Page 13 of The Truth about the Earl
“My lord, will you require the carriage this afternoon?”
Blinking, James looked back at his butler. “This afternoon?”
His man nodded, although his face remained impassive. “Yes, my lord. You stated last evening that you wished to make afternoon calls and would require the carriage.”
“Oh.” James’ frown grew, attempting to recall such a conversation and finding that he struggled to remember what he had said. “Afternoon calls.”
“Yes, my lord. I will send the men to get the carriage prepared for you at once, should you wish it?”
He sighed and rubbed at his forehead. “Yes, I should like the carriage. I will be making some afternoon calls.” A sudden flare of memory reminded him that after he had come home last evening, he had declared to his somewhat fatigued butler that his intentions last was to call on Lady Maude during the following afternoon - but now, after his discussion with Lord Huntsford, he suddenly felt uncertain and unsure. “Within the hour, if you please.”
The butler nodded and withdrew, leaving James in a state of confusion. It would not be wrong for him to call upon Lady Maude but it might not be wise, not until he had considered at length what Lord Huntsford had said.
But she might be waiting for you,a small voice said, as James grimaced.Did you tell her that you would call on her today? If you did, then she will wonder why you have not appeared.
Given that he could not remember whether or not he had said such a thing, James considered it best to call on her regardless. Yes, Lord Huntsford’s words held a good deal of weight but he would allow himself time to consider them later.
Lady Maude would be waiting.
“Good afternoon, Lord Yardley.”
Lady Maude rose from her chair and curtsied beautifully, elegance and grace intertwining around her.
“Good afternoon, Lady Maude.” James bowed but had to raise his voice to be heard over the conversations of three other gentlemen who were present in the room. “Forgive me, I do not mean to intrude.”
She smiled and waved a dismissive hand. “I am afraid, Lord Yardley, that you will simply have to endure the presence of other gentlemen who have come to call. There are so many of them eager to spend a few minutes in my company that I simply must entertain them for a short while.”
“I see.” James’ spirits sank to his toes as he glanced around the room, taking in the expressions of the other gentlemen and seeing that there was not a smile on a single face. Two of them were talking to each other with the third now in conversation with Lady Burnley, who was mother to Lady Maude. James had greeted her first when he entered the room but had thought it a little strange to be shown in to see the lady when she already had other callers.
The reason for such now became apparent. Evidently, Lady Maude had a good many gentlemen callers and she wanted to make certain that none were sent away from her company. In granting them all an opportunity to converse with her for a short time – only for a few seconds, it appeared – Lady Maude seemed to be of the opinion that it would send every gentleman back to his abode most contented.
James was not to be one such gentleman.
“I think I shall return to call another afternoon, Lady Maude.” He gave her a small, tight smile. “I shall not be able to converse with you at all, I fear and should not like to interrupt any of your other callers.”
Lady Maude’s expression changed, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Come now, Lord Yardley, there is no need for that.”
“You must understand, Lady Maude, that I came to call in the hope of speaking with you without the interruption of any other, as there always is someone around on other occasions.” The desire to be alone in her company was a strong one and James allowed himself to acknowledge it whilst, at the same time, expressing it to Lady Maude. Perhaps then, she might become aware of his eagerness and understand there was a deeper desire for her company than what any other gentleman might offer.
A line grew between Lady Maude’s eyes as her eyebrows drew together. “It seems that you are a gentleman who is most ungrateful, Lord Yardley. You appeared to be in a similar frame when you came to seek out my dance card at the ball. Are you now expressing a similar discontent?”
A flush of shame began to rise in James’ chest but he pushed it down hard as he lifted his chin slightly.
“I do not think there is anything wrong in expressing a desire to be your singular companion for a short while, Lady Maude.”
She let out a sparkling laugh as though the idea itself was ridiculous but James’ jaw tightened, his gut twisting hard.
“That is a somewhat fanciful desire, Lord Yardley.” She spread her hands. “Can you not see that I am a little overcome with gentlemen callers? To set aside time for each one individually would take more time than I am blessed with at present.”
Recalling all that Lord Huntsford had said, James took in a slow breath and allowed himself a few moments consideration. “You are quite correct,” he stated firmly, seeing how Lady Maude’s smile began to fade. “That is a fanciful notion and, therefore, I should mayhap take my leave.”
The lady’s eyes widened. “Take your leave?”
He nodded. “If I cannot have some time with you in conversation without the presence of others, then it would be best for me to make my other calls without further delay. I am sure you will have many other gentlemen to command your attention. Good afternoon, Lady Maude. I bid you farewell.”
Chapter Five
“It seems as though Lord Jennings is quite absent from London.”
