Page 38 of The Truth about the Viscount
“She is his aunt, yes?” Lady Patience smiled tightly. “She came to warn me to stay away from you, Lord Hastings.”
A strand of fear wrapped around Daniel’s heart.
“When did she say this?”
“Recently.” Lady Patience shrugged lightly. “Not that I have any intention of listening to a word that she says, of course.”
Daniel swallowed, hard.
“I think that you must be careful, Lady Patience. When it comes to Lady Winters and Lord Newforth, there is severe danger there. If she has come to warn you, then it will be because you have been noticed by him. You should stay away from me.”
“I can make such a decision for myself, and I am not about to be intimidated into changing my mind on what I have alreadydecided.” She tossed her head, her eyes flashing suddenly. “I do not appreciate what was said to me.”
Admiration rose like a fountain in Daniel’s chest as he gazed at her, his struggles seeming now to fade away.
“So long as you are sure, Lady Patience.”
“I am.” Her smile returned, though it disappeared shortly thereafter. “Why, do you think, did Lady Winters do such a thing? Why would she push her daughter into such a connection when it is false?”
Daniel shook his head.
“I do not know. But I did as Lord Milthorpe suggested and made my way from the soiree just as soon as I could.”
Lady Patience’s eyes suddenly rounded.
“What if she intends to use her daughter to bring shame to you? What if they have decided to work together to make thetonturn against you? She declares that you are courting Lady Madeline and that she expects a betrothal very soon – and what choice is left for you but to deny it? You will say that you arenotcourting the lady, that you have no intention of offering for her hand and, thereafter, Lady Winters will declare her daughter to be utterly heartbroken, telling us all that you have been both ungentlemanly and cruel.”
A cold sweat broke out across Daniel’s forehead as he saw the truth in Lady Patience’s suggestions.
“What is worse, she might declare that I have treated Lady Madeline in a… less than suitable manner.” He closed his eyes, wincing. “Lady Winters could say anything she wishes, and thetonwill, no doubt, believe her, for, if the injured party is a young lady, then they are inclined to trusther.” He ran one hand through his hair, panic gripping him. “What am I to do?”
Lady Patience took his hand again, squeezing it gently until he looked at her. Her smile wobbled a little, and there was hesitancy in her voice as she spoke.
“Then, Lord Hastings, the only thing you can do is pre-empt her.”
He blinked, confused.
“You must declare yourself to be courting another young lady – and you must do so now,” Lady Patience continued, her voice hitching as her hand trembled lightly in his. “That way, Lady Winters will appear to be either confused or deceitful, seeking to push her daughter into your path, rather than accepting the news that you are courting another.”
Daniel’s throat constricted.
“All the same, if I am only courting someone, she might then state that I ended my courtship of Lady Madeline to pursue another – and could, also, state that I had been cruel and demeaning to Lady Madeline beforehand.” Rubbing one hand over his eyes, his chest tightened as he forced himself to look into Lady Patience’s eyes. “I would have to declare myself betrothed.” A silence followed his statement and Daniel withered inwardly, his gaze tugging away from her. He had asked too much of her, even though he had not been explicit in his words. It was clear to him that she understood what he meant by such a statement, given the pink now in her cheeks but, as the quiet grew, Daniel dropped his head to his chest. “This is not your concern, Lady Patience.” Mumbling now, he shook his head to himself. “I will find another way, I will–”
“I would accept if you asked it of me.”
Daniel’s head lifted sharply, astonishment catching him.
“It is not the way that matches are usually made, I know, but if this will save you then I will accept.” Lady Patience’s gaze was steady, though her fingers twisted together in front of her. “It will come as a surprise to my family, but they will not object. You have fortune enough to satisfy them.”
This was said with a wry smile, and Daniel’s heart squeezed painfully. He was aware of just what it was that she was offeringhim – and how much their lives might change if he moved forward with it – and took lots of small, sharp breaths as he came to understand what would happen should he do this.
“I can end our betrothal later, should you wish to make your own choice,” he said, a trifle hoarsely, coughing to clear his throat. “I will take the blame, should you decide such a thing. I understand how significant this will be, and I do not want to force you to do this. You have said that you will aid me in my difficulties with Lord Newforth, for which I am very grateful, but nor do I want you to give up your freedom because of me. That is not required.”
She tilted her head just a little.
“And what if I wish to?” Daniel lowered his head, overcome. He had found such a jewel in Lady Patience’s company and in recognizing that, he felt himself utterly unworthy. “If you realize now that you do not want to pursue this, however, then I understand.”
“No, it is not that.” Lifting his head, Daniel looked into Lady Patience’s eyes and then, seeing her hand still in his, set his other one atop their joined hands. “It is because I feel myself to be so unworthy of you, Lady Patience. We have only just begun our acquaintance, and yet I have found a true friend in you. You are selfless, considerate, and with a kinder heart within you than I have ever met in anyone else. So, while I am willing to make this announcement and to step forward into society with you as my betrothed, know that my heart is aware of just how great a gift I am being offered – and how much I will cherish it.”
