by Rose Pearson
“You enjoy reading?”
Lady Hayward was smiling now, clearly glad that their discussion about Lord Richmond was at an end.
“I do,” Rebecca replied honestly. “My sisters are not at all inclined to do so, however, so I shall be very surprised indeed if they have found anything of interest!”
This made Lady Hayward laugh, and the remaining tension that had lingered ever since Lord Richmond had left their company quickly dissipated.
“Then let us go and see what they have discovered,” Lady Hayward said as Rebecca nodded and followed after her. “And I thank you for your understanding, Lady Rebecca. Society can be a very difficult thing to traverse, and you are doing very well thus far. I should not like you to injure yourself in any way.”
“You are doing your very best to protect and guide me, and for that, I am truly appreciative,” Rebecca replied, trying not to look down at the book in her hand as a fresh wave of guilt thrust itself, hard at her soul. “It must be very difficult for Lord Richmond, but I ought not to think of his difficulties at present but look entirely to my own situation.”
Lady Hayward glanced over her shoulder, a small smile on her face. “That is it precisely, Lady Rebecca,” she stated, clearly satisfied. “And tonight’s ball will be another opportunity for you to further your own situation. I am sure that, by this evening, you will have forgotten about Lord Richmond entirely.”
Rebecca said nothing and waited as Lady Hayward went to speak to her sisters. Despite her awareness of the situation, despite her knowledge that she ought not to be thinking of the gentleman any longer, the way he had spoken to Lady Hayward and the way he had drawn himself up in defense, would not leave her mind. Whilst Lady Hayward might be quite certain that Rebecca would be able to forget him, Rebecca herself did not think it would be as simple as she expected. Lord Richmond had captured her attention in a single moment and, for whatever reason, Rebecca found she did not want to remove him from her thoughts, even if it might be the best thing for her.
Chapter Five
“Are you certain you should be here?”
Jeffery drew himself up, looking hard at Lord Swinton as he prepared to make his defense, but his friend quickly held up both hands in a defensive gesture.
“What I mean to say is, whilst you have been invited and whilst you are, of course, welcome to attend, do you believe that it is in your best interest to be here?” He studied Jeffery carefully. “The rumors have only just begun.”
“I am aware of that,” Jeffery replied tightly. “But I am determined to prove to the ton that I am not about to hide away as though I am guilty.”
Lord Swinton drew in a breath and then shrugged. “I suppose that is one way to go about things,” he replied, a trifle begrudgingly. “However, what if you are thoroughly rejected by the ton? That will not make for a pleasant Season.”
“It is better than hiding away, knowing that such rumors are being whispered,” Jeffery remarked, hiding the true extent of his frustration from his friend. “There is no truth in what they say of me. I am not the sort of gentleman to steal another man’s wife!”
An expression of sympathy appeared on Lord Swinton’s face. “I am aware of that,” he replied, a little more kindly. “As are, I am sure, many within the beau monde. But not everyone will accept such a thing. I am, of course, attempting to defend you as much as I can, but the truth of the matter is that there are those within the beau monde who like nothing more than to chew over some piece of gossip and disregard entirely the notion that it might, in some way, affect a gentleman’s character. The rumor mill is more important to them than anything else.”
Jeffery sighed inwardly and shrugged as though such a thing was of no great consequence. “Let them say what they wish,” he stated as firmly as he could despite the fact that he felt no such confidence within his heart. “I am determined to prove myself to the ton in one way or another. I shall not allow myself to be treated as though I have done something wrong when I have not.”
Lord Swinton spread his hands. “You are welcome to try although I think it will be most difficult,” he said with a shake of his head. “Although, might I ask something?”
Jeffery nodded. “But of course.”
“What precisely occurred that evening?” Lord Swinton asked slowly. “I simply recall that you did not return to the soiree and when Lady Kensington finally reappeared—for she had begged us all to excuse her for a few minutes—it was more than apparent that she had been crying. Lord Kensington took unwell and did not even come and greet his guests, and when Lord Millerton returned, he said nothing but encouraged the gentlemen to join him at Whites.”
“Where, no doubt, the rumors began,” Jeffery muttered, darkly. “What did he say, exactly?” That evening was still very much in his mind as he recalled the shame of having to return home without being permitted to re-join the other guests. The sleepless night that had followed as he considered all that would happen next, knowing that his reputation would, most likely, be tarnished, and fearful of what would occur thereafter.
“Lord Millerton was gleeful,” Lord Swinton admitted, a little sadly. “I, of course, did not believe what he said in the least and stated as much, which is, I hope, why there are conflicting accounts of your actions.”
