Page 10 of The Truth about the Viscount
“How much I owe him.”
Muttering to himself, Daniel rubbed one hand over his eyes, feeling them tired and heavy. The situation had come out as best as it could have done, and yet, Daniel was still all too aware of his failings. At the same time, a slow-growing hatred of society and all that it supposedly offered began to take hold of him and he started to scowl, a fury growing in his heart all over again.
I do not want to be a part of thetonany longer. I do not want to be a part of those who live for gossip and whispers, and who can so easily tear another person’s life apart.Letting out a sigh, he shook his head.I will remain until Isabella’s marriage is complete and, thereafter, I intend to make my way from London and return home, never again to come back to another London Season.
Chapter Four
“Well?”
Patience laughed as Eleanor’s eyebrow lifted gently.
“Yes, my dear cousin? What is it that you are asking me?”
“Your drawing!” Eleanor grinned as Patience rolled her eyes. “You did not think that I would forget about it, did you?”
“I hoped that you might,” Patience laughed, pulling herself out of her chair and, thereafter, making her way across the drawing room. “Though you have always been quite determined, have you not?”
Eleanor shrugged.
“When I know what it is that I want, then yes, I will admit that I am so. And what I want at this moment is to see your beautiful drawings.”
Rather touched by her friend’s considerations of her, Patience found the drawing and, thereafter, walked across the room to hand it to her cousin.
“There, now. You cannot complain any longer.”
This made Eleanor laugh aloud again, though that sound quickly died away when she took in the picture that Patiencehad drawn of the gentleman and the lady standing very close together, each looking into each other’s eyes. She tilted her head one way, then the other, before letting out a small sigh, though Patience found herself rather anxious, worried about what her cousin would have to say.
“That is quite beautiful, Patience. I so admire your ability to capture such a moment.”
Patience let out a breath of relief before smiling at her cousin.
“I am glad that you think well of it.”
“Oh, more than that! I think it quite wonderful, truly! You have made Miss Spearton and Lord Milthorpe’s fervent look stand out beautifully.”
“I thank you.” Reaching to pour the tea, Patience smiled at her cousin. “Tell me, have you had any gentleman callers of late?”
Eleanor giggled, the color heightening in her cheeks and giving her away.
“I might well have done.”
“And might you tell me their names?”
“I might.” Eleanor laughed as Patience rolled her eyes. “I will confess that there are some gentlemen that I think very well of indeed, but some that are less welcome to call upon me. Alas, the ones that came to call on me the most recently are the ones whom I amlessinclined towards, though one I might consider.”
“And what is his name?” Patience asked, only for the door to open and her mother to step in, closely followed by Christina and another lady, whom Patience did not recognize. Quickly she and Eleanor rose to their feet.
“Good afternoon, Patience, Eleanor. Forgive me for the intrusion.” Lady Osterley gestured to the as yet unintroduced lady, who appeared to be a little younger than their mother, but older than Patience herself. “Might I introduce Lady Tolerton?”
Patience dropped into a curtsey.
“Good afternoon, Lady Tolerton. It is very nice to make your acquaintance.”
“And I yours.” The lady had a warm, rich voice and a bright expression which made Patience smile. “I have known your mother for many years, though it has been some time since we have been in company together. I am delighted now to meet you, and especially to spend time with her again.”
“How very nice,” Christina murmured, coming to sit down. “I have rung the bell, Mama, so we shall soon have more tea.”
“That will be lovely, I am sure.”
