Page 6 of The Truth about the Viscount
“Iwill marry Isabella. We can make the announcement at this very moment and prevent any gossip from spreading.”
Daniel swallowed hard, looking from his sister to Lord Milthorpe and back again. Isabella’s eyes were shining with tears, but Lord Milthorpe appeared quite resolute, his jaw tight as he nodded, as though to confirm that he would do as he had just said.
“We are awaiting your decision, Lord Hastings!”
The droll, almost sing-song voice of Lord Newforth made Daniel’s whole body clench with anger, and he almost turned around on his heel to throw something sharp in the gentleman’s direction, though Isabella’s restraining hand prevented him.
“I will marry Lord Milthorpe.”
Her whisper shattered Daniel’s heart, seeing the sorrow in his sister’s eyes that she would not have the Season – nor the match - she had hoped for.
“This is my fault, my doing.” Guilt began to tear through him, making him lower his head. “I should have made certain that Iknew where you were at all times, should have come to find you after the dance.”
“Now is not the time for such things.” Lord Milthorpe moved a little closer, keeping his voice low. “I know that I am not the very best of gentlemen, but you know my character well enough to trust that I will treat Isabella with every kindness.” He looked at Isabella as Daniel watched, his expression softening. “We have known each other from childhood, have we not? I am sure that we can make the best of things, and I swear to treat you with the greatest consideration, Isabella.”
For just a moment, Isabella’s lips lifted in a small smile, a flare of hope in her eyes.
“I do trust you in that, Milthorpe. Thank you for saving me from this dreadful situation.”
Seeing that both had already made up their minds and, fully aware that this was now the very best that could be made of the situation, Daniel took a deep breath, nodded, and then looked at Lord Newforth.
“The answer is no, Lord Newforth, just as I have said before, and now say again. You willnothave my sister as your wife.”
The light smile on Lord Newforth’s face immediately began to fade away. He exchanged a look with Lady Winters who, at the very same time, began to scowl.
“You know what this will mean, then,” she spat, clearly disappointed and angry that Daniel had refused. “We will tell everyone–”
“Do excuse me.” Interrupting her and making it quite clear that he had no interest whatsoever in listening to anything further, Daniel marched away from both Lady Winters and Lord Newforth, following Isabella and Lord Milthorpe. His chest was tight, filled with furious anger that he could not quite remove from himself and, at the very same time, guilt and shame ran over him in waves. He had been doing nothing but enjoyinghimself at the ball and had not given Isabella the attention that she deserved and required from him. Had he done so, then Lord Newforth might never have had the opportunity to do as he had done.
Stepping into the ballroom, he paused at the door, hearing Lord Milthorpe call for quiet. It took some moments as the hush slowly ran around the room but, after a short while, almost everyone had paused in their conversation and was now looking directly at him.
Lord Milthorpe smiled, though Daniel could see the slight flicker in it all the same. Lord Milthorpe had done more for Daniel and Isabella than Daniel had ever expected, saving her from a life of ruination or a life of pain with Lord Newforth – and Daniel did not know how he would ever express his gratitude.
“I am delighted to announce that I have only just now asked Miss Isabella Spearton, sister to the Viscount of Hastings, to be my wife. What is even more wonderful is that she has accepted and, very soon, we shall wed!”
“What?”
Daniel turned, just as the room erupted with applause and cheers. The first thing that met his eyes was the sight of Lord Newforth, now rigid with fury, his eyes narrowed like shards of glass, his whole face scarlet with rage.
Despite all else that he felt, Daniel smiled.
“I did tell you that you would not marry my sister, did I not?” he said, as calmly as he could. “And now you may speak whatever you please, but I highly doubt that anyone in society will believe you. Instead, it will appear as though you are either jealous, idiotic, or mistaken.” His shoulders lifted and then fell. “But I shall leave that choice to you.”
Turning back, he walked directly towards his sister, forcing a smile that he did not truly feel within himself. The moment was done, the decision was made, and Daniel had no choice but to gowith it wholeheartedly. He could only pray that Isabella would be happy with Lord Milthorpe… and that she would forgive him for his failure.
Chapter Two
“Is that not wonderful?”
Lady Patience Tynan smiled at her sister’s words.
“It is a lovely announcement, certainly.” Her smile slipped just a little as she took in the young lady, seeing the slight wobble of her lips and the paleness of her cheeks. “I do hope that she is happy about her betrothal.”
“Miss Spearton?”
A little surprised, Patience turned to her sister.
“You are acquainted with the lady?”
