by Lucy Adams
You have captured me entirely, Miss Wells, he thought to himself, looking out across the ballroom and thinking he would find her still with Lord Huckleby.
However, Lord Huckleby was now talking to another young lady, laughing down at her as he had done with Miss Wells. Edward felt his body suddenly grow tight with tension, realizing that he had lost sight of Miss Wells and, as such, now had very little idea as to where she had gone. The ballroom was vast, and the crowd filled almost every part of it. As the music began for the next dance, he looked about in vain to see whether or not she would be stepping out with another gentleman, but it seemed it was not so. His heart began to pound as the couples took to the floor, making him almost frantic with anxiety. The glass in his hand was set back on the footman’s tray hurriedly, with Edward cursing himself for allowing himself the liberty of champagne when he was meant to be keeping a close eye on Miss Wells. Had he not done so, then he might not now be searching desperately for her.
Hurrying through the crowd, he spotted the open doors that led to the gardens at the back of the ballroom. Was she outside? Surely she would not have gone alone. In stepping out into the darkness, she was putting herself in danger without being aware of it. Cursing her foolishness under his breath, Edward drew in a long breath and made his way out of the doors, searching the gloom for any sign of her.
The night was still and quiet, and a light hum of conversation filled the air as he made his way down the steps and towards the path. A few lanterns were set about the gardens, illuminating the path somewhat, which was something of a relief – although that did not mean that Ravel could not be close by, wanting to capture Titania or take from her whatever it was she had. If only he had told her the truth, then she would have known to be more careful in what she did and where she went, but he had convinced himself that it did not matter for one more evening since he would be there to watch over her. And then, like a fool, he had managed to lose her amongst the crowd, simply by letting his mind and heart fill with thoughts and questions over his connection to Miss Wells.
The path led back around towards the open doors again, and—in his frustration—Edward stepped off the path and began to look about the rest of the gardens, seeing a small arbor and then a fountain. There did not appear to be any sign of Miss Wells, although there certainly were one or two couples hidden in the shadows.
And then, the sounds of a scuffle met his ears. Hurrying back towards the path, he heard a slight scream and then a shout of pain. His heart turned over as he ran back towards the townhouse, almost running directly into Miss Wells.
“Miss Wells,” he gasped, seeing her half fallen, half sitting on a bench just by the side of the path. “Good gracious, wherever have you been? What happened?”
A gentleman and a lady whom Edward did not recognize hurried towards Miss Wells, their faces lined with concern.
“Oh, do forgive us, Miss Wells,” the lady cried, coming to sit by Miss Wells. “Lord Doncaster and I were so caught up in conversation that we quite forgot you were with us.”
Edward frowned, seeing the way Miss Wells tried to sit up and attempted to reassure the young lady. Even in the dim light, he could see that her face was terribly pale and that her hand was clutching at the side of the bench. He reached for her hand on instinct, grasping it tightly and hunkering down beside her.
“I am quite all right, I assure you,” Miss Wells said breathlessly, her fingers tight on Edward’s as she addressed the young lady. “That gentleman, whomever he was, must have thought that I was someone else entirely.”
The young lady gasped in horror, one hand to her mouth, whilst Lord Doncaster muttered under his breath about what he should like to do to such a fellow.
“I do not think that this needs to be talked about however,” Edward interjected, just as the young lady began to fawn over Miss Wells again. “We should not like to bring any suggestion of wrongdoing onto Miss Wells’ head.”
The young lady gasped again, as though shocked by the suggestion. “Oh, indeed not!” she exclaimed. “You are quite right, my lord.”
Edward looked all about him, his eyes taking in everything. “I do not think that many others have seen what has occurred,” he said by way of reassurance. “Miss Wells, if you would sit here until you regain your strength, then mayhap Lord Doncaster and…” He gestured towards the young lady. “Might you go in search of Miss Wells’ sisters or her mother, Lady Whitehaven?”
“My sister Merry,” Miss Wells said quickly, her voice already sounding a little stronger. “She will be looking for you, but I pray, Miss Smythe, do not send for my mother.”
Miss Smythe, the young lady in question, seemed to understand this at once, giving Miss Wells an encouraging smile. “At once, Miss Wells,” she said, glancing towards Edward. “And you will sit with her, will you not?”
“Of course,” Edward replied, coming to sit by Miss Wells, whilst ensuring that a good distance was kept between them. “And there is a footman approaching, whom I shall hail to stand opposite in order to further ensure Miss Wells’ reputation remains untouched.”
“I shall speak to him as we pass,” Lord Doncaster replied, holding out his arm to Miss Smythe. “Do excuse us, Miss Wells. We shall return as quickly as we can.”
Miss Wells murmured her thanks, holding herself straight as she sat until Miss Smythe and Lord Doncaster turned away. The moment they did so, she slumped, her heart sinking low as she looked down at her hands.
Edward did not know what to do. He could not tell if Miss Wells was crying or if she was merely gathering her strength. The urge to put one arm about her shoulders grew steadily, but with determination, he held himself back.
“I am sorry about that fellow,” he murmured, as the silence grew steadily between them. “He must have been in his cups.”
