Page 23 of The Truth about the Earl
“You forget that I am far too aware of your penchant for fine cravats and the intricacy with which they must be folded,” Lord Huntsford muttered, as James rang the bell for his valet. “I shall depart in my carriage in ten minutes, and if you are not ready, then you will have to take your own!”
“Then I shall make certain to be ready,” James answered, grinning across at his friend. “Have no fear, we shall not be tardy for Lord Edgell’s dinner! I will make sure of it.”
“Good evening,Lady Edgell. Thank you for your kind invitation.”
James bowed low over the lady’s hand, knowing that it was important that he show genuine appreciation for the invitation. The Marquess of Edgell and his wife did not often host dinner parties and to be invited to one spoke of a great distinction that James was grateful for.
“You are most welcome, Lord Huntsford. I am glad you could join us.”
The greetings at an end, James moved away from Lord and Lady Edgell and walked further into the drawing room, Lord Huntsford behind him finishing his greetings to their hosts. Smiling to himself, James took in the other guests – only for a young lady to turn and look directly at him.
Lady Maude.
How strange it was that his heart did not lift suddenly with delight. When he had returned to London for the start of the Season, he had done nothing but think of her, becoming all the more desperate to push himself to the fore so that she might notice him. Now, however, he no longer felt that way. There was no eagerness for her company, no happiness that she was now smiling at him. Instead, James began to hope for some sort of distraction so that he would not have to linger long in conversation with her.
After how she treated Lady Essington, I find that my heart has changed toward her.
“Lady Maude is clearly eager for your company.”
“And yet, I am not eager for hers.” James turned his gaze to Lord Huntsford and saw his friend’s eyes widen in evident surprise. “You need not look so surprised. I have taken what you said into consideration.”
Lord Huntsford frowned. “You mean to ignore her?”
“No, that is not what I mean. You stated that I saw only her beauty rather than her flaws and you were quite correct. That isprecisely what I have been doing. However, I am no longer of that mind and am grateful to you for your words of wisdom.”
The small lift of Lord Huntsford’s eyebrow as well as the gentle narrowing of his eyes told James that he did not believe that he was being entirely genuine.
“I am quite serious, I assure you!” James grinned as Lord Huntsford shrugged. “There was an incident at the most recent ball where I was both astonished at Lady Maude’s lack of consideration and then frustrated with my actions thereafter. Thankfully, it was put to rights but it certainly made me all too aware of my own…foolishness.”
“I am a little surprised, I confess it, but I am relieved that you are no longer in pursuit of the lady. I do not think her character would suit you in any way whatsoever.”
James laughed somewhat ruefully. “I quite agree,” he stated, as Lord Huntsford’s eyebrows rose all the more. “However, I –”
The dinner gong sounded and James smiled, somewhat relieved that he would not have to speak to Lady Maude before dinner.
“I shall leave the remainder of our conversation until another time, Huntsford. Only to say that you shall not find me eager to speak to Lady Maude for any great length of time this evening. I am quite content to remain at a distance!”
This is not what I anticipated.
Clearing his throat, James sat down, aware that every muscle in his body was tense. The fact that he had been seated next to Lady Maude had brought a wide, mirthful grin to Lord Huntsford’s face, whilst James himself felt deeply frustrated. It seemed as though fate wished to push them together, even though he had already decided he did not want to be in company with her.
“Good evening, Lady Maude.”
Her blue eyes were gentle as she smiled at him. “Good evening, Lord Yardley. How wonderful that we are seated together this evening!”
It was not something James could agree with and thus, he chose only to remain silent, giving her a brief smile. Thankfully, their host began to address all of his guests together, stating that he hoped they would all enjoy the evening and how glad he was to be in such good company. Then the first course of soup was served and James joined the other guests in making murmurs of delight over just how delicious the food was.
“Lord Yardley, what make you of the London Season thus far?”
James turned his head to his other side, speaking now to Lady Humphries. She was an older lady whose daughter was seated opposite her. With small, narrowed eyes that flashed brilliantly, James found her earnest expression a little unsettling, fearful that she would somehow be able to see everything he was thinking. “Thus far, I have found it most enjoyable,” he replied with as warm a smile as he could manage. “There has been dancing, good conversation, and many new acquaintances – I do not think that I could ask for anything more!”
Lady Humphries nodded but did not smile. “I have, myself, been a little disappointed, I confess. My daughter was much inclined toward the company of Lord Jennings and indeed, both my husband and I thought him a good match for her, only until we read what was in the society pages! I could hardly believe the words written there about him and prayed earnestly that it would not be true.”
“But alas, it was as it was said,” James murmured, sympathetically. “I do hope your daughter is not too disappointed.”
“She is not, much to my relief,” came the reply. “It has, I think, shown her that there is a good deal of merit to considering one’s acquaintances and connections very carefully indeed.”
“That is wise, certainly.” He took in a long breath and smiled. “Now, shall we –”
