by Lucy Adams
“I can understand the urgency with which you must do so,” Miss Wells replied quietly. “And you believe he is within society?”
“He could be anyone,” Edward admitted. “But the urgency that you speak of grows stronger with each passing day – although now that I have this paper in my possession, we have the opportunity to prevent the attack on the royal family. They were seeking this, I believe, so that they would know which men to approach. Without it, they are held back from their task.”
“That is a relief,” Miss Wells admitted, quickly glancing over her shoulder at her sister, who was still asleep. “But what did you mean when you stated that I must be protected?” Her expression did not change from curiosity to fear, as he had expected, and yet again, Edward found himself filling with admiration for her strength.
“The truth is, Miss Wells, that as I cannot be certain as to who Ravel might be and who also might be working alongside him, I fear that it would not be wise for you to continue as you are.” He drew in a long breath, seeing her watching him still and finding himself suddenly nervous. “You cannot continue to be introduced, conversed with, and courted by gentlemen that you do not know, for fear that you might be putting yourself in danger.”
Miss Wells tipped her head gently, watching him closely. “Then you are suggesting that I give up society altogether?”
“Not at all, Miss Wells,” he said hurriedly, aware of the knot that was forming in his stomach. “I propose that you accept my courtship and allow it to be made known throughout society.” The words began to tumble out of him as he attempted to explain. “We can, of course, bring such a thing to an end once Ravel has been caught and his plans completely foiled, but for the time being, I believe that—”
“I would be glad of your courtship, Lord Carroway.”
Her voice was so quiet and his astonishment so great that, for some moments, Edward did know what to say or how to respond. He stared at Miss Wells, the blood roaring in his ears as she smiled at him.
And then, Miss Merry Wells shifted in her seat, her eyes fluttering as she coughed, and the moment became urgent.
“Thank you, Miss Wells,” Edward stammered, not quite certain what else he should say. “I thank you for your understanding and your patience.”
To his surprise, Miss Wells laughed, her eyes dancing. “You speak as though it is of some great torment to me, Lord Carroway,” she said, teasing him. “But I confess that I do not consider it so.” Her smile lingered, her expression softening, and Edward felt heat rush through him. “Oh, if we are to be courting, might you accompany me to the bookshop tomorrow afternoon?” A faint blush rose in her cheeks as he stammered his acceptance. “It is only that I attempted to push away Lord Huckleby’s request to walk with me tomorrow by pretending that I was already engaged for a short walk to the bookshop with you.”
Edward felt warmth flood his heart, and he rose to his feet, feeling both content and satisfied with how the evening had gone. “I should be glad to, Miss Wells,” he stated, as she got to her feet and offered him her hand. Taking it in his, he allowed the sparks to shoot up his arm and into his heart, accepting his feelings calmly and without forcing himself to push them away. Bowing over her hand, he reluctantly let it go and made to take his leave. “Until tomorrow then, Miss Wells. I look forward to spending some more time in your company.”
She smiled at him, her eyes seeming to glow with the same pleasure he felt. “As do I, Lord Carroway,” she promised, sending him on his way with a sudden surge of joy in his heart that captured him tightly and refused to let him go.
Chapter Twelve
“Mama, you must talk to her!”
Titania sighed heavily as Lady Whitehaven frowned in her direction. There was a good deal of surprise in her mother’s eyes, which Titania had expected, given that Lord Carroway had not approached her in order to court Titania, but perhaps also from the fact that Titania had accepted without hesitation.
“Lord Carroway is known to be a rake, Titania,” Dinah said firmly, looking at Titania from across the dining table. “Even I, who seeks to keep myself from the rumors and the gossip that spreads like a malignant disease through the beau monde, have heard of him.”