“It was not as I said to Miss Smythe.”
Edward’s breath caught, his whole body tensing. “What do you mean, Miss Wells?”
She lifted her head and looked at him steadily, her breath shuddering out of her. “I mean, Lord Carroway, that a man attempted to haul me from this path and out into the darker part of the gardens.” She shook violently, her eyes closing for a moment. “I do not know what it was he intended to do, but I am certain that it was not simply to steal a kiss. One hand covered my mouth, but I bit at him hard and he ran from me once I screamed.” Opening her eyes, she looked at him again, showing such courage and fortitude that Edward found himself filled with admiration for her. “And then I saw that you appeared by my side not moments after this man ran from me.”
The question in her voice made Edward wince inwardly, knowing that he would have to confess the truth to her.
“I was seeking you, Miss Wells,” he admitted softly, finding that he was reaching for her hand in the gloom. He rested his fingers upon hers, and after a moment, he felt her take his hand in hers. Something like relief curled up within him, bringing with it a good deal of delight. “I have been watching you this evening in order to ensure that you have been kept quite safe.” Clearing his throat, he looked away feeling shame cover his heart. “Except I lost you after the waltz.”
There was a long silence, and Edward could find nothing more to say, looking back at Miss Wells and seeing her eyes searching his face.
“There was a man,” she whispered. “A man by the house some nights ago.”
“Yes,” Edward said, knowing of what she meant. “He was there to seek you out, I believe.”
Miss Wells’ eyes flared wide. “You were present.”
“I chased him from the house,” Edward replied honestly. “I wanted to discover what it was that he needed from you.”
“And did you discover it?”
“Titania!”
Edward closed his eyes and tugged his hand away from Miss Wells, knowing that he could not be found holding her hand when her sister arrived.
“Oh, Titania!” Miss Merry Wells practically flung herself at her sister, her expression filled with worry.
“Miss Smythe says a gentleman attempted to coerce you away from your friends.”
Getting to his feet, Edward gave them both a small bow. “Your sister showed great courage, Miss Wells,” he said, directing his comment towards Miss Merry Wells. “She will be quite all right, but may I suggest that she always remains within your sight for the rest of the evening?”
Miss Merry Wells nodded fervently, grasping Miss Titania Wells’ arm as she rose to stand beside her. “But of course, Lord Carroway,” she agreed, not even looking at him. “Come now, Titania. We must return inside. We can take the carriage and return home if you wish it?”
To Edward’s surprise, Miss Titania Wells laughed softly, as though the suggestion was nothing more than absurd. “I do not think so, Merry,” he heard her say, falling into step behind them both. “I shall be quite safe. I know that you will be watching me closely, and I am certain that no one dare approach me in such a way when you are present.” This was said with a quick glance over her shoulder towards Edward, who found himself nodding in response. Miss Wells gave him a small, quick smile before turning her head back and climbing the stairs that led to the door of the ballroom.
Edward drew back but continued to watch Miss Wells closely, allowing her sister to lead her to a quieter corner of the ballroom before following after them. He stayed some distance away but was still able to see her clearly, glad that she was sitting in a chair and drinking something that her sister pressed into her hand. The color was slowly returning to her face and her smile remained, as she looked up at her sister. He knew full well that when she had been speaking to her sister and stating that she was certain that she would be safe if she was kept within Merry’s gaze, she had been speaking to him. His nod had been to reassure her that he would continue to watch over her as the ball came to a close, to make certain that no one approached her and that nothing further occurred thereafter. There was a new understanding between them, he realized, seeing her glance towards him. Yes, she did not understand everything, and yes, he would have to speak to her with a good deal of honesty, but at least now she knew that there was a danger that enveloped her, given what she had witnessed. He had to pray that he would be able to find a way to protect her from Ravel, and that, mayhap, she would know what it was that the man wanted from her. If she knew that, then perhaps this difficult circumstance might be brought to an end.
Although, Edward realized, smiling softly back at her, he knew now that the last thing he wanted was to bring his acquaintance with Miss Wells to an end. If anything, he only wanted to further it so that they would grow closer than ever before.
Chapter Ten
“This has been a wonderful afternoon, has it not?”
Titania did not immediately respond, thinking to herself that Lord Huckleby was, as Merry had stated only yesterday, more than a little arrogant. The fashionable hour was a time to be seen, a time when the high society of London came out as one, simply to look and to be acknowledged by others. Titania had not cared much for it, although there had always been something of a delight in being acknowledged by the many gentlemen that walked about the park.
This afternoon, however, she had found herself trailing alongside Lord Huckleby as she had made her way through the park. Lord Huckleby had not appeared to be interested in any way in regards to Titania. He had not talked to her a great deal but had, instead, spent most of his time greeting various acquaintances and murmuring to her about how he knew this person or the next.
Titania had not enjoyed herself at all.
“I should return you now, of course,” Lord Huckleby continued when Titania said nothing. “The carriage is waiting for us, as you see.”
