by Joyce Alec
“I just rang for tea,” Eleanor said, as her companion sat down carefully. “Although if you would care for something a little more substantial, I can send down for it?”
“No, no,” Miss Wiltshire answered, with a wave of her hand. “I rose late this morning, I confess, but it is only because last evening’s entertainment was so wonderful that I was lost in dreams for a good long while.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Eleanor replied, smiling softly. “I was worried that you would not enjoy yourself.”
Miss Wiltshire shook her head. “I had a wonderful time, I thank you, although I will say that I was not entirely enamored with some of your dancing partners last evening.”
“Oh?” Eleanor saw the way that Miss Wiltshire frowned slightly, her concern evident. “Did you discover something about them?”
Miss Wiltshire smiled, her eyes lit with a sudden interest. “Indeed, I did. I have discovered that being a companion means that I am privy to all the goings-on of polite society, whether I wish to know it or not. The other companions, thrown together as we were last evening, are more than willing to discuss the latest gossip and on-dits and, although I confess that I was not immediately willing to listen, I realized that their chatter gave me something of an insight.”
The arrival of the tea tray meant that Eleanor had to wait for a few moments before Miss Wiltshire could continue, discovering that she was quite eager to hear whatever it was Miss Wiltshire had to say. Of course, Eleanor was not in the least bit interested in marrying, so it did not matter whether the gentlemen she danced with turned out to be rogues or not.
“Well,” Miss Wiltshire began, as the door closed. “Lord Collingham, who I believe you danced with first, is looking for nothing more than a mistress, and Lord Guarder has barely two pennies to rub together, despite his ridiculous outfits making us believe otherwise.”
Eleanor could not help but giggle, for Lord Guarder had been one of the most ridiculously dressed gentlemen there, with strong colors and patterns across almost his entire outfit. It had almost made her eyes water.
“I am glad to see you were not taken in by him,” Miss Wiltshire said, with a smile. “There was another gentleman I was warned about too, a Lord Armitage?”
“Yes, he was the gentleman who escorted us both to supper,” Eleanor reminded her, seeing her companion’s expression clearing.
“I do not know the specifics,” Miss Wiltshire said, slowly, evidently struggling to remember what had been said. “But they said something about some past recklessness that had pushed him from society.”
Eleanor nodded. “My cousin introduced us both and told me very clearly that Lord Armitage had made something of a mistake some time ago, and that no one had, as yet, forgiven him for whatever he did. It seems a shame that, although he has tried to make recompense and even been away from society for a time, that they are still so unfriendly towards him.”
Miss Wiltshire frowned, a line forming between her brows. “And how do you know such details?”
“My cousin, Lord Caldwell,” Eleanor said, lifting her cup to her lips.
“And you trust him?”
Smiling, Eleanor nodded. “I do.”
When she had first been introduced to Lord Armitage, she had been surprised at the sudden jolt that had gone through her, for she had met many handsome gentlemen already and none had made quite the same impact. She had brushed it off, however, and smiled kindly at the gentleman, feeling a slight stab of sympathy for him—although she could not help but wonder what terrible indiscretion he had done.
“He was quite handsome, was he not?” Miss Wiltshire murmured, as though privy to her thoughts.
“He was, yes,” Eleanor replied, firmly. “But that is of no matter, Miss Wiltshire. I am not intending to marry. If I ever marry again, it will be for love. I do not need to marry to have my future secure.”
Miss Wiltshire said nothing, but regarded Eleanor carefully for a moment longer, before picking up her own china cup. Eleanor let her gaze drift across the many beautiful flowers in her drawing room, appreciative of each one. It had been a wonderful welcome into society; that was for certain.
She smiled as she thought about the previous evening, remembering each and every dance partner. She had appreciated every one, although not every gentleman was to her particular taste. It had also been quite lovely to see her cousin again, and even more of a delight to learn that he was soon to be a father. All in all, her return to London was exactly what she had hoped.
