Page 32 of The Truth about the Viscount
Chapter Twelve
“Are you nervous?”
Patience threw a glance at Christina.
“No, I am not nervous.”
That was nothing more than a lie, however, and from the way that Christina rolled her eyes, Patience knew that she did not believe her. The request from Lord Hastings to take a walk through the park so that he might explain all to her had come as something of a surprise, but a welcome surprise, all the same. Patience had been thrilled at the thought of being in his company again, seeing it as a promise that yes, he fully believed and had accepted all that she had told him about the drawing in The London Chronicle. And, at the same time, Patience had to admit a certain interest in the gentleman. The way that he had looked into her eyes as he had thanked her for what she had done – which, to her mind, had been nothing very significant – had made her heart lift and, within that, a gentle affection began to form. It had not been a feeling she had ever experienced before and yet, she had welcomed it. So, when he had asked her to take a walk in the park with him, she had nothing other than acceptance on her lips.
“There is no need for nervousness,” Christina said, interrupting her thoughts. “I can see that you are a little anxious, but there is nothing to be worried about! Lord Hastings has asked to see you, and that should make you feel more than contented.”
Patience nodded and looked out of the window, refusing to answer her sister’s remarks. She did not want to admit to Christina that yes, she was nervous, but also that her mind was filled with thoughts and questions about what this situation with Lord Newforth might be. It was very strange that this fellow appeared to be so angry with Lord Hastings, for what possible reason could there be for a gentleman to try to shame another in such an obvious manner? Patience did not understand it and yet, she was not only glad that she had been able to aid Lord Hastings on both occasions but was also a little overcome by how willing he was to trust her with the truth.
“There he is, waiting for you.”
Patience’s breath hitched as her eyes fell upon Lord Hastings, seeing him smile at her as the carriage came to a slow stop. He was, she had to admit, all the more handsome this afternoon, and that made her a little flustered.
“Good afternoon, Lady Patience. Lady Christina.” Lord Hastings inclined his head and then stepped forward to help them both down from the carriage, in lieu of the footman. “Thank you for joining me, Lady Patience. I must admit, I have been looking forward to our time together.”
“As have I.” Patience turned her head to see a second carriage coming to a stop, gesturing to it. “My mother, my aunt – Lady Pearson – and my cousin, Lady Eleanor, have come to join us. My mother wished to speak with her sister during our drive here, you understand.”
A broad smile split Lord Hastings’ face, making Patience blush. Did he think that her mother and Lady Pearson had beentalking about him, and the walk he was to take with Patience? She could not deny that such a thing would, most likely, have been the conversation, but all the same, she did not wanthimto think such a thing though, she considered, he did not appear to be in the least bit embarrassed about it, given the way that he smiled.
How different he appears from the angry gentleman who threw such demands in my face only a few short days ago!
As though he knew what she was thinking, Lord Hastings turned to her and offered his arm.
“Shall we begin our walk, Lady Patience? And I will be able to explain to you all about what has been taking place and why I have been so… disinterested in society as a whole.”
With a glance to her sister and then to her mother, who gave her a small nod, Patience accepted Lord Hastings’ arm and began to walk alongside him through St James’ Park. They walked in silence for a short time, though there was no nervousness or anxiety within her heart over it. She felt rather contented to be so, she realized, smiling gently to herself as the sun shone brightly overhead.
“As I said last evening, I want to thank you for what you did, in preventing Lord Newforth from bringing shame to me and my family name.” Lord Hastings looked at her, then settled his free hand, upon her fingers for only a brief touch, though it was enough to convey his deep gratitude. “Yes, as you have noticed, Lord Newforth has been attempting to bring disgrace to my name and, as you witnessed at our first meeting, he is eager to cause me as much harm as he can.” He winced. “It appears that Lord Newforth is not a pleasant gentleman.”
“Yes, I can see that.” Patience studied Lord Hastings before saying anything more, seeing the way that his jaw tightened and his lips pulled flat. “Why does he have such a disagreement with you?” A slight tightness came into her stomach as thoughshe ought not to be asking such a thing, but the Viscount only nodded and then, after releasing a heavy sigh, finally answered.
“If I am to tell you the truth, Lady Patience, might you promise to keep secret what I tell you? I do not ask for myself, but for the sake of another.”
“But of course.” Patience put as much fervency into her words as she could. “I am already honored by your willingness to share this with me, whatever it is.”
The Viscount smiled again, and Patience’s heart lifted all the more, thinking him so very altered in both appearance and character now. He was not dismal nor dark-tempered, but smiling and speaking words of kindness and gentleness. His manner was calm and quiet, not morose nor poor in temper. Instead, he appeared to be more contented than she had ever seen him.
“It is I who am honored, given all that you have done for me.” Again, that soft, quiet smile was sent to her and Patience’s heart quickened inexplicably. She could not look anywhere but his eyes, struggling to understand the emotions that suddenly swamped her. “As regards Lord Newforth, it is a sorrowful tale,” the gentleman continued as Patience quietly demanded that she pay attention to everything that he said and not focus on what her thoughts and feelings were. “He came to me last Season and told me that he wished to court Isabella.”
Patience’s eyebrows lifted high as surprise spread out across her chest, but she kept silent, seeing the way that Lord Hastings scowled.
“I learned about his character and, given that my mother was already most insistent that my sister have a Season to enjoy herself rather than pursue a match, I refused him. This did not make him particularly happy, especially when I was forced to go into detail as to why I would not allow him to marry her.”
“I can imagine that he would not have been very pleased,” Patience murmured, as a mirthless laugh escaped from Lord Hastings’ lips.
“Indeed not. He was absolutely furious – I do not think that I have ever seen a gentleman so angry – and told me that I could not deny him.”
Patience blinked in astonishment.
“What arrogance!” She offered him another small glance, licking her lips before she asked her question, wondering if it was a little too forward. “Might I ask what the reason was for his determination to wed her? If it is not too bold to ask.”
“Not in the least.” Lord Hastings shook his head. “It appears that her dowry and yearly income were all that he desired.”
Closing her eyes for a moment, Patience blew out a long breath.
