Page 16 of The Truth about the Viscount
Those words, as well as the cold, dark smile that glittered across Lord Newforth’s face made Daniel’s stomach twist, sending fire through him as he fought to keep his composure. Was that what Lord Newforth wanted? Did he hope that Daniel would embarrass himself in front of theton,so that he might then spread rumors and whispers about him to shame him all the more? It was quite clear to Daniel that the man wanted some sort of revenge and this, it seemed, was his way of going about it.
Swallowing hard, Daniel let his hands curl into tight fists but otherwise, said nothing.
“You think that you have bested me, do you not?” Lord Newforth hissed, coming even closer to Daniel, his eyes narrowed and like shards of glass, ready to push into Daniel’s skin. “You think that you have succeeded by marrying your sister to your best friend?”
“I do not think that I have,” Daniel retorted, forcing himself to keep his voice low, “Iknowthat I have done so. It was clear to me from the beginning what it was that you desired when it came to my sister – but you shall not have her, Newforth.”
Lord Newforth’s expression grew ugly.
“You know nothing about me.”
“On the contrary,” Daniel answered, his lip curling. “I know that you are without fortune, that you have frittered what you had away on gambling and on visiting houses of disrepute, and no doubt, that these are still difficulties for you. You did not desire my sister out of any attraction to her, out of any sincere desire to take her as your wife, but solely because of your interest in her fortune.Thatis what drove you to her,thatis what pulled at you over and over again. I may not have the highest title within society, but I do have an excellent fortune and Isabella, therefore, an increased dowry. With that, she will also be given a yearly income from my estate, as was pledged in my father’s will. Knowing this, it isthatwhich you sought rather than anything else, Lord Newforth, and it is because of that situation that I refused you my sister’s hand. I amgladthat she is to wed Lord Milthorpe, and all the more impressed with his consideration and care for her, for it is that which has driven him to offer for her hand. I think that they will have a very happy and successful marriage, and I am all the more delighted thatyouhave lost what you once desired. There is nothing you can do that will take her from him.”
Lord Newforth’s jaw set tight, his face turning a shade of red that Daniel had rarely seen on a person’s face before. Daniel, however, held the gentleman’s gaze, almost daring him to speak again, to find something more to say.
“You may have succeeded there,” Lord Newforth eventually whispered, “but I will make certain that your own success in matrimony fails utterly, Hastings.”
At this, Daniel let out a short, sharp laugh, making Lord Newforth’s eyes round.
“You are mistaken if you think that I have any interest in matrimony,” he replied, anger in his tone now. “Or any interest in society, in fact. You have failed, Lord Newforth, and you shall fail again.”
At this, Lord Newforth reared back, looking as though he wanted to strike Daniel hard across the face, his other hand reaching out to grab Daniel’s arm, holding him in place. Daniel snatched a breath, blood pounding in his ears, afraid now of what fury might drive Lord Newforth to do.
“Ah, Lord Hastings.”
A calm, clear voice interrupted them, and Lord Newforth instantly dropped Daniel’s arm and stepped back, though his breathing was ragged now.
“I have quite lost my mother and sister.” Lady Patience smiled at Daniel, her expression a stark contrast to the fury and panic that had been spreading through Daniel’s chest. “Might I beg of you to walk with me until I find them again? I think standing alone at the back of the drawing room is something of a mistake, for I have found myself quite bored and lacking any fine conversation!”
Daniel cleared his throat, feeling a little lost as he looked into Lady Patience’s eyes, trying to find a sense of equilibrium again.
“I – why yes, of course.”
“I thank you.” She smiled still and then turned her attention to Lord Newforth. “My sincere apologies to you for the interruption, good sir. Good evening.”
Daniel had no other choice but to walk away from Lord Newforth, his blood still running hot in his veins as he made his way through the drawing room with Lady Patience on his arm. He did not know what to say, wondering if he owed her some sort of explanation, only to shake his head to himself.
“You must think that a very strange situation to have witnessed,” he muttered, not quite sure what else to say. Should he be grateful that she had interrupted in such a way? That she had prevented Lord Newforth from doing whatever it was that he had intended? He did not know.
“I did not hear anything, if that is what you are asking me,” came the reply, “though I will admit to seeing anger on both your face and on the other gentleman’s face.”
“Lord Newforth.”
There came no flash of recognition into her green eyes.
“I am not acquainted with him.” She smiled sadly. “I mayhap ought not to have interrupted in the way that I did, Lord Hastings, but I was concerned that Lord Newforth was about to do something quite terrible and, knowing that your sister is, at this moment, filled with happiness at her betrothal, I could not imagine what Lord Newforth’s action might do.”
Daniel frowned.
“Are you acquainted with my sister?”
Lady Patience shook her head.
“No, I am not. Though I am well aware that her betrothal has only been announced very recently and, since there is the drawing in The London Chronicle too, then it is well known to all of London society just how happy she must be at this moment.”
Softening, Daniel smiled, his heart beginning to steady itself now that he was away from Lord Newforth.
“It is surprising that you would care so much for a young lady who is not even someone acquainted with you.”
