Page 60 of The Earl's Disguised Governess
Ernest met Lord Simon’s eye. “And what of yourself?”
“My behaviour will be perfectly honourable when it comes to Lady—Miss Gundry. We shared a past, but she has made it clear she does not wish to share a future.”
Ernest nodded. “All I ask is that you respect her position as a governess. She is not the lady you once knew.”
Lord Simon looked hard at Ernest. “No,” he agreed. “She is not. If you will excuse us, Lord Bannerdown.”
Ernest’s thoughts drifted to Claire, on the arm of Lord Simon when she was much younger. He could imagine her face more youthful, her hair longer, perhaps, loose and styled as a lady’s would be. Jealousy spiked through his stomach as he envisioned her in such a way, and he scowled down at the floor, chiding himself for being so foolish.
Minstrels filled the hall with music, and couples branched off to dance, but Ernest stood alone, wishing Claire was there. It was clear Lord Simon had wanted to rekindle his relationship with Claire, given his earlier comment, and Ernest could only wonder: was that her best option? Would she be safe with Lord Simon in a way she was not with him?
His stomach grew heavy as it had been when he had considered marrying a woman who was not Claire the night he had dined at Graham’s house.
“Bannerdown! You should not be standing alone. Come join us!” The call came from a heavily moustached man who Ernest recognized as Lord Burdon, one of his uncle’s friends. He roped Ernest into the group of five other men, all respected lords, barons, and earls. “We have been very eager to meet you, Bannerdown. We were good friends with George, all of us, old school friends, but when we heard the terrible news, we could not quite bring ourselves to visit you. But I must apologize for that. Word has spread of what you did for the viscount here tonight, along with Mr Courtenay. And Bannerdown? Your uncle would have been proud. You are becoming a fine earl, and your ward, Lady Florence, is delightful. I spoke with her briefly at the luncheon. She has a bright mind and has spoken at length of your support in her future debut.”
Ernest blanched, unsure of what to say. The men noticed, and Lord Burdon clapped his back, laughing.
“Your uncle would approve of you being his heir,” he told Ernest. “Do not look so afraid. You belong here.”
Something inside of him eased. For so long he had relied on his mother’s validation and his own hope to get through each day as an earl. But hearing it from friends of his uncle directly spurred something within him.
And they did not once pose a problem with him still working at the hospital.
“We would like to make a group donation to the wing,” Lord Burdon spoke up after they discussed the monument Ernest had commissioned for Archibald. “We lost friends in the war, too, and I personally think this commemoration is wonderful.”
“If you see Mr Courtenay at any point, you should address all funding with him. He is the spearhead of the wing. I am merely some decoration supporting it.”
That got a few chuckles from the men, and Ernest felt a sense of belonging as he looked around for Graham.
He found him among the dancers, with none other than Lady Samantha in his arms. Ernest blinked, checking that it was who he thought it was, but no, it truly was Graham and Lady Samantha. They turned around, mingling with the other dancers, but there was no losing sight of Graham’s smile and Lady Samantha’s surprise, as if she could not quite imagine herself having had such a moment with Graham.
When Graham caught Ernest’s eye, the man leaned into Lady Samantha, saying something quietly to her. Her face lit up, and she turned to Ernest, giving a small wave. He nodded to her, smiling, as Graham walked over.
It was the most elated Ernest had seen in his friend in a long time.
“You look rather pleased, Graham, and I do not believe it is only the guest turnout that has you in such good spirits.”
“Indeed, it is not.” Graham laughed. “I have danced with Lady Samantha only once, but it is enough. Through our letters and dinner the other night, after you left, we found out how much we bring laughter to one another. I have spent a long year wallowing in grief and regret, but Lady Samantha makes me laugh again, Ernest. She is delightful. If I am terribly honest, Ernest, I believe we have been trying to match the wrong people.”
“If I am terribly honest with you, Graham, I had suspected such a thing even the day we met her when you both conversed very easily with one another. It is good to see how she helps you find yourself again. It is good to see you laugh once more, Graham.”
His friend clasped his shoulder, nodding.
And Ernest could only think there was hope for Lady Samantha’s future yet. After all, she would not have to bother with the marriage mart if Graham wished to propose to her. And by the look on his face as he looked at her, Ernest imagined it was not far from his friend’s mind.
“Are you going to choose a dance partner?” Graham asked.
“I do not think so,” he said. “Not tonight.”
“Might I be so bold as to suggest that the only woman you would want to dance with is not in attendance?”
Ernest could not keep denying his feelings. He sighed, nodding. “You would be correct.”
“Ernest, this ball is for Archibald’s wing in the hospital, but you do not have to remain present all night if your mind is elsewhere. There is a library at the back of these halls, open to the public. Perhaps you might wish to take a moment in there away from the noise and the guests?”
It was a lifeline; one Ernest was grateful his friend had picked up on him needing. “Thank you, Graham.”
His friend pointed him towards the library, and Ernest wandered over there, slipping away from the party.
