Page 27 of The Truth about the Duke
“And well you might be,” Henry agreed with a slight shrug. “I did not ever think that I would have the agreement – nor the assistance – of a bluestocking but it seems as though I am to have it!”
Lord Kendall chuckled. “I think it very good that you shall have it. Lady Lydia appears to be a most intelligent creature and I think what she has discovered so far is evidence of her skill and her understanding. Though,” he continued, with a wry smile, “I am surprised that she was so willing to offer you her aid, especially when you were so… discouraging to her efforts. Did you not state that all bluestocking ought to be spurned by society?”
Henry winced. “Yes, I did.”
“And would you still hold to that?”
Henry watched as the couples danced the cotillion, letting his thoughts run over what Lord Kendall had asked. Would he still believe that a bluestocking should be shunned by society? That she ought to be looked down upon for the simple reason of desiring to learn and read and understand more than society thought she ought? More thanhethought she ought? “I am notcertain.” It was the truth and though Lord Kendall snorted and said that what he had said was no true answer, Henry held to it all the same. His friend did not understand and for that, he could not blame him for he had not the same acquaintance with Lady Lydia and did not understand the influence she had upon him. He had wanted to say that yes, bluestockings were the sort of creature that should be pushed away from society so thatotheryoung ladies did not have the same notions and ideas as they but at the very same time, now admitted that one bluestocking, at least, had been of great aid to him personally – and that had come about solely because of her learning, her reading and her desire to further it all. Could he really state that such a thing ought to be seen as less than desirable, especially when she was willing to assist him in his search for the truth?
“You hesitate!” Lord Kendall chuckled, a grin spreading right across his face. “Then you must be reconsidering!”
“I am not certain of what I think,” Henry answered, truthfully. “I am not sure I can have the same position as I once did given that she has not only clear talent when it comes to writing those articles, and also because, despite my poor remarks, has suggested that she might be of aid to me.” He watched as Lord Kendall’s eyebrows lifted. “Indeed. She is remarkable in that way, I must say.”
“So it seems.” Lord Kendall’s eyebrows rose all the higher as he studied Henry’s face, though Henry did not know what it was his friend searched for. “Now, might I ask what your thinking is about Lady Judith?”
Letting out a snort, Henry rolled his eyes and went to sip his punch rather than answer.
“Oh?” Lord Kendall looked and sounded surprised. “I thought you considered her to be in excellent standing given your list of requirements.”
“Alas,” Henry answered, with a wry smile, “one of those requirements is that she cannot have a great interest in another gentleman. And in that regard, it is quite clear to me that Lady Judith has no desire to be in my company.”
A twinkle came into Lord Kendall’s eye, though he said nothing.
“I can see that you wish to laugh but I do appreciate your willingness to hold it back,” Henry continued, with a rueful chuckle of his own. “Yes, I did not imagine for a moment that a young lady might consider a gentleman with a lower title over myself, but it appears that Lord Telford holds Lady Judith’s interest more than I.”
“I see.” Lord Kendall schooled his face into a calm expression though the glint in his eye did not leave. “Mayhap you have not considered how finding and securing a young lady’s attentions might be a little more difficult than expected? That is a trial in itself!”
“So it would seem.”
“Though you cannot give up! Lady Ann might be a wise consideration, yes?”
Henry sighed. “I am not sure that I wish to pursue that particular lady at present. In fact, I am not certain I wish to pursueanyyoung lady at this moment! My thoughts are centered solely on the heirlooms.”
“And that is to your detriment!” Lord Kendall exclaimed. “There are many young ladies who are ready and waiting for you to catch their eye! You can think and search on your heirlooms, of course, but you can also surely consider your future and any match you might make, can you not?”
“I – I am not sure.” Henry scowled, rubbing one hand over his eyes. “It is a heavy weight upon my heart – the heirlooms, I mean – and that seems to be taking up a good deal of my thinking and my time.” Ever since he had received the letterfrom his mother, Henry had to admit that he had done nothing but think on it and the names therein. “Yes, it would be a distraction, I suppose, but – ”
“Then pursue both!” Lord Kendall exclaimed. “You do yourself a disservice if you do not.”
With a slow nod, Henry told himself that his friend was quite correct. Hecoulddo both. In fact, it might be good for him to pursue both matters at once, for then he would not think about the heirlooms so much and could distract himself with the consideration of young ladies instead!
“Lady Ann is present this evening,” Lord Kendall continued, perhaps aware of Henry’s thoughts. “I am sure that if you asked her to dance, she would accept you.” He chuckled. “Any young lady would accept you, I am sure, but what I mean to say is that she would accept with delight.”
“I should go and find her,” Henry agreed, his eyes now searching the crowd. “You are right, Kendall. My thoughts have been heavy of late – to the point that I quite ruined my visit to Lady Judith which, no doubt made her think all the lesser of me!” He winced as his friend laughed, though a grin spread across his face all the same. “I shall take my leave of you.”
“Oh, I shall join you, I think!” Lord Kendall answered, with another laugh. “My friend, you do not seem to understand just how many young ladies are eager for your company! And if I am beside you, then I shall have the chance to take the dance cards from the most eligible, the most beautiful, and the genteel young ladies in all of London – and who knows? I might then end up falling quite in love with one of them.”
This made Henry chuckle and, setting his glass down, he made his way with his friend into the crowd. He could not help but notice the many glances that came his way, seeing how many of the young ladies began to whisper to one another, how some batted their eyelashes at him and smiled in delight at his briefconsideration of them, though Henry did not take too much notice. There were many young debutantes in London, that he knew, but he was entirely uncertain as to whether any of them would be suitable. Thus far, he only knew that there were many who were bold enough to smile in such a way at him while others whispered to others though that he considered a little indelicate. Perhaps Lord Kendall was quite correct, perhaps this in itself was a difficulty enough! To secure one young lady’s attention – a young lady who matched all that he desired – might not be as easy as he had once considered.
“There, I can see her. She is standing alongside Lady Miriam whom, I might add, is not someone that I would appreciate you considering.”
“Oh?” Henry grinned at his friend. “Is she someone that you have in mind?”
Lord Kendall shrugged nonchalantly. “I have noticed her, that is all.”
Henry made to say more, wanting to rib his friend but they were now much too close to the ladies for him to do so. He bowed in greeting, only to notice, as his head lifted, that Lady Lydia was standing next to Lady Ann on the other side. Having been caught up in observing Lady Miriam – who was quite beautiful with her golden tresses and vivid blue eyes – he had not even glanced towards the other ladies present. His heart lurched in a most unexpected way though he made certain that his expression remained quite calm.
“Good evening, Lady Ann, Lady Lydia.” Glancing towards Lord Kendall who was doing nothing other than smiling at Lady Miriam, Henry nudged him lightly. “Might you perhaps make the introductions, my friend?”
