by Rose Pearson
Lord Havisham cleared his throat. “I think that is wise, Miss Crosby, even though the thought of having to deal with an inebriated gentleman is less than enticing.” He grimaced, making Sarah smile at the apparent disinclination and yet the willingness that was there to do precisely as Lady Smithton asked. “I think,” he continued, “that if there is a small chance happiness might exist between two people, then it is entirely worth pursuing. It may be an arduous process, and it might take an investment of some time, but in the end, I believe that the joy and contentment that will follow will be more than worthwhile.”
Sarah glanced at Lady Smithton, quite certain it was not only Sarah’s situation that he spoke about but rather something that was between himself and Lady Smithton. It had never been spoken of when she nor any of the other ladies from ‘The Spinster’s Guild’ had been present, but there was always something tangible whenever Lord Havisham was near.
“I think you are quite correct, Lord Havisham,” Lady Smithton agreed, presently. “And I do hope that, in this case, you are proven to be right.”
“As do I,” Sarah agreed, feeling a good deal easier than before.
Chapter Ten
“Good evening.”
Sarah swallowed her anxiety and ignored the knot in her stomach. Curtsying as best she could, she lifted her head and saw Lord Ruddington looking back at her without so much as a hint of a smile on his face. They had not spoken at length since the day she had laid out her thoughts to him after he had spoken to Lord Britton, even though he had very often been in her presence.
“Good evening, Lord Ruddington,” she replied, putting a serene expression on her face she prayed would hide her anxiety. “How lovely to see you again.”
He shook his head and looked away. “I hardly think that is a true sentiment, Miss Crosby,” he replied. “You have had to endure my presence almost every day for the last two weeks, have you not?”
“And I have endured it without complaint,” she informed him tightly, not wanting to begin to discuss matters again when she feared he would not be any clearer than he had been before. “You have made your choice, Lord Ruddington. I commend you for your endeavors, for Miss Marks is very inclined towards you now.”
This, however, did not seem to please Lord Ruddington in any way. He merely sighed and rubbed at his forehead, lines forming around his eyes as he winced. Had he a headache?
“I believe she will accept your offer of courtship whenever you wish to make it,” Sarah continued, wondering at his lack of delight. “I thought this would please you greatly, Lord Ruddington.”
He started for a moment as if she had interrupted a moment of private reverie. “Oh, yes, yes,” he stammered, giving himself a slight shake. “Very delighted. Yes, indeed. Delighted. Truly.”
“You need not pretend with me,” Sarah replied softly, looking at him with a calmness she did not feel. “You have chosen her for reasons known only to yourself, and therefore, I must accept that. I wish you joy.” This was said with a great deal of pain running through her, but Sarah accepted it without question, knowing there was a plan for this evening to have the truth from him—or as much of the truth as he was willing to give her.
Lord Ruddington shook his head. “It is best you know as little of me as possible,” he informed her gravely. “I am not the gentleman you think, Miss Crosby, as I have already said. Good evening. I hope you enjoy the dinner.”
Sarah smiled tightly, sighed inwardly, and watched Lord Ruddington leave. There was more to this evening than he knew and all she needed to do was endure the dinner quietly and with as little outward struggle as possible before the rest of the plan was set in place by Lord Havisham.
“You did very well, my dear.”
Sarah turned, seeing Lady Smithton smiling at her as she drew near, with Lord Havisham only a step behind. “He does look rather tormented, I must say.”
“For a man who has just been informed the lady he has been pursuing will accept his courtship should he offer it, he seemed quite upset about it,” Sarah commented, quietly. “But he did not say anything further.”
Lady Smithton’s comment was halted by the sounding of the dinner bell, which made the rest of the guests milling about in the drawing-room halt their conversations and turn towards the door.
“Shall we go, Miss Crosby?” Lord Havisham asked, offering his arm to her. “You need not fear that I am abandoning Lady Smithton, for she has already been requested by another gentleman.” He chuckled at the look of relief that crossed Sarah’s face. “It would be my pleasure, truly, Miss Crosby. Come now, let us go.”
By the time Sarah had left the dining room with the rest of the ladies, she found herself to be quite weary. The conversation had been engaging enough, but the trouble was she had been entirely distracted by the presence of Lord Ruddington, who was seated on the opposite side of the table from her, next to Miss Marks. He had not said a good deal, given Miss Marks was busy conversing with almost every gentleman there and not paying him any marked attention, but instead had spent the time glancing across at her as though he wanted to say something but could not. Of course, Sarah had found it quite impossible to ignore him and so had held his gaze whenever she could, although her stomach had twisted this way and that and her heart had fluttered in a most unhelpful fashion. He was unhappy, she had thought. Unhappy, even though it had been his choice to chase after Miss Marks. Why then should she feel any sympathy for him? It was quite inexplicable, yet that compassion still rose up within her, even though she did not know the reason for his rejection of what might have been between them, should he have permitted it.
