Page 17 of The Truth about the Earl
James lifted one eyebrow, his mouth pulling to one side. “How could I forget the fervency with which you last spoke?” he asked, as Lord Huntsford’s gaze suddenly dropped to the floor. “I have never heard you speak in such a way and the words have lingered long with me.”
“Ah.” Lord Huntsford cleared his throat and looked away from James for a moment. “I did speak rather forcefully, I suppose, but that is only because my frustrations have grown to the point that I could not contain myself any further.”
“Frustrations? I always thought you understood my eagerness for Lady Maude’s company?”
“I do understand it – possibly more than you might be aware of it,” came the reply. “That is why I expressed myself in such a way because I believe that it is solely your pride that seeks Lady Maude’s company. There would be a great accolade, would it not, to be the gentleman that she decides upon?” He held out one hand as though he knew the protest that James would make. “And even if you were eager to wed her, you would do sosolely for that purpose rather than because you had any genuine affection for her. I believe, Yardley, you see her only in her perfection because she is a diamond of the first water, rather than allowing yourself to see any of her flaws.”
“In short, you believe I am obsessed with her beauty rather than her character.”
“And what it would feel like foryouto have her so near to you.”
Nodding slowly, James chewed on his bottom lip. “I understand your meaning. I have not been as eager in my attempts to converse with her or praying for an opportunity to dance of late although that does not mean she has left my thoughts.”
Lord Huntsford tapped his chin with one finger, his eyes thoughtful. “Might I ask if you have taken notice of any other lady in the meantime?”
James opened his mouth to say that no, he had not, only for Lady Essington’s face to flood his mind. Closing it again with a snap, he cleared his throat. “I could not say.” By the knowing look and a broad grin that immediately stretched across his face, it was clear that Lord Huntsford did not truly believe him.
“Well, if you find yourself in mind of another, you would do well to ask yourself whether or not you think only of her beautyorif there is more to her character that you find yourself considering.”
Grimacing, James looked away, knowing he could answer that question already. Had he not only just been considering Lady Essington’s conversation and the way her laugh always made him smile?
“You do not wish to discuss the matter any further and I quite understand.” Lord Huntsford turned slightly and gestured to the large crowd of guests who seemed to take over almost the entire room. “This ball is a little overwhelming, is it not?”
“It is, for I am certain that almost every gentleman and lady in London have been invited,” James replied, relieved his friend had changed the subject. “That is why Lord Charleston decided to host it in these rooms rather than his townhouse, I presume.”
Lord Huntsford nodded. “Although I doubt we shall see Miss Harding this evening,” he replied, speaking of Lord Charleston’s niece. “From what I understand, she has already left for Scotland.”
James looked at his friend, astonished. “Scotland?”
“To elope, yes,” came the reply. “The news was in the society pages this morning.”
“Good gracious.”
Lord Huntsford shook his head. “I believe it is a most imprudent match. I only hope they can catch the girl in time.”
James’ lips twisted. He disliked the practically constant referencing to the society pages but given that Lord Huntsford devoured them every time the newspaper was published, it was very hard indeed to avoid it. “I am surprised such a thing was put in the society pages at all.”
“I believe it was done in the hope that the elopement could be prevented. Even now, I believe the girl’s father has gone after her.”
“Then I hope they are successful.” James did not ask for any further details, silently dismissing the matter. No matter just how helpful the society pages were in revealing certain things, he would never appreciate them. His eyes floated vaguely across the room, only to linger on Lady Essington once more. She was laughing at something another gentleman had said and James was surprised at the twist of envy that suddenly pulled at his heart.
“I think I shall…..” Seeing Lord Huntsford’s lifted eyebrows, James threw him a wry smile. “Excuse me. I am going to ask Lady Essington if she wishes to dance.”
“You have danced with her at every society ball, have you not?” Lord Huntsford’s hand rested on James’ shoulder for a moment and James nodded, a little unwilling to admit to his friend that he had an interest in Lady Essington despite his obvious actions. “I see. Then I shall not hinder you.”
James smiled and took his leave, walking across the room toward the lady. The gentleman she was speaking to took his leave just as he bowed and James felt his good fortune, coming to stand a little in front of her as he bowed.
“Good evening, Lady Essington. I must hope that you are dancing this evening?”
Her smile was ever ready, lighting her emerald eyes. “I am inclined to dance, yes.” Slipping her dance card from her wrist, she made to hold it out to him, only for a figure to come to stand directly in front of the lady, looking up at James with sharp, flashing eyes.
“Good evening.”
Such was James’ shock at being so rudely interrupted that he took a moment or two to reply. “Good – good evening, Lady Maude.” Taking a step to the side so that he might see Lady Essington again, he saw the color drain from her face as her smile shattered completely. Annoyance tightened his frame and he cleared his throat. “You may be unaware, Lady Maude, but I was just in conversation with Lady Essington. Do excuse me.” He stepped to one side and reached for Lady Essington’s dance card for what was the second time, only for Lady Maude to catch his hand. His eyes caught Miss Patterson standing only two steps away, her eyes watching Lady Maude although James could not tell whether she was pleased about what the lady had done or was embarrassed by her friend. His attention was pulled back to Lady Maude as she smiled brightly at him, hauling his interest back toward her.
“I thought it best to offer youmydance card, Lord Yardley, given that you have so often come in search of it and been denied, given how many gentlemen wish to dance with me.” Her eyes shifted to Lady Essington’s for a moment, her lips lifting into a smile that did nothing to further her beauty.
James was nonplussed. What was Lady Maude attempting to do? He did not want to appear rude but how Lady Maude was behaving was, to his mind, terribly ill-mannered. And yet, a part of him wanted to take hold of Lady Maude’s dance card and write his name in whatever dance he could take.
