Page 33 of The Truth about the Viscount
“You were wise to refuse him, Lord Hastings. It seems to me that he might have made your sister very miserable indeed. It is a kind, considerate gentleman who thinks of his sister’s happiness in such a way.”
Lord Hastings smiled but then shrugged.
“I could never have permitted her to marry such an arrogant, inconsiderate fellow.”
“And that is why he pursues you in such a relentless manner?” Patience frowned. “He wishes to shame you because you refused him Isabella’s hand?”
When Lord Hastings did not immediately answer, Patience’s heart slammed hard into her chest. Was there something more?
“Lord Newforth attempted to force my hand.” Coming to a stop, Lord Hastings turned to face Patience directly, though her hand was still tight on his arm. “This is where I must beg for your silence over what I am to share with you, Lady Patience, for no one else knows of it.” Patience nodded. Lord Hastings swallowed hard, then began to walk again though, this time,there was a good deal more slowness in his steps. “The night that my sister became betrothed to Lord Milthorpe was not a happy one, despite what you might think.”
“No?”
He shook his head.
“Lord Newforth stole my sister away, forcing her into the gardens without a chaperone. Unwittingly, I was brought to find them both there and, thus, Lord Newforth demanded that my sister be given to him, as his bride.”
Shock snatched away Patience’s breath, one hand flying to her mouth as Lord Hastings looked into her eyes and then nodded.
“It is just as dreadful as I have said,” he muttered. “Lord Newforth told me that if I did not do as he asked, then all of society would know of my sister’s presence with him in the gardens and thus, her reputation would be quite ruined.”
Patience shuddered.
“Oh, how dreadful.”
“Lord Milthorpe offered for Isabella at that very moment,” Lord Hastings continued, speaking quietly now. “I accepted and Lord Newforth’s plan came to ruination. Milthorpe then made the announcement immediately, before the entire ton, of their betrothal, so that Lord Newforth had no chance to do anything to prevent it. But had it not been for Milthorpe, then I am sure that I would not have known what to do!Thatis why Lord Newforth wishes to injure me in any way that he can, you understand.”
Nodding slowly, Patience let out a sigh.
“And it is also the reason that you appear a good deal more distant from theton,is it not? You recognize that the shame they can bring upon a person, even when they do not deserve it, is severe indeed.” She winced. “Society can be something of a beast, sometimes.” Lord Hastings looked at her, surprisesparkling in his eyes, and Patience flushed. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No, no, not at all.” Lord Hastings blinked, then turned his head back so that his gaze was on the path. “It is only that you surprise me, Lady Patience. I did not think that you would be able to understand my reluctance to be a part of theton,but it seems that you understand completely.”
“I do.” Patience smiled but then shook her head. “Though you are in a dreadful situation, Lord Hastings. Lord Newforth is a wicked man, and determined to do what he can to bring down your reputation within society, despite the fact that you have pulled back from thetonin such a way.”
Lord Hastings shook his head.
“I care only for Isabella, not for myself.”
“But if Lord Newforth succeeds, then will he not injure your sister because of what happens toyourreputation?” When Lord Hastings turned his gaze to hers again, Patience ducked her head. “Forgive me, I do not mean to speak out of turn but–”
“You are not.” Lord Hastings pressed her hand with his free one for just a moment, but he did not smile. “I suppose that he might, but my sister is soon to marry, and her reputation will then be tied to that of her husband.”
“And what of yourself?”
At these words, a tiny flicker of color came into Lord Hastings’ cheeks, just as Patience realized what she had said. She turned her head away directly, her heart clamoring within her chest as embarrassment ran hot from the top of her head to her toes. She had been speaking of the Viscount’s prospects for marriage, without really thinking about what she was saying. Did he think that she was interested in that matter solely for herself?
“You are not the first who has made such a remark, Lady Patience.” Lord Hastings cleared his throat and then smiled,though as Patience glanced back at him, she thought it a little forced. “Lord Newforth has made it quite clear to me what it is that he intends to do but, at the same time, has been entirely unspecific as to what that might be.”
“And the Baron accusing you of such despicable deeds was Lord Newforth’s first attempt,” Patience murmured, a line forming between her eyebrows. “It appears to me, Lord Hastings, that you might require a little assistance in this situation.”
Lord Hastings chuckled darkly.
“Yes, Lady Patience, I believe that I need as much help as I can find, for I am quite at a loss as to what to do to prepare for Lord Newforth’s next attack upon me!”
Patience took a small breath, then set her shoulders and lifted her chin.
“Might I offer my assistance, then? I am not quite certain what I could do, but I would be glad to help you in any way I can.”
