Page 57 of Her Sinful Match (Lords of Pleasure 4)

“No need to apologize, Lady Henrietta.” John Thistle shook his head. “I knew it was a risk I took that first trip, I did.”

“I as well.” Sarah nodded. ”It is not your fault.”

“But it is.” Henrietta shook her head. “I was the one who ordered you to aid me. I wish that I could give you some help, but...I am currently not in a position to do so, save for one thing.” She flicked her gaze between them. “Go to Andrew before you leave, if he is here, or find him at his club if he is out. He has promised me he will give you some assistance.”

“Thank you, my lady.” The two servants offered her expressions of gratitude. Henrietta bade them farewell, then turned to return to her rooms, her heart heavy at the thought of a new maid attending her, and a new driver of her father’s carriage.

Despite it all, she wondered how Daniel was faring.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

Daniel’s first order of business, after he had risen, dressed, and attended to his toilette was to join Jackson and Patricia for a cup of strong coffee and some breakfast.

His second order of business was to borrow some of Jackson’s supplies and steal a moment in his private office. There, he wrote two letters.

The first was to Baron Darnell.

To the Honorable Baron Darnell,

I send my greetings, and I hope the day finds you well, and your affairs prospering.

I have no doubt that you wish an accounting or explanation of my behavior regarding your daughter last night during our mutual attendance at the ball at Almack’s.

I can offer only my sincere apologies for the embarrassment and consternation I have no doubt caused you and yours. At the time of my interaction with your daughter, I was laboring under a particular set of misconceptions, owing to information I had received the day previous. Though the information I received was not in error, the conclusions I made and the actions I took in response to those conclusions were most certainly incorrect, and highly discourteous of me.

I do not know if your daughter has yet told you, but she has refused the suit I gave to her, and I have accepted her refusal. In truth, I own that it was folly of me to behave as I did, and I commend her wisdom in making her refusal, as well as her courtesy in the manner of its delivery.

I shall not be pursuing any further relationship beyond friendly acquaintance with your daughter, and I pray you understand that this is not intended as any insult to your daughter, nor your family.

I hope to make your formal acquaintance in other circumstances and pray you will forgive me my recent behavior.

Regardless, I would request that you inform me as to your intentions in the matter. Correspondence may, at present, reach me at the address of the Duke of Merriweather, who is currently my host.

With Respect,

Lord D. Thynne

Marquess of Salisbury

He sealed the letter with his personal seal and went to give it to one of the servants to be delivered.

Then he went back and wrote the second letter. This one to Lord Crawford.

To the Earl and Countess of Crawford,

I give you greetings and hope the day finds you well and prospering.

I am certain by now that you are fully aware that I am acquainted with your daughter, Lady Henrietta Stanton. Indeed, I am quite enamored of her, regardless of what my foolish and ill-considered actions of late have shown.

I would like a chance to explain myself fully, if your daughter has not acquainted you with the circumstances of our association, and to make known to you my own intentions. Despite my previous behavior, I assure you, they are honorable, and I desire to prove so.

I will tell you now, so that you may have no further concerns on the matter, that Miss Darnell has refused my suit, and correspondence on the matter has already been exchanged between myself and the young lady’s father to ensure that there will be no further pursuit of any relationship on either side.

I do understand that you have much to consider, given all that has occurred, and the recent events, which I suspect have taken you somewhat aback, given the impulsive nature of them. I remain at your discretion to give you an accounting at the date and time of your choosing.

Correspondence will reach me, at present, at the town home of the Duke of Merriweather, who is serving as my host at present.

With All Respect,

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