Titania felt a good deal of irritation rise in her heart and frowned heavily in Dinah’s direction. “That is most surprising to hear, Dinah, given that you have always stated that it is important not to judge others and ensure that the truth is always sought instead of simply accepting what one hears about another.” She narrowed her eyes and saw the color flood Dinah’s cheeks. “Does it not say that ‘the Lord looks upon the heart’ instead of merely the outward appearance? Therefore, should we not do so also?”
“That is enough, Titania,” Lady Whitehaven interrupted firmly. “You are correct, but Dinah is also right to be concerned for you. The rumors about Lord Carroway are concerning.”
“But that is all they are, Mama,” Titania insisted, wishing that she could speak openly about what Lord Carroway truly did. “I have spoken to him of them, and he has shown me just how much he despises them. In truth, I cannot be certain that these idle whispers have not been started by another gentleman who dislikes Lord Carroway intensely.” She shook her head, recalling Lord Huckleby’s determination to remove her from Lord Carroway entirely, wondering how he would react when he heard that she and Lord Carroway were now courting. “Please allow me the opportunity to make my own decisions as regards the gentleman.” She looked across the table at her mother, seeing the indecision on Lady Whitehaven’s face and praying inwardly that her mother would not forbid the courtship from continuing.
“You stepped out with him earlier today, did you not?” Lady Whitehaven asked slowly, her gaze settling back onto Titania. “This Lord Carroway took you to…?”
“To the bookshop, Mama,” Titania replied quickly. “And he was the most pleasant of gentlemen.” A soft smile tugged at her lips as she considered what had passed between them, her heart filling with pleasure over what she had experienced with him. Lord Carroway had been excellent company, and they had conversed on a good many subjects for some time. They had not spoken of Ravel or of the vial, nor of the danger Titania might be in. Instead, they simply enjoyed one another’s company without even worrying about the danger that might surround them both. Lord Carroway had spoken to her of his life as an orphan and had been more than honest with her about all that he had experienced. The pain that came with not knowing the truth of his family heritage and not even knowing whether or not it truly was a duke who was responsible for his very existence was obviously a great source of pain for him, and Titania had marveled at the strength within him to continue on as he did. She could not imagine what it must be like to not know where one came from and to feel as alone as Lord Carroway stated he so often did.
“You are quite certain that you wish to allow this gentleman to court you, Titania?” Lady Whitehaven asked, as Catherine shook her head firmly beside her, making her thoughts on the matter clear. “You are aware that there may be consequences for you if he proves to be the rake that everyone believes him to be? He may set you aside if you do not respond to his less-than-proper advances.”
This riled Titania and sent a flurry of anger rushing up her spine, color filling her cheeks. “I am quite determined, Mama,” she stated plainly. “I do not believe the rumors. Lord Carroway has been nothing but a gentleman towards me, and I should like to continue my courtship.”
Lady Whitehaven pressed her lips together tightly, evidently considering all that Titania had said and weighing up the matter in her own mind. Titania waited for judgement to fall, her hands tightening into fists under the table in an attempt to calm her anxiety.
“I do not like that Lord Carroway himself did not come to speak to me of his intentions, Titania. Nor am I particularly pleased with your decision to agree to this courtship without even considering whether or not you ought to consult with me.”
“I am sorry, Mama,” Titania began, only for Lady Whiteha
ven to hold up one hand, silencing her.
“Therefore,” Lady Whitehaven stated, her final decision now forthcoming. “You will invite Lord Carroway to dine with us tomorrow. It will give me the opportunity to know him a little better and, if I am satisfied with his conduct and am certain that he truly means to consider you in the way that he ought, then I shall be content to allow the courtship to continue.”
Titania let out a long breath of relief. “Thank you, Mama.”
“However,” Lady Whitehaven continued in a loud voice. “If I am not convinced by him, then you will bring this courtship to an end at once. Do I make myself quite clear?” Her eyes were sharp as they landed on Titania, but Titania had no concern whatsoever, knowing that Lord Carroway would do more than convince her mother that there was no truth to the rumor that he was a rake.