And so, for the next sennight, Eleanor flung herself headlong into all that society offered, enjoying herself thoroughly. There were balls and musicals, parties and more, and, as a wealthy widow, she was almost always included on the guest lists.
However, as the sennight went on, she discovered that the same gentleman was almost always at her elbow, almost always desperate to seek her out for a dance. It was as though she could not escape him, and to her surprise, Eleanor found herself growing slightly wary of the man. She had thought that she might appreciate the man’s kindness and attentions towards her, but it appeared that Miss Wiltshire’s warnings had done their job.
“Is he still after you?” Miss Wiltshire asked, one morning, as they met together for tea in the drawing room.
Eleanor sighed and nodded, pouring the tea for them both. “I cannot take myself from him, no matter how hard I try.” She glanced up at Miss Wiltshire and saw the sympathy on her face. “Have you discovered much about him?”
Miss Wiltshire shook her head. “No, I have not, although I understand he is not much liked.”
“I wonder why that is,” Eleanor murmured, lifting her cup to her lips.
In truth, Lord Thornley had become something of a thorn in her side, and she found herself shirking from him whenever he drew near. Perhaps it was because he was too keen in his attentions, too desperate to be close to her. She found him cloying, as though he were a strong perfume that she simply could not rid herself of.
“I should be able to find out more in the coming weeks,” Miss Wiltshire continued. “Being one of the newest additions to society means that not everyone is willing to discuss the gentlemen with me. Indeed, I have never found them to be as talkative as that first ball we attended.”
Without warning, Eleanor found her thoughts going to Lord Armitage, remembering how delighted he had been to get her attentions. She had not seen him since, except for one previous occasion earlier that week, when she had spotted him from across the room. Their eyes had met for the briefest of moments before someone had stepped into their path, severing their connection. Then she had been caught up in the whirlwind of the ball and had quite forgotten that moment, only recalling it as Miss Wiltshire spoke.
“You had best be careful of him,” Miss Wiltshire said, quietly.
Growing a little exasperated, Eleanor nodded, throwing her companion a slightly frustrated glance. “As I have said, on numerous occasions, I have no intention of wedding, Miss Wiltshire. Even Lord Thornley, as attentive as he is, holds nothing for me.”
Miss Wiltshire smiled, although the glitter in her eyes did not quite disappear entirely. “I do think it best if you can manage to refuse him for whatever reason,” she said, as though it were quite easy to excuse yourself from a gentleman’s dance. “Let him see—and let society see—that you are not in the least bit enamored with him. Something about the way he looks at you disconcerts me.”
“I shall,” Eleanor promised, thinking that Miss Wiltshire’s warnings were often on the very same tangent. “Please, do not worry yourself.”
Miss Wiltshire’s smile was a little more relaxed as Eleanor refilled both their china cups. “I must confess that I am looking forward to the next ball, for I have heard wonderful things about Lord and Lady Valliant’s occasions.”
“As have I,” Eleanor said, with a smile. “I have heard it said that it is one of the most sought-after events of the Season. I am quite looking forward to it.”
“And,” Miss Wiltshir
e continued, as though she had not heard Eleanor. “It is said that Lady Valliant displays the jewels that were handed down to her from generation to generation. They are without price, it is said, and are guarded heavily.”
“It is very kind of her to allow us to look upon them,” Eleanor replied, holding back the urge to roll her eyes. “Or perhaps, it is very brave of her to do so.”
Miss Wiltshire did not notice Eleanor’s distaste, and chuckled, her eyes sparkling. “Indeed. Regardless, I am looking forward to seeing them. A necklace, bracelet, and other smaller pieces, I believe. They will be quite exquisite.”
Eleanor looked to change the subject, thinking that there was nothing gaudier than displaying one’s wealth in such a way, although she would not say such a thing to Miss Wiltshire for fear of offending her. No, she might not even look upon them, thinking that she would much prefer to spend her time dancing or enjoying conversation with her new acquaintances.
