Page 20 of More than a Companion

“And what, might I ask, was your main purpose in doing so?”

Lord Crampton looked back at her steadily and, much to Honora’s astonishment, his hand reached out momentarily as though he wanted to take hers. Then he closed his eyes, gave a small, rueful smile, and shook his head.

“I wanted to thank you,” he said simply. “I apologize if I have offended you. I shall not keep you any longer, Miss Gregory. Good afternoon.”

Chapter Seven

“Ibelieve I greatly frustrated the lady.” Lord Venables lifted one eyebrow as Robert expressed his displeasure over Lady Langdon and Miss Gregory’s recent visit and his own foolishness in treating Miss Gregory in such an off-hand manner. “I confess that I should like to pretend that I do not understand why I behaved in such a way, but it is clear to me that my pride had a great deal to do with it. I did not want her to know that my injuries pained me so and thus, I spoke in that ridiculous manner – and received her sharp retort in response!” ”

“I think that it takes a great deal of bravery to say such things to a gentleman of your standing, particularly given her situation,” Lord Venables replied mildly, as Robert winced. Lord Venables let out a chuckle, lines around his eyes forming gently. “You do not like me saying such a thing either, I have no doubt, but that is the truth of it.”

“Your opinion is of value to me, Venables. What frustrates me the most is that Ididwant to thank both herself and Lady Langdon for her help as well as make certain that they knew the truth so that they would not think ill of me.”

“And would not spreadtheirtruth around London,” Lord Venables finished which, despite himself, Robert knew he could not argue with. The last few sentences Miss Gregory had spoken had burned a guilt into his heart which, as yet, he had not been able to forget. She was a companion and yet, he had chosen to write to her rather than her aunt – and then he had treated her with a little dismissiveness and thereafter, had made it appear as though his interest in his own self-preservation as regarded thetonwas of more importance than ensuring that they were thanked. He had unintentionally brought pain and shame to her heart by doing so – and therefore, had proven himself unworthy of her kindness.

That he could not seem to forget. It tore at his heart and made him suddenly all too aware of his pride.

“Ah, good afternoon, Miss Johnston, Lady Farquhar.”

Pulled out of his thoughts, Robert was quickly in conversation with both Lady Farquhar and Miss Johnston, the latter of whom was looking at him with slightly widened eyes. Robert felt his prolonged thinking as regarded Miss Gregory begin to fade as Miss Johnston’s gaze became fixed on his, her cheeks coloring gently.

“And, of course, we have heard that the Duke of Strathaven has returned to London.”

Robert turned his eyes towards Lady Farquhar, his heart quickening and his interest suddenly sparked.

“The Duke of Strathaven has returned to London?” he repeated, as Lady Farquhar nodded. “When?”

“Why only two or three days ago,” came the reply. “I would have thought that you might have been aware of it, given that you are so closely acquainted with the Duke!”

A small fire of embarrassment ignited in Robert’s soul, but he forced it away as he pasted a smile to his face

“Ah, but alas, I am very far behind with my correspondence,” he said, struggling to find an excuse. “I am recently recovering from an injury and, as such, have been unable to give my correspondence the importance it deserves.”

“I quite understand,” Lady Farquhar replied, tilting her head. “Although I am sorry to hear that you have been injured.”

“As am I,” Miss Johnston murmured, catching Robert’s attention again. “I do hope that it was not serious?”

He smiled at her, pleased when her cheeks colored all the more.

“It was not at all serious, no,” he replied, making her smile. “I thank you for your concern.”

“I am sure that you must have injured your hand terribly when you struck down that gentleman – the one who was stealing Lady Charlotte away,” Miss Johnston continued, her voice dropping low as though she were afraid to mention it for fear of bringing unpleasant memories to Robert’s mind. “But it was a very great rescue, I have heard. I know that Lady Charlotte must be forever in your debt.”

For whatever reason, this did not bring with it the usual delight to Robert’s spirit. Instead, a vision of Miss Gregory suddenly floated in front of his eyes, pulling his thoughts back towards her. Perhaps it was the lingering guilt that came, over how he had handled her visit with her aunt yesterday, or the slowly growing realization that his pride was, in fact, of greater importance to him than he had ever really understood.

“I am sure that every other gentleman in London would have done as I did,” he said waving a hand in an attempt to dismiss the matter. “I thank you for your concern over my present injuries, however. I am soon to be quite recovered.”

Miss Johnston let out a small sigh, her hands clasping together as she looked up at him with admiration shining in her eyes. Robert swallowed, throwing a glance to Lord Venables and seeing his friend frowning at him. Perhaps he too had expected a very different response from Robert.

“And what has become of Viscount Forthside?” Lady Farquhar asked, as Lord Venables shrugged one shoulder and turned his attention back to the lady. “Does anyone know whether or not the Duke thought to call him out after his attempt to steal Lady Charlotte away?”

“I know he did not,” Robert replied, having been a little surprised at the Duke’s reluctance to do so. “Viscount Forthside simply retreated to his estate, from what I am aware. I do not think that he will return to society.”

Lady Farquhar nodded gravely.

“It would be best if he did not,” she agreed, firmly. “But you, Lord Crampton, I am sure, will be glad to see Lady Charlotte again?”

Her eyebrow lifted, her question hanging in the air, and it was at that moment that Robert realized what she meant.

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