by Alec, Joyce
Frederica threw her aunt a smile and did as she was told, finding that the anticipation that had once filled her about Lord Blakely’s visit was now somewhat diminished given the strangeness of Lady Preston’s conversation. However, she lifted her chin a notch, clasped her hands in front of her, and prepared to meet Lord Blakely, hoping that his visit, at least, would be a much greater success than that of Lady Preston’s.
8
“Good evening, Lady Nottingham.”
Percy smiled at the older lady as he rose from his bow, seeing a gleam in her eyes as he did so. His smile dropped just a little, wondering whether or not she had heard about the strange incident with Miss Addington and her mother. The story would likely have been spread by Lady Preston and, without a doubt, Lady Nottingham would have listened eagerly.
“Good evening, Lord Wetherby,” she replied, tipping her head in a birdlike fashion. “I see that you are presentable this evening, at least.”
“Presentable?” he repeated as Lady Nottingham’s eyes narrowed.
“Indeed, Lord Wetherby,” she replied, glancing across at her daughter, who had, thus far, remained entirely silent. “You do not recall?”
Percy shook his head, entirely uncertain of what Lady Nottingham was referring to. “I am afraid I do not, Lady Nottingham,” he replied, a great unease beginning to twist his stomach. “I can only apologize if I said or did anything untoward.”
Lady Nottingham did not laugh, lifting her head so that she stood straight once more. “You were entirely unpresentable, Lord Wetherby,” she stated coldly. “And most improper. You may claim to have forgotten it entirely, but I am sure that you have simply chosen to ignore what occurred. I am glad, however, that you appear to be a little more presentable this evening.” She tutted and looked away from him. “My son should never behave in such a way.”
Clearing his throat, Percy nodded. “But of course,” he said, turning to Miss Chalmers. “Good evening, Miss Chalmers. Are you to dance this evening?”
Miss Chalmers, for whatever reason, went very pale and shook her head, her eyes looking away from his.
“What a pity,” he said quickly, regretting that he had stopped to speak to Lady Nottingham at all. “Good evening to you both. I do hope that you have a pleasant time here at the assembly.”
Hurrying away from them, Percy let out a long breath of relief, his stomach twisting this way and that with the uncomfortable conversation that he had just endured. Whatever he had done, it seemed that Lady Nottingham had also borne the brunt of his outlandish behavior, as well as Lady Frederica. He had not wanted to delve into the details of what he had done but once more took the opportunity to remind himself that he would never permit himself to become so very inebriated again.
The evening assembly was always an exceptional evening and Percy had every reason to expect to enjoy himself, although he certainly did not wish to speak with Lady Nottingham again. Wincing inwardly at the thought of every lady in all of London knowing of his supposed mistake with Lady Preston’s daughter, Percy closed his eyes for a moment and drew in a long breath. This Season was not going as well as he had expected and, thus far, he had made something of a poor show of things.
“Lord Wetherby?”
Opening his eyes, he blinked rapidly in order to clear his vision, only to see Lady Frederica coming into view.
“Lady Frederica,” he stammered, all the more embarrassed to have been seen in such a ridiculous state. “Good evening. Your Grace, good evening.”
The duchess smiled. “Good evening,” she said as Lady Frederica frowned, looking at him curiously. “Are you quite well, Lord Wetherby?”
“I am,” he said quickly. “Forgive me. I was lost in thought for a moment.”
Lady Frederica said nothing for a moment or two, before she took a small step closer to him.
“Lord Wetherby, might I speak candidly to you for a moment?” she asked as the duchess moved a little further away, turning just a little so that Lady Frederica and Percy might talk together.
“What do you wish to say to me?” Percy asked, a little confused. “I pray I have done nothing more to upset you.”
Lady Frederica smiled and shook her head, relief flooding Percy. “No, indeed not,” she said quietly. “However, I did wonder whether or not we might speak of Lady Preston for a few moments?”
