Page 31 of The Truth about the Earl
“I know she had a big carriage but she was wearing a bonnet and sitting behind the window, wasn’t she? So I didn’t see her very well. But I know that note was from her.”
Norah wanted to put her head in her hands and let out a scream of frustration but instead, she forced a smile, rose, and stood by the table.
“Thank you, Joseph, you’ve been very helpful. I am sure you will do very well here.”
He grinned at her and the delight in his smile made Norah’s heart lift. At least, in all of this, she had been able to bring a little happiness and relief to Joseph. “Thank you, miss.”
“My lady,” the cook hissed, and Joseph’s eyes widened.
“Thank you, my lady,” he said and Norah smiled, turning back toward the cook.
“I will speak to the butler about the boy and he will make all the arrangements.” The cook nodded and Norah turned quickly, making her way back upstairs without a further word to anyone. When she returned to the drawing room, Norah rang the bell in the hope that the butler would appear but, as she waited for him, the strength went from her limbs and she was forced into a chair, her legs trembling with fright as she thought about what she must now do.
“My lady?”
Norah looked up, seeing the butler framed in the doorway.
“Tea, if you please.” She closed her eyes, trying to push away the fright that seemed now to wrap around each of her limbs, pulling her tightly into herself. “And Joseph is to be looked after. He will work as an errand boy or whatever it is that you think would be of most benefit.”
“Joseph, my lady?”
Her eyes opened. “The small boy in the kitchen,” she said, by way of explanation. “And pray, has there been any word from Lady Adlay? Anything at all?”
The butler hesitated, then shook his head. “I am sorry, my lady, there has been none.”
Norah nodded, dropped her head, and waited until she heard the soft click of the door as it closed. Only once was she entirely alone that she dropped her head into her hands and let out a small, muffled sob that soon gave way to a good many others. Tears ran down her face, her shoulders shook and her chest grew tight and painful as she thought of what she must do next.
It seemed she had no other choice.
Chapter Twelve
James yawned, picked up his coffee cup, and took a small sip. The afternoon was quiet and he was rather enjoying the solitude. Last evening had been a very busy one indeed, for he had been first at another ball where he had, of course, made certain to dance with Lady Essington, and thereafter, he had gone to Whites to enjoy the company of a few friends – Lord Huntsford included. It had been very late indeed when he returned home. Indeed, the first light of dawn had already begun to stretch across the sky when he had finally retired but at least now, he was feeling a good deal more refreshed.
And I am looking forward to this evening when I can be in company with Lady Essington again.
A small smile on his lips began to fade as he remembered how silent she had been last evening. There had not been the usual smiles, the usual delight in her expression when she had looked up at him. James had twice asked her if she was quite all right but she had assured him that yes, she was doing very well indeed. James considered she was, most likely, distracted with news of her friend Lady Adlay and, thus, had chosen to simplydance and converse as he normally would, not questioning her quietness or lack of smiles any further.
And I am still to ask her if she would accept my court.
His smile returned in an instant, as well as a swirling nervousness that captured his core. He wanted very much to ask her to accept his court but there had not yet been an opportunity. Last evening he had thought it best to remain silent, given her melancholy and distraction but perhaps this evening, if she was a little recovered, he might find the courage to do so. The desire to draw closer to her was growing steadily and the nearness of her to him as they danced had been intoxicating. The softness of her lips had cried out to be touched and he had, on two occasions, had to prevent himself from lowering his head any further for fear that he would give in and brush his lips across hers in the middle of a society ball!And then you would have found yourself engaged to her!
That thought did not bring any swirl of uncertainty with it, however. Much to James’ surprise, he found himself rather pleased with the idea, as though it was something he would find quite pleasing. His smile spread all the more as he lifted his coffee to his lips for another sip.
“My lord?” The door flew open and the butler hurried in, his face a little pale and his eyes wide. “Lord Huntsford has just arrived.”
James blinked, his smile dropping from his face. “Indeed. Then, pray, show him in.”
The butler nodded and James frowned, wondering at the paleness of his butler’s cheeks. Why ever should his butler appear so upset? There did not seem to be any reason for it unless Lord Huntsford was in some dreadful state that would require James’ assistance.
“Yardley.” Lord Huntsford strode into the room and James smiled, gesturing him toward one of the nearby chairs.
“Huntsford, do join me,” he said easily. “Forgive me for choosing not to rise. My head islittlepainful this morning, although I am glad to say it does not ache terribly in the way it so often does after an evening at Whites!” Gazing up, his heart slammed hard against his ribs as he saw the way Lord Huntsford frowned. His friend planted his hands on his hips, his jaw working and his eyes a little narrowed.
“Good gracious, whatever is the matter?”
“I knew it.” Lord Huntsford closed his eyes. “I knew you would not have seen it. I told myself I would have to be the one to inform you of this.”
“Inform me of what?” James’ stomach began to tip this way and that as he shifted in his chair, wondering if he had done something to upset Lord Huntsford. “I do hope you are not angry with me?”