Silently, she wondered whether Lord Armitage might be there, aware that the invitations to the Valliant event were many and widespread. She wondered at the part of her that wished to see him again, although she told herself it was merely for sympathy’s sake that she wished to see him once more. She might even dance with him in the seemingly vain attempt to encourage society to welcome him back into the fold.
A slight smile played about her lips as she thought of the upcoming ball. It would be a wonderful event; she was quite sure of it.
Chapter Five
Henry smiled as Lady Brooke walked towards him, a wide smile of greeting on her face. His own heart lifted, although he would not betray such an emotion to the lady, thinking just how beautiful she looked.
“My dear Lady Brooke,” he murmured, bowing and reaching for her hand. “May I say you look lovely this evening.”
“You may,” she said, her eyes alight with happiness. “It is good to see you again, Lord Armitage. I have missed your company these last two weeks.”
Henry blinked, a little taken aback by her candor, which, from the expression on her face, had surprised her also. He pressed a brief kiss to the back of her gloved hand before releasing it, giving him a few seconds with which to think of a response.
“I must confess that society has not, as yet, welcomed me back as I had hoped,” he said, by way of explanation for his absence. “Although I will say invitations have been a little more frequent these last few days.”
“I am very glad to hear it,” she said, warmly. “I have heard that the ton can be quite unforgiving, but I have been fortunate to never require forgiveness from them for any misdeeds.” There was a twinkle in her eyes and a lift to her eyebrows that made him aware that she was, as yet, unaware of what he had done, but he shook his head in response.
“There will be a great many gossip mongers who will tell you the truth of it, and then even more, should you wish to hear it. In short, I disgraced myself by drinking far more than I should have and ended up in someone else’s home...” His cheeks heated as he tried to finish the sentence, knowing that it was best she heard the truth from him and not the gossip which added heads and tails to the story. “And, unfortunately, in someone else’s bed.”
He saw her expression change and held his breath. This would be the moment that would decide the furthering of their acquaintance, for, if she decided to reject him—as well she might—then there could be no hope for him, no hope of even a friendship with her. His stomach tensed, and his palms began to sweat as she continued to regard him, her expression serious.
“Are you often inclined to drink?” she asked, softly. “Or had something driven you to it?”
He swallowed hard, knowing that he could not tell her the truth, that it had been the unrequited love in his heart for the lady before him that had pushed him to do what he should not. “Without going into the matter, yes, something I considered to be quite horrifying had pushed me towards White’s. That was very uncharacteristic of my behavior, for I confess that I have no recollection of what I did or why. It was the most humiliating circumstance I could have ever found myself in, and not something that I ever intend to do again.”
“I can see why you were pushed from society,” she said, slowly, after regarding him for a few more moments, “but you will find that I am not as unforgiving as them.” Her serious expression lightened just a little, a small smile on her face. “Thank you for telling me the truth.”
Henry wanted to crumple at her feet; such was the relief he felt. He could hardly believe that she had heard the truth of his wrongdoings and had chosen to overlook them, to get to know the man he was now as opposed to who he had been back then. A huge sigh of relief left his lips, his shoulders slumping as he tried to smile back at her.
“I can tell you are not used to such a sentiment,” she said, softly. “Ah, come now, sign my dance card, Lord Armitage. I can see a gentleman approach, and I would rather, without being indiscreet, have my attention entirely taken up.”
Surprised at her request, but not unwilling, Henry took her proffered dance card and saw that there were only three slots remaining. “I shall sign my name to two if you will permit me?”
A slightly arrested look came over her face, as she looked just past his left shoulder. “How many dances remain, should you take two?”
“One,” he replied, quietly. “But one cannot be so bad, for only one gentleman?”
She swallowed and looked back at him, her throat working for a moment. “I know this is terribly unorthodox, but might you sign your name to all three?” A blush stained her cheeks. “We shall ignore the third if you prefer, for I would not wish anyone to suspect—”
“I should be delighted,” Henry interrupted, calmly signing his name on the third space. “Have no fear, Lady Brooke. I am more than delighted to come to your rescue.”