“Lady Preston?” Percy asked, and Lady Frederica nodded. “You wish me to speak of her?”
“I—I had a very unusual visit from her this afternoon,” Lady Frederica continued, a small frown catching her brow. “She was most upset about her daughter and the dance that you were to take with her.”
Rather irritated at this remark, Percy shook his head. “I confess, Lady Frederica, that I was a good deal confused by the situation,” he said as Lady Frederica held his gaze steadily, perhaps searching for truth in his eyes. “But I promise you that I did not go immediately to Lady Preston and Miss Addington and request the very same dance from her that I had just agreed on with you.”
“I believe you, Lord Wetherby,” Lady Frederica said and, much to his surprise, placed one hand on his arm for just a moment. “However, for whatever reason, Lady Preston called upon me this afternoon with the seeming sole intention of ensuring that my acquaintance with you did not continue.” Her lips pressed together for a moment as the smallest flush of color came into her cheeks. “Might I ask if there is anything that should justify Lady Preston’s remarks?”
Percy paused for a moment before he replied, finding that he was both a little embarrassed and, at the same time, very grateful for Lady Frederica’s openness.
“I would be honest with you, Lady Frederica,” he began carefully. “I know that I made a very poor first impression and that is, of course, why you now ask such a thing. However, I can assure you that I have never once done anything to either insult or upset Lady Preston or Miss Addington. I became acquainted with them both last Season and do not think that I have even spoken to them until a few days ago.”
He looked desperately into Lady Frederica’s eyes, praying that she would believe him even though he had given her very little cause to do so. Her emerald eyes glittered as she looked back at him, her lips gently pursed. Some moments passed and Percy held his breath, feeling his heart pound furiously.
“Very well, Lord Wetherby,” Lady Frederica said eventually, and Percy closed his eyes for just a moment, relieved beyond explanation. “Then if that is the case, can you think of any particular reason that Lady Preston would come and speak to me in such a manner?”
“None,” Percy replied truthfully, spreading his hands wide. “I believe that there was a mistake in her thinking, and for whatever reason, she has now cause to think me of very poor character indeed.” A wry smile tipped his lips. “Whereas you, Lady Frederica, have every reason to think so poorly of me.”
She laughed, a light coming back into her eyes as she smiled. “Indeed I do, Lord Wetherby,” she agreed. “I presume, as yet, you have not had any real recollection as to why you were found in my uncle’s townhouse?”
“I have not,” he replied, seeing her smile slowly disappear. “I am sorry, Lady Frederica. I have made a very poor impression—I am fully aware of that—but I will do all I can to improve it, should you be willing to give me another opportunity.”
A line appeared between Lady Frederica’s brows as she looked back at him. “But of course,” she said slowly. “Despite Lady Preston’s warnings, I am willing, Lord Wetherby. Although, might I suggest that there is something a little more…” She trailed off, her eyes darting away for a moment as she sought the right word or expression before sighing and returning her gaze to him. “It does not matter,” she finished with a smile. “Thank you for speaking with me so openly, Lord Wetherby. I am grateful.”
“As am I,” Percy said truthfully. “It is not every young lady who is so forgiving, Lady Frederica.” He glanced toward the duchess, who was smiling gently to herself, clearly aware of what they had been speak
ing of. “Might I hope that the Duke and Duchess of Ellsworth are also in agreement with our renewed acquaintance?”
“They are,” Lady Frederica replied, her eyes twinkling as Percy found himself smiling back at her, a strange warmth in his heart as he felt all awkwardness and tension disappear completely. He had meant every word that he had said to her—it was not every young lady who would be as willing or as magnanimous as she. It spoke well of her character, certainly, and as Percy looked back into her eyes, he felt his breath catch. She was particularly lovely this evening.
“Do you wish to dance this evening?” he asked, and she quickly pulled the card from her wrist. “I must hope that, this evening, we shall have no difficulties whatsoever, either before the dance or after.”