Sighing inwardly, she collected a cup of tea that nestled in a delicate china saucer and retreated to the back of the drawing-room. She was required to be present, yes, but no one would want to engage her in conversation, not when she was the mere companion, even though her status was the very same as that of her distant cousin, Miss Marks. No, indeed, Sarah thought to herself, a tad irritably. Miss Marks would garner everyone’s attention, no matter who else was present. Her eyes roved around the room, not concentrating on anyone or anything in particular. This was what she was used to, quite contented in some ways to be nothing more than a shadow hidden in the corner of a room. No one took notice of her for she was not of any great importance.
Except Lord Ruddington thinks you important.
Impatiently, she swatted the thought away. He had been so very kind to her, had sought her out in conversation when no one else had done so. He had taken notice of her, had thought her more than just a mere companion and had shown that consideration in great measure. All for it to then disappear as he had chosen to pursue a lady for whom he cared nothing.
Time began to slip away from her as the other ladies laughed and conversed together. She was not a part of this, not a part of their gathering. She had no idea as to what they might be discussing. Lady Smithton was engaged in conversation with Lady Britton, although Sarah knew Lady Smithton needed to endear herself to the lady so that she might be permitted to take Sarah from Lady Britton’s side later on in the evening. Again, she sighed to herself, thinking that this evening was going to drag itself out over a good many hours before she would finally be able to settle herself in Lady Smithton’s carriage.
Sarah jerked awake with a start, flustered and embarrassed. Blinking rapidly, her body cold with the sudden fright, she looked all about her, wondering which of the guests had seen her shame. She had not meant to fall asleep, but her mind and body had been so weary that she had been unable to prevent her eyes from closing. It was only the first few notes on the pianoforte that had awoken her, her hands clutching the sides of the chair as she noted, with relief, that her teacup and saucer were safely resting on a small table to her right. Her eyes ran over the room’s occupants again and again, fearing that one person or two would have noted her lack of wakefulness and would be whispering to others, but there was not one person looking in her direction.
Relief washed over he
r as she sat upright, running one hand over her simply dressed hair before brushing the creases from her gown. Wiping her eyes quickly, she drew in a long breath and let her worries drift away, telling herself she had nothing to be anxious about. No one knew she had fallen asleep. She had nothing to worry over.
Her eyes drifted across the room once more—leisurely this time—trying to find where her cousin, Lord Ruddington, or Lady Smithton were standing. Most likely, Lord Ruddington would be standing together with Miss Marks, and perhaps Lady Smithton had chosen to seat herself now that some of the performances had begun, for it was quite certain that at least three of the young ladies present would wish to perform. Miss Marks would be the last of them, of course, and would perform longer pieces than any of the others, Sarah was quite sure. Anything to prove she was vastly superior, the most deserving and the most considered. Grimacing, Sarah continued to search for her cousin, not seeing her amongst the guests.
Nor could she see Lord Ruddington.
Her heart leaped into her throat as Lord Ruddington’s warnings came flooding back to her. He had said that she would not think him a kind gentleman for much longer. What was it he had meant by that? Surely it could not be that he intended to improperly treat Miss Marks? Especially not when Sarah herself had only just told Lord Ruddington she thought Miss Marks would be inclined to accept his offer of courtship! That did not seem to make sense—but she felt her heart begin to beat with a little more fear as she continued to search for her cousin. Rising slowly from her chair and desperately praying that either Miss Marks or Lord Ruddington were simply hidden from her view in some way, Sarah made her way towards the rest of the gathered guests, glad that for the present, their eyes were fixed upon the lady playing the pianoforte. The music washed over her, not drawing anywhere near to her heart nor settling her anxiety. Instead, she felt nothing but sheer terror over what had occurred to have her cousin absent from this gathering and then a growing horror over what her mother and father might say of this. No doubt they would be furious and could easily blame her for her lack of attention, but it would do nothing to save Miss Marks’ reputation.
“Lady Smithton.” She sidled up to her friend, seeing how Lady Smithton had a light smile fixed upon her face. “Lady Smithton, I have something to discuss with you.”
“Oh?” Her friend glanced towards her, speaking out of the corner of her mouth. “What is it?”
“I—I cannot see my cousin within this room,” Sarah whispered, desperately praying no one would overhear them. The music began to crescendo, forcing her to speak a little louder. “Nor can I see Lord Ruddington.”
Lady Smithton’s eyes widened as she looked towards Sarah, her concern immediately evident. “Can you meet me in the dining room again?” she asked quietly, her hand grasping Sarah’s wrist. “In a few minutes, say?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I shall make an excuse or will slip out when they are all transfixed with the next performance,” Lady Smithton continued, quickly. “Unless it was to be Miss Marks?”
Sarah shook her head. “Miss Marks is always inclined to perform at the very end,” she said quickly. “It draws the most attention and ensures her performance is the one that lingers on in the ton’s memory.”
Lady Smithton nodded jerkily. “Then we should be glad there are so many young ladies eager to play or sing this evening,” she replied firmly. “If you please, Sarah, go at once. Slip out where you can. Lord Havisham and I will join you shortly.”
