Page 35 of The Uncompromising Marquess
“Before you make your decision known to us all, might I ask you something, Lord Cheswick?”
Florence lifted her head, her heart slamming hard in her chest at the sight of Lord Applegate pushing through the gathered crowd so he stood very near to Lord Cheswick. Helena came with him, her husband following after as the three of them looked directly at Lord Cheswick, leaving her wondering what was about to take place.
“I do not think now is the time, Lord Applegate.”
“Oh, but I do,” the gentleman replied, in a low, threatening voice that had Lord Cheswick’s hand drop from Florence’s side, leaving her free to step away from him. “I think now is the perfect time to ascertain precisely what it is you did to Lady Florence on the night of my Christmas ball.”
What he did to me?Florence stared, wide eyed at Lord Applegate as he arched one eyebrow in Lord Cheswick’s direction. Movement to her right caught her attention, seeing her father and mother coming near to Lord Applegate and to Helena.
“Whatever is the meaning of this, Helena?” Lady Grangemouth demanded, evidently affronted at the interruption. “You know very well that Lord Cheswick has an important announcement to make this evening. Why should you prevent him from doing so?”
“Oh, I am not.” Helena smiled tightly and then gestured to Lord Applegate.“Heis.”
Lord Grangemouth frowned as Florence took another step away from Lord Cheswick, who had now folded his arms over his chest, glaring angrily at Lord Applegate.
“Is there some purpose to this, Lord Applegate?” he asked, as Lord Applegate nodded. “Somegoodreason that you have interrupted so?”
Lord Applegate nodded again and, with a tenderness in his eyes that filled Florence with warmth from head to foot, smiled at her. “It is for a very good reason indeed,” he said, quietly but with enough strength in each word so as to make his purpose quite determined. “It concerns Lady Florence’s future… and her happiness.”
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Joseph could not take his eyes from Lady Florence. She was white faced and trembling, but there was a flicker of hope in her eyes that he wanted to blow into full life. When Lord Cheswick had made his announcement, Joseph had not been able to prevent himself from striding forward, ready to interrupt the gentleman, and ruin his intentions for Lady Florence. It had not been his plan to break into Lord Chester’s announcement and catch the attention of every guest present but he had not had any other choice. Lord Cheswick couldnotbe permitted to announce his engagement to Lady Florence and Joseph intended to ruin that notion completely.
“I think that Florence’s happiness is my responsibility, Lord Applegate.” Lord Grangemouth lifted his gaze just a little, his shoulders back. “Not yours.”
“That is quite true, Lord Grangemouth, but I am sure you would want to know the truth about Lord Cheswick and what he has done, would you not? For anything improper, anything untoward would make this fellow quite unsuitable.”
Lord Cheswick snorted. “I am afraid that Lord Grangemouth is already fully aware of my failings. I have made it clear thatI intend to change completely and having Lady Florence beside me will encourage me all the more to do so.”
Joseph shook his head. “Alas, if only that could be believed.”
“Itcanbe believed and it has been,” came Lord Cheswick’s retort. “Lord Applegate, there is really no need for this.”
Lady Grangemouth drew herself up. “I quite agree. Lord Applegate, you may be well intentioned but – ”
Her husband drew out one hand and, cutting through the air, silenced his wife with only an action. “Lord Applegate,” he said, as the other guests fell into quietness. “What is it that you wish to say?”
Relieved that Lord Grangemouth had granted him opportunity – though he would have shouted it over the commotion had he not been given any other choice – Joseph gestured to Lord Cheswick. “This fellow is not as you think him, Lord Applegate. I have heard him say outright that the only reason he desires Lady Florence as his wife is because of the coin she will bring with her.”
A low murmur ran around the room behind him.
“I am sure that many a gentleman could say the same thing.” Lady Grangemouth sniffed and tossed her head. “That comes as no surprise to me.”
“That may be so, but have you not wonderedwhyLord Cheswick might require Lady Florence’s dowry and whatever fortune will come with her?” Joseph lifted one eyebrow in Lady Grangemouth’s direction but her hard stare did not diminish. It seemed that she did not care. Casting a look to Lord Grangemouth, he was relieved to see the gentleman frowning. “I have done a little searching into Lord Cheswick’s standing at present,” he continued, seeing the flush that began to drive itself into Lord Cheswick’s face. “This gentleman is not solvent. He has lost a good deal of his own fortune through gambling and visiting houses of disrepute. I do not think that he is able tosustain himself, never mind provide stability for a prospective wife!”
Another murmur ran around the room and Lord Grangemouth’s frown deepened.
“I am sure that many a gentleman has found himself in such a predicament!” Lord Cheswick threw up his hands. “But I have every intention of using what remains of my wealth – as well as Lady Florence’s contribution – to improve things! I will not return to my disastrous ways and you can be assured that none of this comes as a surprise to Lord and Lady Grangemouth. I have already explained all to Lord Grangemouth.”
Lord Grangemouth ran one hand over his chin. “No, Lord Cheswick, you have not.”
Joseph was forced to fight the smile that began to creep across his face as Lord Cheswick went very red indeed, beginning to stammer in a most awkward fashion.
“I – I am sure… I amquitesure that I – I spoke to you about…” Lord Cheswick ran one hand over his face. “That is to say, I was certain I had done but that does not mean…”
“No, you did not,” Lord Grangemouth said again, a good deal more firmly this time as the room fell completely silent; every guest now eavesdropping on the conversation between them all, something that Joseph had been hoping for. Lord Cheswick was known as a rogue already, certainly, but this would ensure everyone present would stay well back from him for a good time to come.
“I am sure I…” Trailing off, Lord Cheswick pushed one hand through his hair. “It is not that I am sodreadfullyin debt, however. It is only a minor amount of difficulty.”