“Indeed,” Lady Frederica laughed, handing it to him. “Thank you, Lord Wetherby.”
* * *
Walking along the path that led through the gardens, Percy drew in a deep breath of fresh air and let it out slowly. He had come outside to take a few minutes to himself, away from the crowd and the hubbub of laughter and conversation in order to gather his thoughts. Things with Lady Frederica had gone very well, and he was glad that she felt so able to ask him the questions she had done.
The path was lit with a few lanterns although the moon was very bright. Smiling to himself, Percy made to return indoors, only to come across Lord Greenford, who was standing with two other gentlemen.
“Greenford!” he exclaimed as his friend greeted him. “Good evening.”
Lord Greenford’s features were lit up by the lantern light and, much to Percy’s dismay, he saw a thin line pull at Lord Greenford’s mouth. “Good evening, Lord Wetherby.”
Percy said nothing more, frowning at his friend and wondering at his change in expression.
“I see that you and Lady Frederica appear to be much better acquainted.”
His head lifted as Percy studied Lord Greenford carefully, wondering if he heard a small note of jealousy in his friend’s voice. Lord Greenford had turned away from the other two gentlemen now, allowing for them both to have something of a private conversation.
“We are,” he said, having only just returned Lady Frederica back to the duchess after the first of their two dances. Had Lord Greenford seen him dance with her? Was he, for some reason, envious of that fact? “That is to say, Lady Frederica has been willing to accept my acquaintance again, for which I am very grateful.”
“I can imagine,” Lord Greenford replied, a little ruefully. “I would have thought that she might have rejected you entirely.”
Chuckling wryly, Percy shook his head. “You sound somewhat disappointed that she has not done so,” he said, speaking honestly. “I am sorry that she has not done so.”
Lord Greenford sighed and looked away from Percy for a moment, no smile etching itself across his face. “I have a great respect for Lady Frederica,” he said as Percy listened with interest. “I had thought myself a little drawn to her, I confess.”
“You are drawn to a good many young ladies,” Percy replied, finding himself a little unsettled at the thought of Lady Frederica being courted by Lord Greenford, although he could not explain why. “What is it about Lady Frederica that is so very different?” He watched Lord Greenford’s expression change, seeing how he frowned.
“I could not say,” came the reply. “You are quite right to say that I find myself intrigued by a good many ladies, but Lady Frederica has an exceptional character, I think. She is not afraid to speak openly and yet does so with gentleness and consideration.”
“And she is rather beautiful,” Percy added, before he could stop himself. “I am well aware of what you mean. I am sorry that she has not rejected me as you might have hoped.”
Thankfully, Lord Greenford chuckled at this remark, making Percy smile in return. The dark expression on Lord Greenford’s face faded and he seemed back to his usual self, allowing Percy to let out a sigh of relief.
“Doubtless I shall find another young lady to dote upon,” he said as Percy nodded his agreement, his eyes drifting away from Lord Greenford and across the gardens. “What other young ladies might you recommend?”
Percy chuckled ruefully. “Given that I have made a very poor impression upon not only Lady Frederica, it seems, but others also, I am hardly the best person to ask,” he said as Lord Greenford’s brow rose in surprise. “Oh yes! I have managed to insult Lady Preston and her daughter, Miss Addington, as well as Lady Nottingham and her daughter, Miss Chalmers.” He groaned and threw back his head for a moment, his eyes closing tightly. “And worst of all is that I do not recall precisely what it is that I did as regards the latter.”
“I doubt that it matters,” came the reply. “After all, you now know simply to avoid her company and, in doing so, will improve yourself heartily to her.” He chuckled as Percy winced, knowing that Lord Greenford was only being half serious.
“I think I shall return inside,” Lord Greenford continued as Percy nodded. “Are you to dance again this evening?”
“I will join you,” Percy replied as they began to make their way back toward the ballroom. “Yes, I am to dance again with Lady Frederica, but it is not for some time.” He smiled to himself at the thought of taking Lady Frederica onto the dance floor, thinking about how improved their acquaintance had become these last few days. “Although certainly, I should not like to be tardy.”
