Page 13 of The Truth about the Marquess
“Lady Jane?”
Miss Dutton’s eyes rounded, her hand going to her heart. The lady in question frowned, however, perhaps not recognizing her.
“You are closely acquainted with my sister, Hannah, though she is now Lady Worthing,” Miss Dutton continued, only for the other lady’s eyes to widen in surprise.
“Oh, of course. Miss Dutton, I… yes, I knew your sister well. I am no longer Lady Jane, however, but Lady Harsham.” Shedid not curtsey, her eyes searching Miss Dutton’s face. “Do tell your sister that I send her my regards. I shall not interrupt your conversation any longer, however. I–”
Oliver interrupted suddenly, the words coming out of him before he had even given himself any time to think about what to say.
“Pray do not, Lady Harsham. If you would be so kind as to walk with me for a time, I would be grateful. It seems that Miss Dutton will have to make her way back to her mother now, for our time together has come to an end.”
Miss Dutton’s shoulders dropped.
“Lord Edenbridge, please do not be so! I have done nothing to you, nothing that should keep you from me.”
“Except you have not told him about Lord Soutar,” Lord Ravenscourt interrupted, as Oliver’s jaw tightened, a mixture of embarrassment and upset burning through him.
“I shall speak with you again at another time, Miss Dutton,” he said, as gently as he could, so that she would not be too upset with him and, mayhap, cause yet more people within the park to come to join them. “If you would.”
Miss Dutton’s eyes narrowed, sparks seeming to spit out at him as she put both hands on her hips.
“I should have known that you would be just as every other gentleman is, here in London,” she said, sharply. “I do not think that we need to speak again, Lord Edenbridge, not if you are going to be as judgmental as the rest!”
So saying, she turned on her heel and flounced back toward her mother, leaving Oliver hot with mortification. No doubt Lord Ravenscourt would have every desire to tell others about what had taken place and soon, rumors about him would be spreading all through London.
“Shall we walk?” A gentle, sweet voice made Oliver’s heart lift just a little, pulling it away from where it had been sinking low. “Ishould be glad of some company, for I have no one to walk with today,” Lady Harsham continued, her eyes warm with evident sympathy. “What say you, Lord Edenbridge?”
Oliver nodded, then looked at Lord Ravenscourt, seeing that the other gentleman had already taken his leave.
“Do excuse me, Ravenscourt.”
The gentleman put one hand on his shoulder, keeping him there.
“You did not know about Miss Dutton? Truly?”
Shaking his head, Oliver shrugged as Lord Ravenscourt dropped his hand.
“I did not. You may call me as foolish as you wish, for that is what I have been, it seems.” He did not ask the gentleman to keep what had happened to himself, fully aware that even that sort of request might be used as fodder for the local gossips. “I should be grateful to you for speaking to me as you did. I would not have known otherwise.” Lord Ravenscourt’s eyes flickered, but he nodded and then, with a quick smile, stepped away. Oliver dropped his head, closed his eyes, and let out a slow breath, only to recall that Lady Harsham was beside him. “Forgive me for pulling you into this most awkward situation,” he muttered, glancing at her. “You need not walk with me if you do not wish it. I may as well return to my carriage!”
“If you did so, would you not then find yourself walking again with Miss Dutton and her mother?” Lady Harsham’s lips curved gently. “I do not mind in the least walking with you, Lord Edenbridge. We have not been properly acquainted, however, so mayhap we ought to introduce ourselves first.”
Oliver nodded, grateful to her for her consideration.
“The Marquess of Edenbridge.” He bowed his head. “Thank you for your willingness to show me some kindness. I am grateful.”
She smiled again and then dropped into a curtsey.
“Jane, Lady Harsham,” she said, quietly.
Married, then.Understanding now why she was able to walk alone and without any chaperone near her, Oliver’s spirits lifted a little more.
“How very good to meet you.” He began to walk, the lady falling into step beside him. “Have you been in London for long?”
She shook her head.
“I have been in London for only a sennight. Though, I confess, I already knew about Miss Dutton.”
“You did?” Oliver stopped walking at once, turning to face her. “Might you tell me about the scandal? I confess that I do not know in the least bit what is wrong! I thought Miss Dutton pleasant, entertaining, and very warm in her conversation and interest in my company.” As he spoke, it was as though a heavy cloud settled on his heart, pulling his brows low. “Though, if she has something of a reputation where very few of thetonwill connect with her, then that might explain her eagerness.”
