or unwed. I shall do just as I please and she will simply have to accept that.”His shoulders lifted and then fell. “Therefore, I do not think it matters what I do or who I speak with.”
James swallowed the tightness in his throat, aware of the rippling anger within him, but struggling to find a way to express it which would not rouse Lord Kingshill’s suspicions. He could not explain why he felt so drawn to protect Lady Prudence, what it was about her that tugged her so close to him but, all the same, those feelings lingered there regardless.Thatwas what had driven him when he had first seen her standing there, her fingers twisting together in nervousness, her fears about the sort of husband that Lord Kingshill was going to be more than obvious. Something within him had demanded that he care for her, demanded that he do something so that her upset would fade and thus, he had found himself promising her that he would devote himself to her and her happiness. Quite why he had said such a thing, he was still not quite sure, but nonetheless, the determination had grown all the same.
“This is not something which you need concern yourself with, my friend.” Lord Kingshill chuckled and slapped James hard on the shoulder, unsettling him all the more. “Now, listen to me. This isjustas you suggested, just as you planned, and therefore, you should be glad and contented about it! This young lady has agreed to my courtship, has agreed to marry me when the time comes and all that you need fear now is just how many young ladies you can pursue before the Season ends!”
Trying to smile, James looked away from Lord Kingshill, finding himself tense and upset. His friend was not listening to him, telling him that he had nothing whatsoever to do with his present situation and making it quite clear that he had no expectation of James’ further involvement.
But I am not going to listen. I cannot, not after what I have promised Lady Prudence.
“Here, why do I not fetch you another brandy?”
Lord Kingshill looked back at James sharply, his eyebrows lifting.
“What is this? A moment ago, you told me that I ought not to touch any further liquor and now, here you are, suggesting that I take more brandy!”
James shrugged and forced his smile to stretch all the wider.
“Ah, but I have realized that I have been much too fervent,” he said, making Lord Kingshill laugh aloud. “I was too concerned about outward appearances and now I realize that such things are not at all important, not when the marriage has already been agreed between yourself and Lady Prudence!”
“Precisely!” Lord Kingshill explained, slapping James on the back for the second time, his eyes lit with good humor. “Another brandy will suit me very well.”
“Excellent. I will go in search of a footman. They cannot be too hard to find!”
Turning away, James made his way through the crowd, finding a footman very easily and, thereafter, returning to his friend with not only one but three glasses of brandy held very carefully in his hands.
“Three? Good gracious!”
“One is mine,” James told his friend.”
Lord Kingshill’s eyes slanted towards the third.
“And this one?”
“Well, whoever finishes their first drink before the other may have this one,” James suggested, laughing just a little as Lord Kingshill grabbed his brandy and took a large mouthful. “Though do be a little cautious, my friend, there is plenty of brandy present!”
“Ah, but for how long?” Lord Kingshill asked, his eyes sharp. “It may be that the brandy set aside for this evening will be drunk in only an hour or two and then what shall we do?” So saying, he took another mouthful and then reached for the thirdglass of brandy held in James’ hand. “It is best to be cautious and enjoy this while we can.”
“I suppose so,” James agreed, having still not lifted his glass to his lips though his smile quirked all the same. “Let us hope that the evening is an exceptionally good one indeed.”
James could not helpbut nudge his friend a little, laughing inwardly when Lord Kingshill staggered so terribly that he crashed into the fence to his right.
“Dobe careful, my friend,” he grinned as Lord Kingshill fought to regain his balance. “Your carriage is only a little way over here.”
“I do not know why they could not have brought it to the step,” Lord Kingshill slurred, his eyes half closed as he leaned much too far the other way, forcing James to support him. “I know there are a great many guests taking their leave, but I would have thought that a Marquess would have been given priority.”
“Youaskedto walk,” James reminded him, a smile settling on his face as contentment rose within him. “You said that it would be no trouble, despite the fact that there were those seeking to hold you back for fear of you injuring yourself!”
“Did I?” Lord Kingshill leaned all the more into James and James was again forced to support him, attempting to hold his friend up as they finally came in sight of the waiting carriage.
James nodded.