“I thank you,” Titania murmured, accepting his hand and climbing into the carriage where her cousin, Dinah, waited patiently. Dinah had been encouraged to attend with Titania by Lady Whitehaven but had only agreed to go on the understanding that she would not have to attend the soiree with Lady Whitehaven this evening. Titania was doing her best to be grateful for Dinah’s company, even though her cousin was steadfastly looking out of the window of the carriage and did not even acknowledge Titania as she took her seat.
Lord Huckleby chuckled to himself, taking one last look out across the park before climbing into the carriage himself. The door was shut, and the carriage began to roll away. Titania let out a long breath, filled with relief that she would not have to endure much more of Lord Huckleby’s company. How odd it was to have been so desperate for his attention, only to realize, on closer acquaintance, that he was not at all interested in her in any way; nor did she feel interested in him. If he sought to court her, sought even to marry her, then she would be nothing more than a delicate decoration on his arm. Most likely, he would consider her vapid and uninteresting and would continually seek out the company of others so that they might fawn over him in the way he so desired.
It was not a life that she would even allow herself to consider, realizing now that Lord Huckleby was not the desirable gentleman she had thought him to be.
“What say you, Miss Wells?” Lord Huckleby said, drawing her attention back to himself yet again. “I say that we make a very fine pair. Shall we take another stroll tomorrow afternoon?”
Titania hesitated, before pasting a large, false smile on her face. “I fear that I cannot, Lord Huckleby,” she lied. “I am already engaged tomorrow afternoon.”
“Oh?” To Titania’s surprise, Lord Huckleby’s expression had grown rather dark, his smile fading very quickly and his brows lowering down. She tried to smile, lifting one shoulder in a delicate shrug.
“I am afraid that I am to go to the bookshop with Lord Carroway,” she said, praying that Lord Carroway would not mind doing such a thing. “He asked me to walk with him this afternoon but, of course, I could not, given that I had already agreed to stroll with you.”
Lord Huckleby shook his head, one hand held up in apparent protest. “I hardly think that is wise, Miss Wells,” he stated, as though he had rule over her. “You cannot go out with someone such as Lord Carroway. The rumors about him are rife, and you must know that your reputation will suffer for it.”
Titania stiffened, irritated by the way Lord Huckleby was speaking to her.
“No, indeed, I cannot permit you to risk such a thing as your reputation for someone like Lord Carroway!” Lord Huckleby continued, as though he had the right to demand that she obey him. “You will step out with me instead of with him. I insist upon it.” He beamed at her, as though this was truly a wonderful idea and as though she ought to be grateful for his interference, but Titania felt nothing but frustration.
“I hardly think that you have the right to step in with such a strong hand as this, Lord Huckleby,” she said sternly, not wanting him to have the impression that she would be acquiescing to his demands in any way. “I have already agreed to walk with Lord Carroway tomorrow afternoon, and I shall do just that.”
Lord Huckleby’s brows rose, as if he were astonished at her response. “But surely you can see that my company is preferable to that of a rake,” he said, looking mildly offended. “Wisdom should tell you that–”
“Lord Huckleby,” Titania stated firmly, aware of Dinah looking at them both now with a flicker of interest. “I am truly appreciative of your concern for me, but I will not go back on my word. I have promised Lord Carroway that I will walk with him tomorrow to the bookshop and that is precisely what I intend to do. Thereafter, if you wish to call upon me or arrange another time, I would be glad to do so.” She did not flinch from his angry gaze but held it calmly, looking back at him without any sense of fear. Titania was not about to let a gentleman she was barely acquainted with dictate whether or not she was allowed to go walking with another gentleman, especially when she believed that the rumors about Lord Carroway did not hold any truth. Her brow furrowed as she realized that Lord Huckleby had been the one to tell her of these rumors in the first place, wondering if there was something about Lord Carroway that he did not like and was, theref
ore, ensuring that all of society thought ill of him.
It was a strange thought, and Titania dismissed it quickly enough, aware of just how cold the atmosphere had suddenly become. Dinah must have felt it also, for she cleared her throat and gestured to something outside.
“It seems we are almost home,” she said, her voice neither cheerful nor dull. “Did you enjoy your walk about the park, Titania?”
Titania, surprised by her cousin’s sudden change of character, nodded. “I did,” she lied, seeing Lord Huckleby’s jaw work for a moment before he, too, looked out of the window. “Ah yes, I see we have arrived home.”
The relief she felt upon seeing Lord Huckleby drive away was almost inexplicable. Was there something about him that she was pulling away from? Something in his eyes that had frightened her?
“Thank you, Dinah, for conquering the dark silence that had settled between myself and Lord Huckleby,” she said, as she and her cousin climbed the steps back to the house. “I am truly grateful.”
Dinah said nothing for some moments, handing her bonnet and gloves to the waiting butler before turning back to Titania with a curious look in her eyes.
“I do not think that Lord Huckleby spoke to you with kindness or consideration, Titania,” she said slowly, as though she were unused to speaking her mind or were taking great lengths to consider every word. “The way he demanded such things of you was, to my mind, more than a little ungentlemanly, and I found myself a trifle angry with him.”
Titania’s brows rose in astonishment, having never heard her cousin express such a feeling before. “Anger?” she said, unable to help herself. “You do not consider that to be wrong?”