Page 16 of The Truth about the Earl
“And now that I have said so, it seems we are to struggle in conversation, Lady Essington.” An easy smile pulled at Lord Yardley’s lips and Norah could not help but laugh, which, in turn, removed some of the tension that had flooded her.
“Indeed. I apologize. I confess I am a little surprised!”
“Why should you be surprised? You surely could not think that I would simply turn from you to speak to another?”
His words brought another flush of warmth to Norah’s heart and this time, it heated her cheeks also and made her blush. “You are very kind to say such a thing, Lord Yardley. I have only just been introduced to Lady Maude and I am all too aware of her standing in society compared to my own!”
Lord Yardley did not laugh but instead, his lips tugged to one side and his eyes darted away as he clasped his hands behind his back as though he were a little uncomfortable with what she had said. A little nonplussed, Norah tried to think of what she might say next to bring them back into an easy conversation, only for someone to whirl past, coming to stand just a little in front of her as though they had not seen her at all.
“It is true!”
The words were uttered explosively and Norah saw Lord Yardley reel back, his eyes wide.
“I cannot believe it!”
Norah cleared her throat delicately and the other gentleman turned at once, his eyes wide.
“Good gracious.” Squeezing his eyes closed, he threw himself into a bow which Norah returned with a curtsy. “I must beg your apology, Lady Essington. I have heard something which has quite taken my attention and I thought –”
“Is this regarding Lord Rutledge?” she asked, as Lord Huntsford’s eyes widened. “Lord Yardley has been informing of what was in the society papers today. He stated that you were a little distressed upon reading such a thing.” A faint hope began to burn in her heart that she had not made a grave mistake, looking at Lord Huntsford carefully.
“If I am to be blunt, Lady Essington, I was upset because I believed it to be untrue. However, it now seems that Lord Rutledgedidpropose to a young lady of theton –although we do not know her name for it was not included – and now must decide what he is to do by way of making amends.”
Relief sank into Norah’s heart and she let out a sigh, passing one hand over her eyes. “Goodness.”
“I do apologize for interrupting you, however.”
When Norah dropped her hand, she saw Lord Yardley shaking his head. “It seems I was mistaken, although I find thatvery difficult indeed to accept,” he murmured. Norah studied him closely, seeing the faint darkness begin to spread across his expression. “I must say I am surprised – and disappointed.”
Norah spread her hands. “But it is good that the young lady in question will not continue to be ill-treated,” she stated as Lord Yardley and Lord Huntsford nodded gravely. “I am sorry you are upset about your friend, however. That is trying, indeed.”
Lord Huntsford smiled tightly but stepped back. “But of course. I should not have interrupted you, however, and I thank you for being so very gracious. Please, do continue with your conversation.”
The announcement of the next dance came just as Norah was about to state she did not need him to depart and that there was no requirement for him to do so. Lord Yardley cleared his throat, bowed, and then extended a hand.
“Our dance, Lady Essington,” he said, although his smile was not as warm as she might have hoped. “Come. Let us take to the floor and forget this despondency! I am certain that the moment the music begins, we shall quite forget all of it.”
And I have every certainty that I will be entirely unable to do so,Norah thought to herself, before accepting his hand and allowing him to lead her onto the floor.
Chapter Six
Lady Essington is rather lovely.
The thought came unbidden and James started in surprise, jerking his eyes away from the lady in question and turning them to the opposite side of the room.What am I doing?
It had been around a month since he had first been introduced to Lady Essington and his opinion of her had only grown since that first meeting. Whilst being very fair of face, he found her conversation appealing and her laughter always made him smile. When they danced, he found he thought of nothing and nobody else – although, at other times, Lady Maude still clung to his mind.
James frowned hard and rubbed the spot between his eyebrows. He was not a man inclined toward confusion but yet he was, at present, utterly astonished at his thoughts and considerations. On the one hand, he was still very much drawn to Lady Maude, but on the other, he found himself interested in lingering in Lady Essington’s company. The former, however, also had the added confusion of Lord Huntsford’s remarks which, even some weeks later, still had not left James. Lady Maude had not often been in his company of late, but thatwas not for a lack of trying on James’ part. She was, as she always seemed to be, caught up with the company of many other gentlemen who were all vying for her attention.
And yet I still find myself eager to be the sole object of her attention.
Sighing, James dropped his hand to his side and shook his head to himself. He was being quite ridiculous.
“You look perturbed, my dear friend.”
“And that is no thanks to you,” James replied, as Lord Huntsford’s brows shot up. “I am once again thinking of Lady Maude and wondering whether or not things are as you have suggested.”
Lord Huntsford grinned. “That is interesting, certainly. I always considered that you would ignore such remarks from me.”
