Page 20 of The Truth about the Viscount
“There may have been a moment or two of enjoyment – when I was in your company and Lord Milthorpe’s also, Isabella – but I cannot say there was much if I am to be truthful.”
Patience closed her eyes, the tension she had felt in their conversation thus far now changing into one of sheer mortification. She had thought that he might feel something akin to appreciation over what had taken place last evening, for that was what he had expressed, had it not been? She had not thought that he would speak so darkly about the soiree, as though even their brief conversation and the incident she had broken into thereafter had meant nothing. Her stomach twisted and she swallowed tightly, before opening her eyes and forcing a bright smile to her face.
“It has been a pleasure to see you again, Lord Hastings.” She did not look at him directly, quickly moving her gaze to Miss Spearton. “And Miss Spearton, though we have not been formally introduced, it has also been my delight to speak with you. I do hope that you enjoy the fashionable hour. Do excuse us.”
Eleanor sniffed, her chin lifting.
“A delight,” she murmured, echoing Patience’s words. “Good afternoon.”
“Good afternoon,” Miss Spearton answered, though Lord Hastings himself said nothing.
As Patience walked away, her face grew hot with embarrassment and a flicker of anger, frustrated that the gentleman had spoken in such an unkind manner.
“Goodness, Lord Hastings is either cruel, inconsiderate or unthinking!” Eleanor linked her arm through Patience’s again, tugging her lightly. “You are quite all right, are you not?”
Patience blinked quickly and then turned her head away from Eleanor so that her cousin would not see the tears that had suddenly sprung into her eyes.
“I am quite well.”
“You are upset.”
Patience’s shoulders dropped.
“A little. After what took place last evening, as I told you, I would have thought that Lord Hastings might have expressed appreciation, rather than stating how little he had enjoyed the evening. The way that he spoke was most unfair, and it made me feel deeply embarrassed.”
“Which I think his sister felt also,” Eleanor said, gently. “It is quite clear to me that she did not think well of what her brother said. After speaking of these rumors – which, no doubt, Lord Hastings is well aware of also – it seems to me that he does not care whether or not they are spoken about him or not! Though Miss Spearton is more than a little concerned.”
“Yes, I could see that.” Trying to push the conversation from her mind, Patience bit her lip, suddenly now a little worried about the drawing that she had sent to The London Chronicle. What would Viscount Hastings think of her drawing? Would he be displeased? Or would he consider it innocuous, perhaps even be a little delighted that she had chosen him as her subject?
Her misgivings continued to grow as she made her way through the park, and Patience now began to wish that she had not agreed to send that drawing into the newspaper.
But now, it was much too late.
Chapter Seven
Daniel cleared his throat, clasped his hands behind his back, and looked his friend straight in the eye.
“I do not know what it is that you mean.”
“I think you do.” Lord Milthorpe’s gaze sharpened. “You have been pulling back from society, standing with a somewhat unpleasant look on your face at most events, and I am sure that you have heard the rumors being whispered about you, have you not? They have only begun these last few days and–”
Scowling, Daniel shrugged as the music from the ball swirled around him.
“I do not care what society has to say about me. I am soon to leave London anyway, with no intention of returning unless it is for business.”
Lord Milthorpe’s eyebrows lifted.
“I have not enlightened you to my present state of mind, I know,” Daniel continued, speaking quickly to get the explanation out as fast as he could, “but I have realized how much of a part thetonplayed in what happened with Lord Newforth. Had he not been able to use society’s inclination towards gossip and the like against Isabella, then she would nothave been in such a difficulty.” He put one hand on his friend’s shoulder for a moment. “That is not to say that I am at all displeased with the betrothal, you understand. I see that Isabella has grown in her fondness for you and I shall always be very grateful indeed for what you did in stepping in and offering your hand. I am more than contented with the match, I assure you.”
“I understand what you mean.” Lord Milthorpe’s frown grew heavier. “Though does this now mean that you intend to care nothing whatsoever for what thetonsays of you? You must know that it will affect Isabella.”
Daniel shook his head.
“Not in any severe way, I am sure. Thetonis excited about her betrothal ball and, thereafter, there will be the wedding to plan. Once you are wed – which will not be more than a few months away – then I shall return to my estate and stay there. I have no desire to be a part of thetonany longer, given just how much darkness and shadow there is within it. I will pull myself from that as best I can and, once I am settled at my country estate, all shall be well. I will care nothing about whether or not society whispers about me. I shall spend my time in much more suitable endeavors and pursuits.”
Lord Milthorpe ran one hand over his chin.
“And what of your own situation?”