He heard the sudden sigh from her lips, realizing that she was, truly, relieved by his action. He had just released her dance card when none other than Lord Thornley appeared by his side, giving him a hard glare before turning to Lady Brooke and bestowing on her a simpering smile.
Realizing that this was the gentleman Lady Brooke did not wish to dance with gave Henry the greatest amount of happiness, and he could not prevent himself from grinning in response to Thornley’s glare, quite disconcerting the man.
“Ah, Lady Brooke,” Thornley murmured, dropping his head for a moment. “You are looking positively regal this evening.”
“I thank you, Lord Thornley,” she said, curtsying briefly. “How are you this evening?”
“Very well, very well,” he said, standing tall and completely ignoring Henry. “Although I come to solicit you for a dance, my dear lady. I cannot do without one.”
Lady Brooke took on a stricken expression, her eyes widening slightly. “Oh, I am terribly sorry, Lord Thornley, but my card is full.” She dangled it in front of his face for a moment, so that he could see she was telling the truth, but unable to read any of the names written there. “I shall be sorry to miss you.”
Thornley bit his lip, his gaze turning angry. “I presume Lord Armitage has managed to procure a dance?” he asked, still refusing to look at Henry. “How unfortunate I was too late.”
“Indeed,” Lady Brooke replied quietly. “However, I am sure we shall meet again at another event very soon.”
Thornley opened his mouth to continue the conversation, but Lady Brooke had stepped away, leaving only him and Henry standing together.
“What a shame,” Henry commented drily. “She is quite a popular lady, I see. You shall have to be quicker next time, Thornley, particularly as we are almost three weeks into your allotted six.”
Thoroughly aggravated, Thornley rounded on Henry, his eyes burning with rage. “You think that you can pull her from me just like that? You, who have a reputation so soiled that you can barely make an appearance with someone whispering about you?”
“Some members of society are ready to forgive a single transgression,” Henry replied, mildly. “Lady Brooke i
s one of them. Your grasping fingers and whining tones will do nothing to win her, Thornley. Your failure is almost guaranteed.”
Thornley took a step closer, looking as though he wanted to beat Henry where he stood. Henry held his ground, raising his chin and looking directly into Thornley’s eyes, completely unafraid. The man was a coward, deep down, and Henry was not about to start showing fear, no matter what the man did.
“You will lose, Armitage,” Thornley whispered, his words barely distinct as he spoke through his clenched teeth. “This lady, and your wealth, will be mine.”
Henry wanted to say that even with paying Thornley three times as much as he owed was not about to render Henry a pauper, but chose wisely not to say anything of the sort. Aware that there were those around him beginning to listen to their conversation—which was not in the least surprising given Thornley’s demeanor—Henry stepped away and inclined his head, before turning his back and walking away.
He walked blindly to the opposite end of the room, to where the wonderful display of the expensive jewels and beautiful pieces were displayed, courtesy of their hosts. He had no particular wish to see them, but, given that it took him as far away from Thornley as possible, Henry felt himself almost driven there. His first dance with Lady Brooke was not for some time and, so, he allowed himself to linger there for a moment, hearing the excited chatter of those around him who thought the display wonderful.
Seeing a small arbor to his left, Henry chose to sit there quietly, observing the crowd and keeping most of his thoughts to himself. He was a little frustrated with Thornley’s behavior, whilst being thoroughly delighted to have three dances with Lady Brooke—not that he could dance the three of course, for then that would show partiality, and he did not wish to do that to her, especially when he had only written his name there so that Thornley would not. He could hardly wait to have her in his arms once more, smiling delightedly to himself at the thought.
Hearing the music begin to strike up once more, he watched the crowd that surrounded the jewel display begin to disperse, leaving only a few wallflowers and older companions regarding them carefully. One, he noticed, lingered longer than the others, her eyes falling on the jewels only for her nose to wrinkle, as though a little put off by the display. She did not seem to be too old a companion either, and Henry wondered who she might belong to. She looked very familiar.