Page 37 of The Truth about the Viscount
His friend grabbed his arm, his eyes wide.
“You must leave this soiree at once.”
Daniel frowned, his heart thudding suddenly.
“Why?”
“Because.” Lord Milthorpe closed his eyes and took a long breath. “Because you cannot be seen here. You must go elsewhere, and be found at another event.”
The frown on Daniel’s face grew all the heavier.
“I do not understand.”
Lord Milthorpe took another deep breath, his face white.
“Lady Winters has begun to inform everyone that you are courting her daughter. That your intention is to marry her and thus, she expects a betrothal announcement to be made very soon.”
Daniel’s stomach lurched.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Lady Madeline, yes.” Lord Milthorpe shook his head. “I have overheard it as I came into the drawing room and came immediately to find you.”
His head began to spin as Daniel fought to make sense of what he was hearing.
“I cannot understand what her intentions are.”
“Except that it will not be her,” Lord Milthorpe answered, coming closer to Daniel. “This must be Lord Newforth and, for whatever reason, Lady Winters has agreed to this new dark plan.”
This made very little sense to Daniel but, with a nod, he threw back the glass of brandy and then made his way to the door.
“I thank you. I will do what I can to make my way from the house without being seen. I do not know the motivations of the lady but–”
“Hurry.” Interrupting him, Lord Milthorpe gestured to the door. “Go, now before it is too late.”
His breath hitching, Daniel scurried around the side of the drawing room and, after a momentary pause, left the room. It took him a few minutes to make his way to the front door of the house – catching a few confused glances from some of the footmen as he passed – but with relief pouring into his chest, he made his way out of the house onto the street.
Whatever is the intention here?Wondering silently to himself, Daniel quickly found his carriage, surprising the driver who quickly opened the door for Daniel before hurrying to prepare the horses.Why would Lord Newforth and Lady Winters declare that I am courting Lady Madeline? Why would they do such a thing?
“Where am I to go, my Lord?”
Daniel closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the squabs. Searching his mind, he eventually recalled that he had been required to decline an invitation from Lord and Lady Worthington, given that he had already accepted an invitation to this soiree.
“To Lord Worthington’s townhouse,” he called and, with another fresh wave of relief overpowering him, felt the carriage begin to rock gently as it pulled away from the house. Yes, he had made his escape, but the difficulties still remained. Lord Newforth had plans to do whatever he could to bring what he considered to be consequences down upon Daniel and, with growing concern, Daniel realized that the fellow might never stop until he had succeeded. Just what was he to do? How could he put an end to Lord Newforth’s intentions and protect himself at the same time?
The carriage soon came to a stop and, his questions still unanswered, Daniel stepped down and hurried into the townhouse. The ball was already well underway, and no one saw him step inside - no one save for a few footmen. Letting out a slow breath, a trickle of sweat running down his back, Danielpicked up a glass from the table and sipped it, hoping that no one would see that he was flustered and upset.
“Lord Hastings, good evening.”
A flood of happiness ran through him as Lady Patience came to speak with him, her eyes and expression gentle.
“Lady Patience.” He inclined his head. “I am very glad to see you.” Seeing her eyes flare suddenly, he flushed hot and then tried to explain. “I have come from a soiree, one where I had intended to remain, but Lord Milthorpe gave me a warning and thus, I had to rush from that to this!”
“A warning?” Lady Patience’s hand caught his for just a moment. “What has happened?”
Daniel swallowed, the heat in his face only growing as he explained.
“Lord Milthorpe overheard Lady Winters informing those present that I am now courting her daughter, Lady Madeline. I do not know why she seeks to do such a thing, and mayhap you will not understand given that you are unaware of her connection to Lord Newforth but–”
