Page 25 of More than a Companion

“Then he may have been feeling a little… confused?”

“Vulnerable,” Honora agreed, as her friend continued to watch her carefully. “You do not think me foolish to have agreed to converse with him again?”

“No, indeed not!” Lady Albina replied hastily, although her eyes remained thoughtful. “It is only that you had such a strong dislike for him after your first meeting, I am surprised to hear that you now intend to return to his company willingly!”

Honora pressed her lips together, deciding that she would not reveal all that she felt for Lord Crampton to her friend. There was an interest in him, certainly, but there was also an increasing desire for his company which, as yet, she was uncertain of.

“I suppose I am curious to see what it is that he wishes to talk about,” she replied, a rueful smile on her face. “He stated that there is more to his situation and circumstances than I know at present. He also told me that there were reasons behind his eagerness for thetonto think well of him – reasons that, I presume, he wishes to share with me, although I do not know why I am to be so favored.” She shrugged as Lady Albina smiled. “I have not informed my aunt of his request nor of my agreement, for fear that she would become greatly upset and state that it is not my place to do so.”

“That may be wise, although I must hope that you know ofmyhigh opinion of you. I believe that you will speak well to Lord Crampton no matter what the subject at hand is.”

Honora smiled her thanks at the compliment and then decided to change the subject of their conversation, finding herself quite worn out when it came to talking of Lord Crampton. He had been occupying her thoughts a good deal, ever since the night they had found him on the cobbles beside his carriage and, even now, four days later, she was struggling to think of anything other than him.

It was a very strange state of affairs. To have found Lord Crampton so injured was one thing, but to then hear that another person had brought about that injury was quite another! On top of which, she had found herself angry with him for his hope that, in having them visit, they would not speak ill of him to any other rather than thinking only to thank them. That conversation and visit had ended in a rather strange, troubling manner and Honora had been all the more conflicted when she had stumbled across him in the park and, whilst she had not found their conversation particularly enjoyable, his last request – and the explanation which had followed – had been more than a little curious. Thus, Honora had found herself thinking of the fellow all the more, wondering what it was that he had meant in asking her to talk with him again and, even now, thinking about the strange confusion in his eyes when he had spoken of Lord Venables.

“Good evening, Lady Albina.”

Honora turned her head, seeing a gentleman drawing close to them, although his eyes were set upon Lady Albina. He was very tall indeed, almost towering over Lady Albina, although he had a thin frame that diminished any hint of an intimidating appearance. As Honora glanced at her friend, she was surprised to see the gentle blossoming pink in the lady’s cheeks – and quickly realized that this person was of interest to Lady Albina. She dropped her head and took a step back nearer to the shadows in the room, knowing that, as a companion, she would not be introduced to a gentleman. Her aunt was dancing at this present moment, else Honora would have made her way back to her without hesitation but, for the time being, she simply stood quietly at the edge of the room.

“Good evening, Lord Kingston,” she heard Lady Albina say, seeing how her friend fixed her gaze to the gentleman. “How very good to see you returned to London.”

“You were my first thought,” he told her, making Honora smile softly.

Lord Kingston was clearly eager to press as many compliments as he could upon Lady Albina. This comment, however, seemed to unsettle Lady Albina, who immediately turned around in an attempt to find Honora, her cheeks now very red indeed.

“Lord Kingston, might I present my friend, Miss Honora Gregory?” she said quickly, as Honora was beckoned forward. A little uncertain, Honora came back to stand beside Lady Albina, then dropped her head and curtsied. “Miss Gregory, this is the Earl of Kingston.”

“Very nice to meet you,” came the jovial reply, as he gave Honora a swift bow although, she noted, his eyes immediately returned to Lady Albina. “I do hope that you will not mind if I steal Lady Albina away, Miss Gregory? I have heard that the next set is about to start, and I shouldverymuch like to step out to dance with you.”

This last sentence was directed towards Lady Albina who, with a brilliant smile and not even a glance towards Honora, accepted in an instant. Honora watched as Lady Albina settled her hand on Lord Kingston’s arm and stepped away, leaving Honora to return to her place by the edge of the room as the rest of the guests moved and conversed around her.

She sighed, wondering if she would ever have cause to have such a blush fill her cheeks, or her eyes to sparkle with such an interest in the gentleman before her that she could do nothing other than look up into his face and forget about those around her entirely.

You already know the answer to such dreams,she told herself sternly, afraid that she would get quite lost in such a fantasy if she permitted it.You are a companion to your aunt. She is the one searching for a match, not you. You can offer nothing to any gentleman, save for your smiles.

Telling herself that she ought not to be thinking of affection, or desire, or the like for it would only pain her heart, Honora lifted her chin, shook her head gently to disperse the many thoughts contained within it, and then looked out across the crowd.

The soiree this evening was a large one. Lord Hastings had made certain to invite as many guests as he could fit into his house and had opened up his drawing-room, his music room, library, and parlor for them all. Honora knew that dancing was taking place in the music room and half thought about going in search of her aunt, only to notice something rather curious.

A footman was standing to one side of the room, looking out across it with such a sharpness in his gaze that Honora was taken aback. Normally, a footman would keep his eyes lowered and, should he be required to lift his head, would not look directly at the guests, but this one was not in any way so reserved. He was looking at each person individually, although his eyes flicked over Honora rather than give her any particular attention. Honora studied him a little more, taking in the small silver tray that he held which, much to her bewilderment, had only one glass upon it.

How very strange,Honora thought, wondering what the footman was doing by behaving so – and if Lord Hastings knew of it. She was about to make her way across the room to see if she could watch him a little more closely, only for a voice to catch her attention.

“You are standing alone, Miss Gregory.”

Her skin prickled and, much to her surprise, a smile pulled at her lips at the sound of Lord Crampton’s voice although, at the same time, a tension began to writhe through her veins.

“I am, Lord Crampton, just as I ought.”. Turning her attention to him, she saw him bow, took in the pinched look in his expression and, thereafter, dropped into a quick curtsey of her own. “I hope that you are recovered?”

Perhaps he too feels a slight awkwardness over our previous conversation.

“I thank you.” His smile was a little warmer, lighting his expression. “My back is a little pained, but I was determined not to linger at home any longer. I have endured enough dull evenings or short walks in the park!”

Honora’s smile was a genuine one.

“I am glad of it. I am sure society has missed you.”

His smile was a little twisted.

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