Lord Greenford chuckled. “I am sure you will not be late,” he stated, the path twisting first to the right and then to the left. “Indeed, I think that—”
Much to Percy’s astonishment, a hand suddenly grasped his arm and pulled him sharply away from the path and into the shadows of the gardens. Lord Greenford continued speaking, clearly unaware of what had happened to Percy, who, despite his shock, had not let out a single exclamation.
“Lord Wetherby.”
A hushed voice spoke quietly to him, the hand that had pulled him in still holding his arm.
“You do recall the last time we were in such a place, do you not?”
Alarm swam through Percy’s mind and he took a step back, only for the hand to tighten once more.
“I know nothing of what you speak,” he hissed, hearing Lord Greenford calling his name. “Unhand me at once!” He did not want to forcibly remove himself for fear that he would drag both himself and this unknown lady into the lantern light. What would happen then? Would the lady be seen by another member of the ton? Would Percy then be forced to engage himself to her, in order to secure her reputation? He did not want to even think of such a thing, and thus chose to speak and act very quietly indeed. “Release me at once, madam.”
The quiet laugh from the lady made the hair on the back of Percy’s neck stand on end.
“I know that you pretend,” she said as her other hand settled on Percy’s shoulder, making his heart beat furiously. “You are not as reluctant as you seem. Although why you will not wed me, as you promised, I do not know.”
“Wed you?” Percy shook his head in disbelief, reaching up with one hand to push away her hand from his shoulder. He did so quickly, managing to release himself somewhat. “My lady, you are entirely mistaken. I have never once stepped into the gardens with any young lady and certainly have not spoken of matrimony.”
The fingers on his arm began to curl, biting into his skin.
“You look at me as though you and I are not particularly well acquainted,” she breathed, anger surfacing through her words. “When we meet, you do not greet me with any of the warmth I would hope for. How can you expect me to continue in such a way when I know what we have shared, when I know what you have promised me?”
“I have promised you nothing,” Percy replied firmly, pulling her hand free from his arm. “You are mistaken, my lady. I am not the gentleman you require.”
The lady let out a hiss of breath and threw her arms about him, and it was only in his panic that Percy realized she was trying to kiss him. It seemed that none of his protestations meant anything t
o this particular young lady. Given that he did not know anything about her true identity and that she had spoken of his supposed promise of matrimony, Percy knew that the only reasonable thing to do was escape from her without making a scene. Surely, she could not intend to follow him into the ballroom, to demand that he wed her without any real reason for him to do so.
And then, as he tried to pry her hands from around his neck, turning his face to the right, Percy felt quite certain he saw another figure emerge from the gloom. His mind bellowed for him to escape, realizing now that the young lady in question had brought with her someone who would witness Percy’s evident affections toward this young lady and, thereafter, call for him to wed her. With an effort—and not at all gently—he unwound the young lady’s arms and pushed her back, before turning around and rushing back toward the path.
Lord Greenford’s eyes widened in surprise. “There you are,” he began, just as Percy grasped his arm. “Whatever is the matter? Where did you go?”
“I must hasten inside,” Percy said hurriedly, throwing a glance over his shoulder. “And thereafter, I must go home. If anyone should ask for me, you will inform them that I have had to return back home and did so some time ago.” Stepping back into the ballroom was something of a relief, although Percy knew he was not safe as yet. The young lady and whoever else had been with her might then march into the ballroom and demand to know where he was gone. If Lord Greenford could state that Percy had returned home and had, in fact, done so some time ago, then the ton would not start calling for him to wed whoever the young lady was. If he remained here, however, there was always the chance that she might do precisely as he feared.
“Home?” Lord Greenford repeated as Percy nodded. “Why should you do such a thing? And where did you disappear to in the gardens?” He frowned and rubbed at his brow, his eyes puzzled. “I was certain that you—”