Page 34 of The Truth about the Viscount
“You?” Lord Hastings stopped walking again and then turned his head to look straight into her eyes as though he could not quite believe what it was that she had said. “You wish to help me, even though you have done more than enough already?”
“I do, yes.” Her toes curled in her shoes as she spread out her hands. “I am not certain what it is that I could do, as I have said, but I do not think that you should face this matter alone. Lord Milthorpe and Miss Spearton will be busy planning their wedding, I suppose, and though I am sure you have other friends who can stand alongside you, I should also like to offer my help.”
For some moments, Lord Hastings said nothing. Instead, he simply looked back into her face, his eyes rounding just a little as though he was slowly beginning to realize what it was that she had offered. Patience, glancing to her right and seeing her mother and aunt standing a little away from them, watchingthem both, felt another flush of heat flow through her. Perhaps she had been foolish to offer this, perhaps she had been a little too forward. It was not her affair to worry about and yet, all the same, her heart had yearned to do what she could to be of aid.
“My dear Lady Patience, I do not think that I have ever met a creature such as you.”
Patience did not know what to make of this, seeing that either he might go on to state that she was soveryextraordinary, he could not bring himself to be in her company any longer or to accept her offer of assistance with gratitude. To her utter relief, it was the latter.
“I am overwhelmed by your generous spirit, Lady Patience.” Lord Hastings dropped Patience’s hand from his arm, only to catch it with his hand and then, much to Patience’s surprise, reaching for the other one also. He stood for another long moment, looking at her with a gentleness in his eyes and a soft smile on his face which made Patience’s heart squeeze. “I should be grateful for anything you have to offer… so long as it does not distract you from your own activities this Season.”
Patience looked away just as Lord Hastings dropped her hands from his, making to walk along the path again, though he did quickly offer her his arm.
“I am sure that I will not have any difficulty,” was all she could say, not quite able to look at him. He was aware that she would be seeking out a match this Season, and his concern for her in that way again demonstrated his considerate nature. “Though what do you think we ought to do to stop Lord Newforth?”
Lord Hastings tilted his head, considering, though he did not look at her.
“I cannot be sure. At the present moment, I think that it might well be wise for me to stay often in company so that Lord Newforth cannot bring another situation to me as he did withBaron Stillforth.” One eyebrow lifted just a little as he looked at her, sidelong. “Might I ask if that is something you might wish to assist me with?”
“I would, very much.”
The words left her lips before Patience had a chance to truly consider her answer, her heart betraying her. She looked back at Lord Hastings all the same, however, and saw him smile just as her own lips lifted.
“Capital.” Lord Hastings let out a long breath as his smile grew all the wider. “That brings me a good deal of relief, Lady Patience and, as for whatever else he might be scheming, I shall simply have to be on my guard.”
“And I can be watchful,” Patience suggested, as Lord Hastings nodded. “I am certain that, in time, Lord Newforth will see that he will be nothing but unsuccessful, and will give up his pursuit of your shame.”
At this, Lord Hastings’ expression darkened, and he shook his head, clearly disagreeing with her.
“As much as I might wish it, Lady Patience, I cannot have the same assurance as you. I very much fear that Lord Newforth will try and try and try again until, in some way, he finds his success.”
“What isit you are looking at?”
Patience hushed Lady Eleanor, watching Lord Newforth out of the corner of her eye.
“Hush, Eleanor. Do not draw attention to me in such a way.”
Eleanor frowned.
“Patience, what is troubling you? I have never seen you so serious at any soiree before!”
“It is not the soiree but rather Lord Newforth,” Patience answered, quietly, seeing Lord Newforth laughing aloud at something another gentleman had said. “I must watch him, Eleanor, that is all. He is not a good man and has, I fear, already sought to injure someone I am acquainted with.”
“And by that, you mean Lord Hastings.”
Patience threw a look at her cousin that said that she would not say either yes or no to that statement.
“Lord Newforth is not a gentleman to be trifled with.” Eleanor’s expression darkened. “He is a gentleman full of pride, with a determination to do all that he wants in whatever way he wishes. I would advise you to avoid him if you can.”
“He knows my name, however,” Patience answered, quietly. “He knows that I was the one standing with Lord Hastings in the shop, making it quite clear to all that what Lord Hastings had been accused of was false. So yes, I shall do my best to avoid him, but I also must be watchful of his actions for fear that he can hurt others.”
“Lady Patience?”
A young lady approached them, and Patience nodded, recognizing her face, but aware that they had not been introduced. Eleanor stepped back, clearly aware that this young lady had every intention of speaking solely to Patience.
“My brother told me about your recent conversation.” Miss Spearton reached out and took Patience’s hand, tears in her eyes. “Thank you for your discretion,andfor your willingness to help us. I know that he has been carrying a heavy burden of late, though he has not told me much of it.”
“But of course.” Patience smiled and pressed the young lady’s hand, trying to encourage her. “You must have a great deal to plan for your upcoming wedding, however! That is a wonderful thing, and very exciting too, I am sure. You must not worry toomuch about your brother, for that is not at all what he wants for you.”
