Page 39 of More than a Companion

“Oh, Honora, wait a moment.”

She turned.

“Yes, aunt?”

“If you are thinking that Lord Crampton might be the one who saves you from your life of poverty, might I encourage you to remove such a thought from your mind.”

Honora’s stomach tightened, her bright smile fading.

“I do not understand.”

“He is to be wed to Lady Charlotte – or so I have heard,” her aunt continued, waving a hand as though such news were meant to be dismissed easily enough. “So you should think of another, Honora. Lord Crampton is already spoken for.”

“That is not so, aunt,” Honora replied, firmly. “Wherever did you hear such a thing?”

“Oh, from Lady Charlotte herself!” Lady Langdon exclaimed as Honora’s eyes widened. “She told me last evening that she is soon to be betrothed to Lord Crampton! An excellent match, of course, since he saved her from that ridiculous Lord Forthside. So you should be careful, Honora, not to give him too much of your attention. The fellow is going to be wed soon.”

Honora tilted her head, considering. Those words had done nothing to frighten or upset her, for she knew, given her interaction with Lady Charlotte last evening, that the lady was not to be trusted. Why had she gone to speak to Honora’s aunt? Was it to make sure that Honora was pushed away from Lord Crampton so that she might have the assurance of his interest for herself? But if therewasto be a betrothal, then Lord Crampton would not be forced into such a thing, surely? Honora knew that the gentleman was of a strong mind and that to be coerced into a betrothal was not something which he would permit. There was a strong possibility, therefore, that Lord Crampton might soon fall from grace in society’s eyes, for if the lady claimed a betrothal and he denied it, then they would, of course, think thathewas at fault.

So why was Lady Charlotte saying such things, especially when Lord Crampton had been the one to save her from Lord Forthside?

Then, as she stood there, an idea hit her with such force that Honora caught her breath, one hand wrapping around her stomach as she bent forward slightly, her eyes flaring wide and her breathing ragged. Surely, it could not be! She would never have considered such a thing and yet now that she thought of it, it made sense of everything!

“Honora?” her aunt inquired, looking at her with one lifted eyebrow. “Are you quite well?”

“I – I must go!” Honora exclaimed, turning swiftly. “I have a letter to write. Excuse me, aunt.”

She did not linger to hear what her aunt then called after her, desperate to pen a note to Lord Crampton immediately. If she was right, then he could find himself in danger at any moment. Honora did not think that Lady Charlotte would let anything stop her from succeeding - and that was a frightening thought indeed.

* * *

Biting her lip,Honora stepped away from Lord Stapleton, having already greeted him warmly and thanked him for his invitation. Her aunt had been less than pleased at having to introduce Honora as her niece rather than her companion, but Honora had barely heard it and certainly had not even the smallest consideration for what her aunt thought or felt. The only person on her mind was Lord Crampton. She had written her note with only a few hours to spare before this evening’s event and could not tell whether or not he had received it, for there had come no reply. That might well have been due to the fact that he had been at the fashionable hour or otherwise engaged in another matter, but Honora had spent every minute doing nothing but worrying and waiting for him to reply.

And it still had not come.

“Good evening, Miss Gregory.”

Honora started as Lady Albina came towards her. Her friend was smiling warmly, her eyes bright and her hands outstretched so that she might clasp Honora’s hands in her own.

“I have heard that you are no longer to be introduced nor seen as a companion to your aunt!” she exclaimed, as Honora nodded, trying to smile and focus on her friend even though her eyes were eager to continue searching the room for Lord Crampton. “My very sincere congratulations. I knew that you could be bold enough to ask your aunt for a wager!”

“I would not have done it without your encouragement,” Honora replied, truthfully. “Thank you, Lady Albina.” She cleared her throat and lowered her head just a fraction, speaking quietly. “I must, however, find Lord Crampton. It is of the utmost importance. Have you seen him?”

Lady Albina frowned.

“No, I have not,” she replied, looking at Honora curiously. “Is there something wrong?”

Honora nodded.

“I believe so,” she said, unwilling to go into a long and convoluted explanation. “I have written to him, but he did not reply. Imustspeak with him - it is very urgent.”

“Then allow me to help you find him,” Lady Albina said, firmly. “Come, Miss Gregory. We will do so together.”

Without even a backward glance towards her aunt, Honora linked arms with Lady Albina and began to make her way through the house. Lord Stapleton had opened his drawing-room, library, parlor, and dining room for this grand soiree which, Honora knew, would soon have various entertainments throughout. The library was for card games, the dining room would have refreshments and dancing and music would take place in the drawing-room.

“He could be anywhere in this house, if he is here at all,” she murmured aloud, speaking half to herself. “Imust–”

“Miss Gregory.”

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