Page 21 of More than a Companion

He cleared his throat.

“I confess that I am not particularly well acquainted with Lady Charlotte,” he replied, seeing how the lady looked back at him in surprise. “I was glad to be of assistance, certainly, but there is nothing but the smallest of acquaintances between us.” He smiled warmly. “But she is an exceptional young lady, from what I have heard.”

Catching the glance shared between mother and daughter, Robert put his hands behind his back and dropped his head. This was all very strange. Only a few days ago, he would have been profoundly grateful and indeed, very interested in Miss Johnston’s company, for he would have reveled in her admiration of him. Now, however, that did not seem to have as much importance as he had once given it. It was as though his continued acquaintance and practically constant consideration of Miss Gregory had revealed a part of himself that Robert was not certain he liked. A part of him that now made him consider conversations differently.

Soon, however, farewells were made, and Robert continued on his way with Lord Venables, trying to push away his strange melancholy.

“You do not intend to court anyone this Season, do you?”

Robert shook his head. “I do not think so, no.Why does Miss Gregory’s face come to mind at such a time?He cleared his throat as if doing so would push her away. “Why do you ask?”

Lord Venables’ lips pulled to one side.

“You did not respond to Miss Johnston in the way that either I expected or have previously seen.”.

Robert looked away, a tightness pinning his chest.

“Indeed.”

He did not make any further remark but Lord Venables, it seemed, was not yet finished speaking.

“After the incident with Lady Charlotte, I have seen you eager to garner as much attention from thetonas possible. That was simply to bolster your pride, was it not?” he asked, as Robert blinked in surprise, having not expected to hear such words from his friend. “You delighted in all that was offered you. Rather than seek out one particular lady, you hoped for many of them to come in search of you, to flatter you and to make you feel as though you were just like any other gentleman of London, if not better.”

“That may well be so.”

His friend cast him a sidelong glance, but Robert did not look at him.

“You know that I will be honest with you. I have found the eagerness in your heart to continually seek out the flattery of others to be both tiresome and difficult. However, given that I believed I understood your reasons for doing so, I have never chosen to say a single word.”

Robert coughed gruffly, his tight chest making it difficult to pull in air.

“You understood?”

The shame of such a thing began to sear across his skin but Lord Venables did not remain silent, perhaps heedless to all that Robert now felt.

“You were brought into the title without ever having had any expectation of ever being the Earl of Crampton. You were not given the same education as most gentlemen and were fearful that thetonwould speak cruelly of you. Consequently, your fear drove you and when the incident with Lady Charlotte occurred, you found yourself thrust into a very happy situation, where the Duke of Strathaven thinks highly of you. Theton, therefore, must also think the same.”

Finding that his tongue was a little big for his mouth, Robert licked his lips, aware that his heart was beating a little more quickly.

“This is a most awkward conversation, Venables,” he said, gruffly. “Perhaps we need not go into such particulars.”

“Why? Because you do not like it?”

Robert closed his eyes and turned to face his friend, ending their walk.

“That is precisely why. I have enough torment considering Miss Gregory and now you too are adding to my burden!”

“I do not mean to do so.” Lord Venables set his hand on Robert’s shoulder, making him flinch. “Miss Gregory does not treat you with the same admiration that you have been offered from every other young lady of theton. You have found yourself caught up with her because of that behavior, is that not so? And in doing so, she has forced you to consider your character and your situation in ways you have not done before.” Dropping his head, Robert fought the urge to run one hand over his eyes. He did not like speaking with such honesty, particularly when his thoughts were already in such disarray. “If it is true that you have no intention of marrying, then I should make you aware of the injury you may cause some of the young ladies of theton.”

Robert lifted his head.

“Injury?”

Lord Venables nodded, his eyes grave.

“These young ladies will be hopeful that you might choose one of them for your bride. It might be best if you made it plain that you have no intention of marrying this Season.”

“I – I have never thought about such a thing before.”

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