Page 40 of The Truth about the Earl
Lady Adlay reached over and pressed Norah’s hand, her eyes sympathetic. “My dear friend, you did what was right. You should be glad you found the courage to tell him the truth.”
“I know.” The pain did not lessen, however, and Norah took in another gulping breath. “I was so very afraid. I knew what he wanted to say. I could tell what he wanted to offer for me and, as much as I wanted to accept him, I could not have done so without him being aware of the truth.” She closed her eyes,forcing back any further tears. “It was very difficult indeed but I did not think he would turn from me in that forceful manner. I believed he would listen to me, that he would let me explain it all before choosing how he would react to such news. But he did not.”
Lady Adlay’s fingers tightened gently. “I am sure he will realize there is more to be said. Perhaps he needs a little time.”
Norah nodded but did not allow even a single flare of hope to ignite in her heart. Lady Adlay had not seen Lord Yardley’s expression when she had told him, had not heard the words he had flung back at her. There was such anger and disappointment there that Norah had no expectation of him ever being in her company again.
“Come now.” Lady Adlay rose and made her way to the bell pull. “We shall have more tea and cakes and improve your spirits in time for this evening.”
Norah shook her head. “I do not think I can take part in any joviality tonight. I shall remain at home.”
“No, you shall not,” Lady Adlay stated, quite firmly. “You shall attend the evening ball as you planned and I shall be with you. If Lord Yardley is there, then we shall consider what to do at the time. You may find his reaction surprises you.”
Norah did not have the heart to refuse. Lady Adlay was doing all she could to encourage her but Norah wanted only to remain at home and perhaps retire early. It seemed, however, that she was still to attend the ball, although there was naught but reluctance when it came to the thought of seeing Lord Yardley again.
“Goodness, that was very quick!” A scratch at the door sounded and Norah called for the maid to come in, expecting to either instruct her about bringing a fresh tea tray or that the servant had already anticipated her needs and had brought one already.
“My lady, you have a note.”
Norah blinked in surprise, a sudden thrill racing up her spine and sending her heart into all manner of clamorings. “Thank you.” Dismissing the footman, she looked up sharply as Lady Adlay clapped her hands.
“You see? That will certainly be from Lord Yardley, apologizing for what he has said and done and, instead, begging you for another opportunity to talk about the matter.”
Norah shook her head. “I am not certain.”
“I am sure of it.” Gesturing for her to turn the letter over, Norah turned her attention back to it, turning it over to break the seal.
Her stomach plummeted to the floor, and her heart seemed to come to a sudden stop, making it difficult to take in air.
There was no seal.
“Oh, no.” Closing her eyes, Norah drew in a deep breath, hearing Lady Adlay’s question as to what it was that troubled her so. “It is from the very same person who wrote to me at the first, I am sure of it.”
“You mean, the person who sent you those demands?”
Norah nodded, breaking the seal and unfolding the letter with trembling hands. Her eyes drove over the first few lines, seeing the very same hand there.
“Well?”
Taking in another breath, Norah handed the letter to Lady Adlay. Much to her surprise, she did not feel any great upset or fright. Instead, there was nothing but a tight ball of anger rolling around her stomach, forcing itself into the very depths of her heart and rendering her quite wrathful indeed.How dare this person demand I do yet more to injure Lord Yardley? Can they not see just how injured he was already by such a thing? Why do they wish to do yet more to him?
“Good gracious! This is a very damaging statement indeed.”
“I quite agree.” Norah rose from her chair and began to pace up and down the room. “It states that I am to tell thetonthat he is nothing but a philanderer whose particular taste runs toward those who are already wed.” Her hands clenched tightly together. “I shall not do it!”
Lady Adlay bit her lip. “And if you do not, then they say they will injure someone close to you – or you yourself.”
“Yes, they do. It is as before, and I confess that such a statement frightens me, but I cannot say such lies about Lord Yardley! It would quite ruin him.”
Her friend nodded. “It would indeed. Society would reject him entirely.”
“Which I cannot permit them to do. He would be forced to return to his estate, his life thereafter would be shadowed by such a thing and even his family’s good name could be tainted, for many years to come!”
Spreading her hands, one still clutching the note, Lady Adlay’s somewhat pale face looked back at Norah’s. “Then what are you to do?”
Norah lifted her chin. Determination flooded her, and resolve filled her to the very brim. No longer did she feel such upset or disillusion. Instead, there was a renewed vigor and determined purpose. “I shall take the letter and I shall force Lord Yardley to pay attention to it,” she stated, firmly. “Whether he wishes to hear more from me thereafter shall be entirely up to him. But I will not do such a thing again. He will have full knowledge of what has taken place and, in knowing of it, will perhaps be able to surmise who it might be that seems so very eager to pursue him with such difficulties.”
Lady Adlay gave a small smile. “I think that is an excellent plan. He shall not be able to turn away from you then!”