“I understand,” Titania said, smiling at her mother and catching the slight softness in Lady Whitehaven’s expression. “Thank you, Mama. I shall write to him this very moment and invite him to dine with us tomorrow. Do excuse me.”
The following evening found Titania back in the dining room, sitting in her usual seat except that, this time, Lord Carroway was with them. He had been permitted to sit by her, and Titania was becoming more than aware of his presence, feeling her heart pounding with a quick, excited beat as she smiled up into his face. Lord Carroway smiled back, although there was a slight nervousness in his expression that told her he was, mayhap, a trifle anxious about this meeting.
The first few courses were served without any particular difficulty, and the conversation moved from various benign topics to ones that held a little more interest for Titania. Lord Carroway spoke well, ensuring that he spoke directly to Lady Whitehaven, Merry, Catherine, and Dinah, although the latter did not show any particular delight in engaging in conversation with him, given her quiet responses.
“Might I ask you something a little more direct, Lord Carroway?”
Dessert was being served by this point and, as Titania stiffened, she realized that her mother had grown tired of the banal conversation and was now determined to speak to the viscount directly.
“Indeed, Lady Whitehaven,” Lord Carroway replied, setting down his spoon and looking back at Titania’s mother. “I shall do my very best to answer truthfully.”
“Good.” Lady Whitehaven’s smile was tight lipped. “I am a trifle disappointed that you did not come to speak to me regarding the courtship of my daughter, Lord Carroway. It is not what is usually done.”
There was a short, tense silence, and Titania was forced to set aside her own spoon and dessert, such was her fierce nervousness that seemed to rifle all through her.
“You are correct, Lady Whitehaven.”
Titania looked at Lord Carroway sharply, seeing his expression one of regret.
“It was clumsily done,” he continued, not looking at Titania but continuing to address Lady Whitehaven directly. “If I may speak honestly and confess something to you, then perhaps you might understand my foolishness.” So saying, he turned his head towards Titania and gave her a long look, his eyes holding something that made her breath hitch. “The truth is, Lady Whitehaven, I have never once felt so strongly for a young lady that I have found myself wishing to court her,” he said, turning back to look at Lady Whitehaven, as Titania found heat rising upwards within her, starting at her toes. “Therefore, when I realized that I wished to seek out your daughter in order to court her, I found myself doing and speaking things in a most awkward fashion. I did not do things correctly, as you say.” He shook his head and gave Titania another quick smile. “But Miss Wells accepted me regardless.”
“I see.” Lady Whitehaven’s voice was sharp, although there was a slight softening about her eyes that betrayed a growing consideration towards Lord Carroway. “You say, then, that you have not sought such a courtship before?”
“No, indeed I have not,” Lord Carroway answered truthfully, already aware of what Lady Whitehaven was asking, given that Titania had spoken to him of it prior to his arrival at dinner that evening. “I know that there are rumors about my character, Lady Whitehaven, but none of them have any grounding in truth. I am not a rake, nor am I a scoundrel. If you wish, you might speak to some of my closer acquaintances, who will tell you that I have very rarely been seen within society. It is not my preference to be so caught up in all that goes on.”
“I quite understand that,” Catherine interrupted suddenly. “Although I am surprised to hear a gentleman say such a thing.” She gave Lord Carroway a small smile, and Titania felt her hopes lifting. “It is quite unusual, you must admit.”
“I do,” Lord Carroway chuckled, making Titania smile. “But I am a rather unusual gentleman, I believe, Miss Wells. I have returned to society with the awareness that I must do my duty and find a wife and continue the family line – but I did not expect to find myself so caught by this young lady here.” His expression gentled, and he looked towards her, making a flush catch her cheeks. She had not expected him to appear so tender in his words nor in his expression and was surprised by her own reaction. Looking away so that her blush would not deepen, she saw her mother’s eyebrow arch as she studied Lord Carroway, as though questioning inwardly what she could believe.
