Page 34 of More than a Companion

“Thetonis aware of this evening being of importance to you” her aunt murmured, catching hold of Honora’s arm. “But whilst they may be aware of it, donotexpect ardent gentlemen to approach you, as Lord Hoskins suggested. That idea is naught but foolishness.”

“Yes, aunt,” Honora replied, giving no credence to her aunt’s words but allowing herself to be filled with hope – hope that Lord Crampton would soon appear.

“And Lady Charlotte is to be present – just so long as she is not hindered by another unfortunate malady.”

Honora frowned. Lady Charlotte hadnotbeen present at the previous soiree, for it seemed that she had been taken ill – on the way to the house, in fact - and had returned home to lie down with a cold compress on her forehead. Lady Albina had told Honora that the Duchess had appeared not to be particularly concerned and Honora had been surprised at this until she learned that Lady Charlotte often had headaches and often had to stay away from social events. It was clear that the Duchess both knew, understood, and tolerated her daughter’s headaches, but Lady Albina had wondered aloud if the headaches were, sometimes, used as an excuse.

“I do not think it would improve my evening to be introduced to Lady Charlotte, aunt,” she said slowly, not at all inclined to waste her time upon such things when she might otherwise be able to speak with those Lord Crampton intended to introduce her to. Besides, if Honora was honest with herself, she was not at all eager to meet the lady whom Lord Crampton had spoken of so very often. That was a little irrational, she knew, but the feeling remained regardless.

“Good evening, Lady Langdon, Miss Gregory.” Lord Crampton suddenly appeared at Honora’s elbow and, much to her astonishment, Honora felt her breath hitch and a fire began to ignite in her stomach. This was the most unexpected of emotions and Honora wanted to chase it away immediately but found that, for whatever reason, it chose to linger.

“Good evening, Lord Crampton,” she said, as her aunt’s smile faded, and ice came into her eyes.

“Good evening,” Lady Langdon murmured. “Have you been enjoying the evening thus far?”

“Yes, indeed. It will be a very fine evening, I think,” Lord Crampton murmured, looking into Honora’s eyes as a smile pulled at his lips. “All the more improved by the company.”

“You are very kind,” Honora replied, aware of his compliment and finding her excitement building as she looked up at him, seeing the knowing look in his eyes. She did not have to wait for long for him to speak again.

“Now, Miss Gregory, might I be hopeful that you have not yet had your dance card filled?”

She laughed in delight, a great swell of emotion rising in her heart as she slipped it from her hand and ignored the flash which came into her aunt’s eyes.

“I have only just arrived, Lord Crampton,” she told him, plainly, “and you are the first gentleman who has approached me.”

“Then I shall count myself very lucky indeed,” he replied, smiling as he took it from her. “Thank you, Miss Gregory. I –”

“Lord Crampton.”

Honora started, having not expected someone to break into their conversation in such a rude fashion. Even Lady Langdon’s eyes flared in surprise as they turned to see a young lady, tall and willowy, standing by Honora’s elbow.

“I wanted to come and greet you immediately since I have not yet had the opportunity.”

“How very good of you, Lady Charlotte.”

Lord Crampton’s voice cracked, and he was surprised to see the lady who, Honora noticed, was paying neither her nor her aunt any attention whatsoever. Her lips twisted, a line forming between her brows. This young lady, even though she was the daughter of a Duke, was being very rude indeed. She ought not to have interrupted their conversation in such a way, and certainly now should be apologizing for doing so and begging to be introduced quickly, so that they would not remain strangers. Instead, it seemed, she was paying sole attention to Lord Crampton and he, in turn, was staring back at the lady with wide eyes, clearly having forgotten entirely about Honora’s dance card.

A stone dropped into her stomach.

“I had heard that you had taken unwell at the last soiree you attended, Lord Crampton.” Lady Charlotte’s eyes softened in concern and, much to Honora’s frustration, she moved slightly so that Lord Crampton was forced to turn to keep in conversation with her. In doing so, however, he was pulled away from Honora and her aunt, leaving Honora to become a little anxious, now afraid that he would forget what he had been about to do.

“I am recovered, I thank you,” Honora heard Lord Crampton say, only for Lady Charlotte to move again, pulling Lord Crampton even further away from them. “I was sorry not to be able to introduce myself to your father and mother again, of course.”

“Of course.” Lady Charlotte smiled and then gestured to her left. “I should be glad to take you to them now, if you wish?” she asked, making Honora catch her breath. “They are just over here.”

Honora knew before Lord Crampton had even taken a step, that he would go with Lady Charlotte. Despite all that she had discussed with him, despite all that they had shared, the Duke and Duchess of Strathaven still held such a great amount of importance in Lord Crampton’s mind that he would not deny himself the chance to reacquaint himself with them. Her shoulders dropped as he moved away without hesitation, clearly unaware that he still held her dance card. Closing her eyes, Honora wondered at the stab of pain which thrust itself into her heart, not certain why it was there and yet feeling its sting nonetheless.

“He still has your dance card, Honora!” Lady Langdon exclaimed, as Honora nodded, turning her head away so that she would not have to watch Lord Crampton retreating still further away from them. “That will not do at all!”

“I shall obtain another, aunt,” Honora replied, her voice thin and her throat tight as hot tears began to form in the corners of her eyes. Given that she had only just stepped into the ballroom and the footman who had held the tray with the dance cards would still be present. “I will not be a moment.”

She left before her aunt could either protest or prevent her. There was something of a struggle deep within her heart and Honora required a few quiet moments in which to resolve it. Making her way slowly to the door where the footman stood, Honora dropped her head and took in a deep breath, all too aware of the pain which still seared her heart.

Lord Crampton had disappointed her, had let her down when he had promised that he would not. Her dance card was held in his hand, still empty, still without a single name upon it.

And somehow, she had to find three gentlemen willing to dance with her, else all would be lost.

Dragging in a ragged breath, Honora lifted her chin and steeled herself. She could do this without Lord Crampton, she told herself sternly. She could achieve her goal of three gentlemen to dance with her. She could find Lady Albina and beg for her help – provided she had been invited to this particular ball. Turning to the footman, she held out one hand.

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