Page 23 of The Truth about the Viscount
“Do you not know?” Christina’s eyebrows lifted. “It is the drawing you placed in The London Chronicle! I have heard many people speak of it this evening.”
At this, Patience’s eyebrows drew together.
“But I did ask them not to state that I was responsible for it,” she said, a little confused. “How then…?” Her eyes closed as understanding came to her. “Ah. Eleanor.” When she opened her eyes, Christina was looking away, a light pink on her cheeks. Patience’s heart jumped in surprise. “And you also?”
“I could not help it!” her voice sounding a little like a whine, Christina spread out her hands and then let them fall to her sides. “I heard that Eleanor had been speaking of it and thus, I could not help myself! I wanted thetonto know that it was you, for there were so many compliments and the like that I could not help but speak!”
Patience closed her eyes again and let out a slow breath, trying to ignore the slight panic that made her whole being tremble just a little.
“I see.” Looking around the ballroom, she felt herself shudder again. “Do you mean to say that most of thetonhere this evening know that I am the one who has drawn the figure of Lord Hastings and, before that, Lord Milthorpe and Miss Spearton?”
“Yes!” Christina clapped her hands lightly, then beamed at Patience as though this was something truly wonderful. “There have been so many remarks made, and great delight in all that you have drawn, I can assure you! That is why, I hope, that these gentlemen have come to seek you out. It is because they are impressed with your talents, with your skill! I think that you should be heartened by this, my dear sister.”
Patience swallowed hard, trying not to give in to the panic that clutched at her. She looked around at thetonagain, seeing them now with different eyes. The glances given to her wereknowing looks, clearly stating that they knew thatshewas the one who had drawn these things, thatshewas the one who was now becoming known for her work in The London Chronicle.
“You should not look so afraid!” Christina exclaimed, putting one hand on Patience’s arm. “This is wonderful, is it not? You have gentlemen seeking you out now, ready to pursue you, to take you into their companybecauseof the talent they have seen in you. Why, then, do you still look so troubled? There can be nothing of concern here, truly.”
“I wish I felt the same confidence as you,” Patience answered, her chest a little tight still. “I am worried that there will be those who are displeased with what I have done, who will make their feelings well known to society.”
Christina shrugged.
“I think that these people are very few, Patience. Come now, you have only one dance left, and it is the waltz, is it not? I am sure that you will be able to have it taken by anothermarvelousgentleman by the time it comes to it. Put the news that I have told you out of your mind and do not concern yourself with it any longer.” Linking arms with her, Christina half pulled Patience away from where she stood, forcing her to walk with her. “This is an excellent thing,” she said again, as Patience took in slow and steadying breaths. “All will be well. This evening will be the best ball that you have enjoyed thus far, I am quite sure of it.”
If only I could be so,Patience thought to herself, biting the edge of her lip.But I cannot be sure that everyone will think well of it… and I wonder what Lord Hastings himself thinks of what I have done.
“Lady Patience?”
Having had no success in filling her waltz, Patience turned with an expectant smile on her face, hoping that whichever gentleman this was might have come to her in the hope of stepping out for the waltz, given that it was just about to be announced. Instead, she saw the angry expression of Lord Hastings, his eyes almost shooting fire, his jaw tight, and his eyebrows low and heavy, sending shadows across his expression.
Her stomach lurched.
“It wasyou!” One finger pointed towards her, his hand reaching out as Patience took a step back, her eyes widening. “Youdid this.”
Patience opened her mouth, struggling to form her words.
“I – I do not–”
“Ah, good evening, Lord Hastings. You may not recall, but we were introduced some days ago, though you are already acquainted with my daughter, I understand.”
Instantly, Lord Hastings’ hand fell back to his side, and he began to splutter as Patience’s mother came to stand beside her, sending a curious look towards Patience before returning her attention to the Viscount.
“Yes, yes, of course. Good evening,” Lord Hastings managed to say, though his words were quick and forced, and he was struggling to speak with any sort of calmness. “Lady Osterley, I was just–”
“How wonderful that you have come to ask my daughter for the waltz!”
Patience’s stomach twisted and she snatched in a breath, her eyes flaring as she turned to her mother, though Lady Osterley ignored her entirely, keeping her attention fixed on Lord Hastings.
“I – I was not…”
“It is the only dance that has not yet been taken, for I fear that many gentlemen have believed that I have not yetgiven Patience permission to dance the waltz, but she has every permission she might wish for!”
Lady Osterley laughed brightly, but Patience only shook her head, not wanting her mother to force either herself or Lord Hastings into a dance that neither of them wanted.
“Mama, I am sure that–”
“What is it, Patience?” Lady Osterley finally turned her head and looked into Patience’s eyes, a slight lift to one of her eyebrows. “Is there something wrong? Surely Lord Hastings cannot have come to you in such a forward manner foranyother reason than to seek out your waltz?”
Patience did not know what to say in response to this. Her mother had seen the forceful manner in which Lord Hastings had approached her, and the last thing she wished to do was to state that she believed Lord Hastings was coming to berate her in some severe fashion. That would only cause a good deal of difficulty and embarrassment for both herself,andfor Lord Hastings, when things were already difficult enough.