Sarah did not hesitate but moved quickly towards the door, knowing no one would notice her departure. She was invisible to them and, for the first time, she was grateful for it. Closing the drawing-room door behind her, she quickly made her way to the dining-room which, she noted, was already prepared for the following day. She made to sit down, only to prevent herself from doing so and instead beginning to pace up and down the dining room next to the table, worrying her lip with her teeth. Where was Miss Marks? And why was Lord Ruddington not present either?
“You have not seen them?” Lady Smithton hurried into the room but a few minutes later, her eyes searching Sarah’s face.
“No,” Sarah said quickly, greatly relieved to see both Lady Smithton and Lord Havisham. “I cannot think what she has done for I did not imagine Lord Ruddington to be the sort of gentleman who would suggest anything improper.”
Lady Smithton’s face was alive with concern. “He has never shown any such behavior before?”
“No, indeed not,” she told her. “In fact, whenever Miss Marks acted in a less-than-befitting way, Lord Ruddington appeared to be ill at ease. I cannot believe he would do something now. It does not make any sense.”
“And yet it is the only explanation,” Lord Havisham interjected, grimly. “Lady Smithton told me all that Lord Ruddington said to you, Miss Crosby. When he stated he was unworthy of your considerations and that, one day soon, you would be glad to see him gone from your company, I believe he meant every word.”
The dark look on Lord Havisham’s face made Sarah’s heart squeeze with fright, a chill running over her and making her shudder.
“We must search the house as quickly as we can,” Lady Smithton said quickly. “I shall have the carriage called also. Thankfully, Lord Havisham was able to leave the room without being noticed, and I explained to Lady Britton that I had found a tear in my gown and as such, would need to have it attended to at once. She was to come with me to find a maid, but I stated I had my own waiting in the carriage, just for such an occasion as this. This seemed to satisfy her for the present, although I cannot remain absent indefinitely.” Pressing her lips together, she looked at Sarah. “You know this house better than either myself or Lord Havisham,” she said with a firm decisiveness evident in her words. “Where should we look first?”
Sarah tried to think, her mind working furiously. “The library?” she suggested, knowing it was not often used. “Her bedchamber, I presume, must also be looked at, although I dare not think that...” Shaking her head, she drew in a long breath and tried not to think of what might have occurred. “Thereafter, I should suggest the servants’ entrance, in case Lord Ruddington has the intention of stealing her out into the night.”
“Eloping, you mean,” Lady Smithton said as Sarah nodded. “Yes, that does sound wise.” Looking towards Lord Havisham, Lady Smithton took control of the situation. “Havisham, if you would look below stairs, Miss Crosby and I shall look into Miss Marks’ rooms. Thereafter, the study, library, and other rooms must be searched also.”
“I shall meet you in the library unless I find them,” Lord Havisham said, turning on his heel and striding towards the door. “Let us hope we discover them before the worst can be done.”
Sarah trembled visibly, feeling a sudden chill as her world turned upside down. If Lord Ruddington had taken Miss Marks away in an attempt to elope with her, then he was not the gentleman she thought him to be—just as he had said. Everything she knew of him was gone from her in a moment.
“Come, Sarah.” Lady Smithton had grasped Sarah’s arm gently and was leading her towards the door. “We must go quickly yet with as much quietness as we can. Should we be discovered, then I will state you are helping me to a quieter room where I might rest until my carriage has arrived.” She began to walk a little quicker, her arm now looped through Sarah’s. “I will say I have a headache or some such thing.”
Sarah swallowed hard, her coiling fear growing all the more steadily. “Do you think we will find them, Lady Smithton?”
Lady Smithton came to a direct stop, one hand on the open door. “You must pray we shall,” she answered grimly. “And I promise you, Sarah, that thereafter, Lord Ruddington will not be able to escape from giving us the answers we will demand from him.”
Nodding, Sarah drew in a long, shuddering breath, feeling as though everything was slowly collapsing in on her.
“Courage, my dear,” Lady Smithton said, walking through the door and half-pulling, half-walking Sarah through i
t also. “The truth will come out in the end. I have no doubt about that.”
Sarah tried to keep her breathing steady as they walked quietly together, not saying a single word. The staircase seemed longer than before, the hallway never-ending, until, finally, they reached Miss Marks’ rooms.
Sarah closed her eyes and swayed unsteadily, reaching out to rap upon the door—but Lady Smithton stayed her hand.
“Try the door first,” she whispered as if she did not want to alert anyone within that they were standing there. “We must not give them any warning.”
Her hand reached for the doorknob, turning it slowly and feeling the door already begin to give way to them as she pushed gently. Lady Smithton nodded, her expression grim, stepping forward and pushing the door open wide.
The room was not encased in darkness but rather was bright in preparation for Miss Marks’ to retire to bed. Candles were lit and a few coals glowed in the grate, warding off the late evening chill.
No one was there.
“Miss Marks is not within,” Sarah whispered, although she did not know why she still felt the urge to keep her voice low. “I can see no sign that she has been here either.” Taking a few steps further within, she looked all about the room and saw everything was just as it ought to be. There was no evidence anyone save the maid had been in there at all.
“Then we make for the study next,” Lady Smithton replied, her voice sounding loud against the quietness of the room. “And thereafter, the library. That is, unless Lord Havisham has found them below.”