Page 1 of The Truth about the Viscount
Prologue
“Lord Hastings? I must speak with you.”
Trying to recall the gentleman’s name, Daniel Spearton, Viscount Hastings frowned, gesturing to where his sister was just about to make her way into the ballroom, their mother by her side.
“I am just about to watch Isabella step out into society, might this conversation wait?”
Tilting his head, he took in the gentleman’s light frown, wishing that he could recall the gentleman’s title.
“It is about your sister, Lord Hastings.”
This gave Daniel pause. Earlier that day, Isabella had been presented to the King, and was now to enter her first ball of the Season, so what could have happened to make her of note to this gentleman?
“It is nothing to concern you, of course, only that I have to inform you of how captivated I have been by her beauty.” The gentleman smiled warmly, his brown eyes turning to where Isabella now waited. “The reason I come to you with such urgency is in the hope that she might have been granted permission to waltz? I should not like to ask her to do so, only torealize that she has not been given such a thing. It would bring her embarrassment, and I should like to spare her that.”
A little surprised at this request, Daniel’s eyebrows lifted.
“I – I have not yet given her permission, no.” Finally, the name of the gentleman came to him and Daniel frowned, remembering that the Earl of Newforth had not made the very best impression upon him during their introduction the previous year. Lord Newforth was loud, arrogant, and somewhat uncouth. Daniel was not at all certain that he wanted him near Isabella. “And, truth be told, I do not intend to give her permission for some time as yet.”
Lord Newforth’s face fell.
“That is disappointing.”
Daniel lifted his chin just a little.
“All the same, that is my decision.”
“And I quite understand.” Lord Newforth grinned and slapped Daniel on the shoulder in a manner that spoke of familiarity, though Daniel did not feel at all closely acquainted with the fellow. “Then I shall ask her for another dance, I think. Mayhap the polka, or the country dance.”
With a nod, he stepped away, leaving Daniel to narrow his eyes after him, reminding himself inwardly to warn Isabella to be cautious around Lord Newforth. There was something about the man that Daniel did not quite like, aside from his brashness. To pursue Isabella, to ask for the waltz from a young woman who was only just coming out, was much too forward in Daniel’s eyes, and that in itself, was reason enough for his sister to be careful.
“Hastings?” His mother called to him, and Daniel, pulling his gaze away from Lord Newforth, hurried to their side. “Your sister is waiting!”
“Yes, yes, I am well aware of that.” Offering Isabella his arm, he smiled at her, seeing the nervousness dancing in her expression. “You have nothing to concern yourself with, mydear. The audience with the King went very well and now, you are to make your debut! I am sure that thetonwill think very highly of you.”
Isabella smiled at him, though it wobbled just a little.
“Thank you, brother.”
“Though you are not to think of matrimony this Season,” their mother reminded Isabella, making Daniel scowl. “You must remember that.”
Daniel opened his mouth to protest but then closed it again, stepping forward into the busy ballroom instead. It was a conversation that they had shared before, but Daniel had not succeeded in getting his mother to change her opinion. Isabella was merely to enjoy this Season, it seemed, rather than pursue any hope of matrimony – and this, despite Daniel’s insistence that it would be better for her to do quite the opposite!
“Oh, and I must ask you to be cautious around the Earl of Newforth, who will soon seek an introduction,” he murmured into his sister’s ear as they smiled and nodded to various acquaintances. “He appears to be quite fervent in his eagerness to meet you, but that does not mean that I think it wise.”
Isabella’s eyes rounded.
“Is there something wrong with his character?”
Daniel winced.
“Not that I can say specifically, my dear sister, but my heart warns me to be cautious there.”
Isabella nodded.
“Then I shall do as you ask, my dear brother,” she answered, taking a deep breath and then lifting her chin. “For I trust your judgment implicitly.”
“The answer is no.”
