Page 36 of The Truth about the Earl
“My second, and yes, it is most enjoyable. My father is eager for me to remain close to Lady Maude and I have been particularly favored by her company.” Miss Patterson still did not look at Norah but, much to her frustration was quickly beckoned forward by Lady Maude. Without even a word of farewell, Miss Patterson hurried to stand next to Lady Maude, leaving Norah to stand entirely alone again. Anger began to boil in her veins, realizing that, for the second time, Lady Maude was attempting to force her out of the conversation with Lord Yardley – and succeeding too. Evidently, she had heard and perhaps seen Norah’s conversation with Miss Patterson and had decided to bring that to a swift end, perhaps to discourage Norah from lingering.
Heaving a sigh, Norah turned her head and made to walk away. Lady Maude, for the moment, had succeeded for Norah would not bring herself to interrupt in the same way the lady herself had done. That would be very rude indeed and would not be becoming of a lady.
“Lady Essington?”
The anger washed away in a moment at the sound of Lord Yardley’s voice.
“Lady Essington, forgive me for ending our conversation so abruptly.”
She turned back to face him, all too aware of the tight, angry expression that instantly captured Lady Maude’s face. Lord Yardley had made his way between both ladies, although LadyMaude looked as though she might attempt to grab his arm at any moment to keep him beside her.
“But of course, Lord Yardley, I quite understand,” she replied, softly. “You have further acquaintances to speak to.” A sudden burst of mirth threatened to make her laugh at the sudden grimace and roll of his eyes that she knew was directed toward Lady Maude. “Please, do not worry.”
“Mayhap I might call on you soon?” The earnestness in his eyes and his voice made Norah smile, her heart swelling softly. “Or mayhap you might wish to take a walk in the park with me? We will be able to continue our discussion without interruption that way.”
I will have to tell him the truth.
Her heart sank and her smile faded. “Yes, Lord Yardley. I should like either of those suggestions very much.” That was the truth, of course, but there came with it the haunting awareness she might very soon be bringing such an upset to Lord Yardley’s heart that he would pull himself from her company forever.
“Capital.” His broad smile shone happiness into his eyes and Norah swallowed hard, knowing she would soon shatter that particular happiness.
“I look forward to receiving your note,” she stated, finding her heart did not speak of the same sentiment. “Good afternoon, Lord Yardley.”
He bowed toward her, his smile still lingering. “Good afternoon, Lady Essington.”
Chapter Fourteen
James let out a long breath, sanded the letter, and folded it. Sighing to himself, he warmed the wax and then sealed it up, knowing he was about to bring great displeasure to Lady Maude.
“Is therea reason you appear so melancholy?”
Looking up, James rolled his eyes at his friend. “And are you now simply deciding to walk into my house without any warning and announce yourself without even my butler’s awareness?” His grin took any bite from his words and Lord Huntsford only laughed.
“I thought to come and join you on your walk with Lady Essington this afternoon,” he said, as James’ smile shattered. “I think St James’ Park is very fine this time of day.”
“I hardly think –”
“And one Lady Josephine has told me that she too will be in the park this afternoon also, which is my only reason to accompany you,” Lord Huntsford finished, as James let out a long breath of relief, making his friend chuckle. “I have no intention of walking alongside you and hearing what you haveto say to Lady Essington, have no fear. Although,” he continued, sitting down in one of the larger, more comfortable chairs, “I must ask how thetonhave treated you these last few days?”
James considered, tilting his head to one side, his eyes roving around the ceiling as he thought. “My first return to society was that soiree, where Lady Essington came to declare herself quite determined to remain in my company.”
“And, thereafter, Lady Maude.”
Sighing, James pinched the bridge of his nose, tension flooding him. “I am, just now, writing to Lady Maude.” He waved a hand, realizing he was changing the topic of conversation. “However, since then – which was only two days ago – I have found myself whispered about, talked about and certainly there have been a few more stares and two ladies, in particular, would not so much as look at me but, on the whole, I appear to have made my way out of society relatively unscathed!” Making his way across the room, he rang the bell. “I am sure there have been more rumors since that was written about me, however. That will have something to do with it?”
Lord Huntsford shook his head. “There has been nothing,” he replied, as James walked to the door to hand the letter to the waiting footman, telling him that it was to be delivered at once. When he turned back to his friend, Lord Huntsford was frowning hard. “Come to think of it, there has not been a single word from Mrs. Fullerton since the article that was written about you.”
James pursed his lips. “And is that unusual?”
“I should say so.”
Pouring himself a measure of brandy – feeling he needed it after writing his letter to Lady Maude – James poured another measure for Lord Huntsford and then handed it to him. “Perhaps something is wrong with Mrs. Fullerton.”
“Mayhap, although given that we do not know the true name of the lady – or the gentleman, for it might well be a gentleman writing also – then it is very difficult to say.” His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at James. “Did you say you were writing to Lady Maude?”
“Indeed.” James ran one hand over his eyes, shaking his head as he looked back at his friend. “Some weeks ago, it would have meant everything to me to have received such attention from her. Now, having unwittingly taken your advice of ignoring the lady and giving my attention to another, it seems she is quite determined to capture me!”
Lord Huntsford’s lips lifted on one side. “And you mean to say you are not at all interested?”
