Page 23 of The Viscount's Forgery
“Oh?”
A quiet laugh broke from Miss Sherwood’s lips. “All in good time, Lord Suffolk. If you require my help, then the other bluestockings will also assist. We have been able to solve a mystery or two already, and I am sure we will be able to help you with this.”
“Yes, of course.” Nicholas was nodding fervently now, feeling that he might well agree with everything and anything Miss Sherwood suggested, given his relief over her acceptance of his apology. “Thank you, Miss Sherwood. Might I expect you tomorrow?”
She began to turn away from him, a smile lingering on her lips, her eyes catching his once more. “Yes, Lord Suffolk. I shall come to you tomorrow. Good evening.”
“Your dance card?”
What am I doing?
Miss Sherwood swung back around to face him, her eyes holding a sparkle of astonishment. “I beg your pardon?”
“Are you dancing this evening?” he asked, his mouth moving of its own accord, a fire igniting his bones as she slowly began to nod. “Then might I be so bold as to ask for it? I feel as though it will reassure me of your forgiveness, should you permit me to step out with you.”
A soft smile brushed across her lips. “You need no reassurance, Lord Suffolk. I am a lady of my word.”
He swallowed thickly. “Please, Miss Sherwood. It would mean a great deal to me.”
Her smile grew. “Then I cannot refuse you,” she answered him, holding out her dance card. “Thank you, Lord Suffolk.”
Some minutes later, Nicholas walked away from the lady, lost in a daze of confusion and relief. He was glad that she had been so willing to forgive him, but at the same time, lost in the sensations and emotions that had hit him during that brief conversation. After she had accepted his apology, he had done the most astonishing things, like reaching for her hand and asking for her dance card. His heart was pounding, his mouth was dry, and yet, all he could think of was her.
No!
Stopping dead, ladies and gentlemen walking around him, Nicholas stared blankly ahead, recalling the way Lord Bothwell had described falling for the other Miss Sherwood.
Surely it cannot be!
Scrubbing one hand over his face, Nicholas tried to breathe normally, but the tightness across his chest would not permit him. In all of his days, he had never once believed that he would ever find himself falling in love with a young lady of theton, had never thought that he would be so caught up by her that all of his thoughts and desires were centered upon her… but was not what was happening? Breathing hard, Nicholas lowered his head and squeezed his eyes closed, an uncomfortable prickling sensation running all over his skin. He did not want this, did not want to find himself so pulled towards a young lady of theton,and yet, despite his inner determinations, Nicholas sensed there was nothing he could do to prevent it – and that terrified him utterly.
10
“Are you excited about this?”
Eugenia looked at Lady Rosalyn. “I do not know if I am excited,” she said, trying to find the right words to explain her emotions as the carriage came to a stop outside Lord Suffolk’s townhouse. “I will say that I was more than a little astonished at the profuse apology he offered to me at the ball last evening, but I was, at the same time, touched by his willingness to be so honest with me.”
Lady Rosalyn smiled. “From what I heard – and yes, I did overhear a good deal – he seemed remarkably sincere. To my mind, there are very few gentlemen who would speak so vulnerably.”
This made Eugenia smile as she stepped out of the carriage, looking up at the house as Lady Rosalyn came to stand beside her. Lord Suffolk had surprised her yet again, but this time, in a very positive manner indeed. Had it not been for her sister’s apology and explanation of her feelings, Eugenia might not have been so willing to forgive Lord Suffolk, but thanks to Polly’s honesty, she had begun to understand the emotions that had held sway.
“Did you enjoy your dance with him?” Lady Rosalyn asked as they made their way to the front door. “The quadrille, was it not?”
“Yes, it was.” Eugenia found herself smiling, though she quickly removed it from her expression, putting a slight frown there instead. “It was certainly enjoyable. I have not danced often this Season, but Lord Suffolk was an excellent dancer.”
“That is good.” There was not much more time for anything to be said, for the butler was there, ready to take their hats and gloves and then directing them to the drawing room. Eugenia, with a glance at Lady Rosalyn and a little trepidatious, walked into the room just as Lord Suffolk rose to his feet.
“Good afternoon, Miss Sherwood, Lady Rosalyn.” Greeting them both as Eugenia’s maid scurried to a seat in the corner, the gentleman directed them to sit down. “I am very glad that you have come. Would you like to sit down? Refreshments will just be coming.”
“Thank you.” Eugenia smiled at him, considering just how different he was compared to the upset, irritated gentleman who had spoken to her in the park a few days ago. This, she considered,wasthe true Lord Suffolk. She could understand now why he had spoken to her in such a dark, upsetting manner even though she had very much appreciated the apology.
“As I just said, I am very glad to have you here.” Lord Suffolk sat forward in his seat, his elbows on his knees, his hands rubbing together. “If I might, Miss Sherwood, might I ask what you recognized about that painting that suggests it is a forgery?”
The openness of his expression, the interest in his voice, and in his eyes made Eugenia smile.Thiswas what she wanted to see, what she was glad to see. He was not rejecting her, was not pushing her away. Instead, there was nothing other than genuine interest in what she had to say.
“I have long been interested in art,” she said, as the tray of refreshments was brought in. “It is my passion, truth be told, though I am not particularly good at drawing and painting myself – even though that is what young ladies ought to do!”
Lord Suffolk smiled but said nothing, leaving her to speak.