“You are very kind to speak so,” Titania found herself saying, not wanting there to be a long, pronounced silence that would stretch awkwardly across the room. “Thank you, Lord Carroway.”
He smiled. “You are most welcome, Miss Wells,” he replied, before picking up his spoon and making to tackle his dessert. Titania joined him, now feeling as though she could enjoy the delicious concoction that the cook had prepared for them, aware that her mother was, by now, appearing a good deal less concerned over Lord Carroway. The conversation turned to other things, such as the ball being thrown by Lord and Lady Winters, and Titania found herself enjoying Lord Carroway’s company. He was well spoken, affable, and made not only herself but her sisters smile. Dinah, of course, seemed quite determined not to like the gentleman and remained as quiet and as disinterested as she always did, but this did not subdue Titania’s spirits in any way whatsoever.
“I fear, Lord Carroway, that there is only you to sit and enjoy your port alone,” Lady Whitehaven said, as they finished their dessert. “I shall have tea sent through for ourselves, but you are more than welcome to join us with your port if you so wish.”
Lord Carroway rose to his feet, a broad smile on his face. “I could not imagine sitting alone here whilst the rest of you remained in the drawing room,” he said, looking down at Titania. “If it suits you, then I should be glad to join you in the drawing room.”
“Then mayhap Titania will walk with you,” Lady Whitehaven suggested, bestowing a smile on Titania, which told her that she had no need to concern herself over her mother’s worries as regarded Lord Carroway any longer. “We shall join you in a few moments.”
“That went as well as I hoped it might,” Titania said, as the dining room door closed softly behind them. “I do hope you were not made to feel unwelcome in any way.”
“None whatsoever,” Lord Carroway replied at once, looking at her. “In fact, Miss Wells, I had a most enjoyable evening.”
Titania hesitated, an urge growing within her that she was not sure whether to give voice to. “Might I ask, Lord Carroway, if you would consider simply referring to me as ‘Titania’?” she asked, a trifle nervously as her gaze darted towards his face. “It seems that we are being very proper whereas I feel as though there is no need to be doing so when we are in such a strange set of circumstances as the ones that surround us at present!”
For a long moment, Lord Carroway remained silent, walking slowly beside her with his arms held tightly behind his back. Titania blushed with embarrassment, wondering if he thought she had spoken out of turn or had been too forward with her suggestions.
“I should be honored, Miss Wells,” he murmured, sending a wave of relief crashing over her. “Forgive me my hesitation. It is only
that I am quite overwhelmed with the intimacy that has grown so swiftly between us, for it is something I confess I have never experienced before.”
“Oh.” Titania did not know what else to say, aware that her blush remained in her cheeks as warmth rose up within her.
“I will be honest with you, Titania,” Lord Carroway continued quietly, now looking down at her. “I did mean every word that I spoke within the dining room as regarded our acquaintance. I have never once felt anything akin to what tumultuous emotions ravage my soul whenever I so much as see a delicate smile on your lips or the beauty of your countenance.” He cleared his throat abruptly and then looked away, as though embarrassed by what he had admitted. “You will think me much too forward. And since it has not been a particularly long acquaintance, I am certain that you will think me quite ridiculous.”
“No, indeed!” Titania exclaimed, reaching for his arm before she could prevent herself. “I value your honesty, Lord Carroway, truly.” She found herself looking up into his eyes, not realizing that they had come to a sudden, abrupt stop in the middle of the hallway. “It is not as though you are alone in feeling such things.”
Lord Carroway swallowed hard, his jaw working for a moment as he looked down into her eyes. Titania’s heart began to race furiously as she held his gaze, her mouth going dry as she realized that their hands were now joined.
“I am not the sort of gentleman a lady such as you ought to consider, Titania,” he murmured, his eyes fixed on her face. “I am not a gentleman who can offer you the simple life of an estate, of trips to town and the like, not when I am as caught up with the army and my role therein.”