Jeffery lifted one eyebrow. “There are?”
“Indeed,” Lord Swinton replied, emphatically. “Some say—as Lord Millerton stated—that you were discovered in a most compromising position with Lady Kensington and that, thereafter, you were thrown from the house. Some say that you were merely in conversation with the lady but that you ought not to have been doing such a thing given that she was alone, thereby implying that, had you not been discovered, you would have…furthered your acquaintance with her.”
A wave of embarrassment flung itself into Jeffery’s face. “I see,” he muttered, running one hand over his eyes. “And there are none who consider the fact that it might have been Lady Kensington who attempted to capture my attention, but I was doing all I could to remove myself from her!”
“Is that what happened?” Lord Swinton asked quietly as the other guests continued to laugh and converse and dance around them. “You were unable to convince her to leave you?”
Another heavy sigh ripped from Jeffery’s lips. “I was foolish,” he said heavily, hating that he had to admit such a thing aloud but refuse to turn from the truth of it. “I went in search of Lord Kensington, believing him to be in his study.” Seeing the widening of Lord Swinton’s eyes, Jeffery winced and shook his head. “You told me not to do so, but I did not listen. Upon finding him absent, I decided to return to the soiree. Unfortunately, as I made my way back to the drawing-room, Lady Kensington discovered me in the hallway and attempted to…” Trailing off, he struggled to find the right words. “Attempted to encourage some sort of ardor from me. She did not succeed, however, for I wanted nothing more than to extricate myself from her.” Closing his eyes, a small groan escaped him. “You need not tell me that I was unwise. You stated very clearly that my compassion was overruling sense, and you were quite correct. I am certain now that the lady hoped I would do as she asked, in the hope that she might then fling herself at me in the improper fashion that she did. The arrival of her husband and Lord Millerton was, however, quite unexpected.”
“You would have escaped without consequence had he not appeared,” Lord Swinton added as Jeffery nodded fervently. “And no, I shall not berate you. I believe you have done enough of that on your own.”
His shoulders slumping, Jeffery ran one hand through his hair, dislodging the neat style. “Perhaps I should not have come here,” he said, suddenly discouraged. “I saw Lady Hayward and met her new charge earlier this afternoon.” The pain of what had occurred still bit at him. “She was most unwilling to allow the acquaintance to continue. She practically shunned me and would not listen to my defense!”
“And for that, I am sorry.”
Jeffery swung around, astonished to see none other
than the young lady he had spoken to in the bookshop standing there, entirely alone. Warnings rose in his head, and he took a small step back. The alarm must have shown on his face, for the lady quickly gestured to an older gentleman who was deep in conversation with another.
“My father, the Duke of Landon,” she said, hastily. “I apologize for his distraction.”
Jeffery blinked rapidly, not quite certain what to say. Looking to Lord Swinton, he saw the man’s eyebrows lift in evident expectation and hastily realized he had not made any sort of introduction.
“Good evening, Lady Rebecca,” he said, stumbling over his words such was his surprise. “My dear friend, the Earl of Swinton.”
“Good evening, Lord Swinton,” came the reply as the young lady curtsied. “I am very glad to make your acquaintance.”
“And I yours,” Lord Swinton replied, shooting a glance back towards Jeffery. “If you will excuse my ignorance, Lady Rebecca, Lord Richmond has only just informed me that you are in the care of Lady Hayward, and yet—”
“And yet my father is here this evening,” Lady Rebecca interrupted, a smile catching her mouth. “Yes, it is a rather different arrangement, I must say, but my father has many daughters and, without a mother to guide us, he feels the burden of responsibility very heavily indeed. Therefore, Lady Hayward has stepped into the role, although my father does, of course, remain in London and will attend certain social occasions.”
Jeffery swallowed hard. He had met this young lady for the first time this afternoon, but she was so markedly different this evening that he could barely lift his eyes from her. Her red curls were tumbling over her shoulders, her green eyes seeming to be all the more vivid as they watched him, her expression a little confused, as though she could not quite understand what he was thinking in watching her so.
“I—I would not like to bring any disgrace to you, Lady Rebecca,” Jeffery began, glancing around him and realizing that many of the ton would be able to see her talking with him. “To be in my company at present is not recommended.”
Lady Rebecca nodded. “I am well aware of that, Lord Richmond,” she said practically. “Which is why I shall not linger. I wished only to say that I am sorry for the conversation this afternoon. I believe Lady Hayward is open to the idea that you might not be as guilty as is being spoken of but she is required to protect me from all manner of difficulties.”
“I quite understand, Lady Rebecca,” Jeffery replied, inclining his head and finding himself surprised at her seemingly genuine consideration of his feelings about the matter. “There is no need to explain. It is very kind of you to think of me so, but I can assure you that Lady Hayward’s reaction towards me is the first of many.”
This did not seem to please Lady Rebecca, for she bit her lip and frowned, her eyes now fixing to his with an intensity that shook Jeffery’s soul. He had no desire to damage this young lady’s reputation in any way, and her presence here beside him, her seeming eagerness to discuss the matter with him, was only making things a little more difficult. She ought to be extricating herself from the conversation as quickly as she could before returning to her father’s side, and yet, for whatever reason, she was not doing so.
“I do not think it fair, Lord Richmond.”
“Fair?” He shot a quick look towards Lord Swinton, who was watching Lady Rebecca with obvious interest, one hand rubbing his chin as Lady Rebecca continued to speak.
“If you are innocent of such a thing, then surely there must be a way to prove it to the ton.”
Jeffery was stunned. Every other young lady, every other mother or aunt or chaperone would be pulling their charge away from him, telling them that Lord Richmond was not to be trusted, that he was nothing more than a rogue, a scoundrel, and a blaggard, whereas Lady Rebecca, the daughter of a Duke, seemed to believe him to be entirely innocent. It was both refreshing to hear and astonishing to consider, although a warning began to ring as he inclined his head towards her. There was an urge to speak to her further, to agree with her that yes, it was unfair and to express his willingness to try to find a solution to prove his innocence to all and sundry, but in doing so, Jeffery knew that he would be prolonging her time with him, which would, no doubt, soon attract the attention of others.
He had to bring this conversation to a swift end, for her sake.
“I will confess myself quite delighted with the fact that you believe me to be stating the truth when I say that I am not at all what the ton considers me to be, Lady Rebecca,” he said swiftly, “but there is, I am afraid, nothing that can be done. I must endure, that is all. I must show the beau monde that I am unafraid of their hard words, of their whispers and their rumors. Instead, I shall remain here with my head held high in the hope that, one day soon, the gossip will begin to fade away.” Shrugging, he gave her a wry smile. “That is all I can hope for, Lady Rebecca, although I thank you for your concern. It is very refreshing in the midst of my difficulties.”
She smiled, and Jeffery felt his heart squeeze gently as though he had found something that he wanted desperately to pursue but was being denied from doing so. Looking away from her, he cleared his throat and turned to Lord Swinton. “I believe I should excuse myself, Lord Swinton,” he said as his friend lifted one eyebrow. “It would be best, I think. If you could remain to ensure that Lady Rebecca is not—”
“Pray, do not trouble yourself, Lord Richmond.” Lady Rebecca’s voice was calm and clear, but when he turned to look at her, there was a glint of steel in her eye—although whether or not it was directed towards him for his eagerness to end their conversation, Jeffery could not say.
“I do not wish to trouble you further,” Lady Rebecca continued, “and I can see that you also are eager to protect my reputation, which, I suppose, I should be grateful for.”
Jeffery frowned, a question on the tip of his tongue as to why she might be displeased about his desire rather than being glad of it, but he restrained himself with effort. Now was not the time to continue speaking to the lady. Not when he was attempting to remove himself from her.
“I do hope we might speak again, Lord Richmond,” Lady Rebecca continued, her words astonishing him all the more. “Whilst the ton might believe you to be guilty of this particular crime, I find myself believing that you are not as they say.”
“You do not even know me, Lady Rebecca,” Jeffery stated, unable to keep silent. “How can you make such a judgment?”
Lady Rebecca considered for some moments, tilting her head just a little as she studied him. Jeffery swallowed hard, instantly regretting his question given just how intensely she was now studying him. There was something about her gaze that both unsettled and interested him, as if he were desperate to know what she thought and yet less than willing to ask.
“I do not know what it is, Lord Richmond,” came the quiet reply. “But there is something about you that speaks of guiltlessness.” One shoulder lifted. “But then again, mayhap I am entirely naïve and will be proven so.”
“You are not naïve,” Jeffery rumbled, a little overwhelmed by her words. “But all the same, Lady Rebecca, for your own sake—”
“Yes, yes,” she said, waving a hand. “Good evening, Lord Richmond. Lord Swinton.”
Lord Swinton inclined his head. “Good evening,” he murmured as she took her leave, turning back towards her father without a momentary glance back towards Jeffery. Shaking his head, Jeffery looked back at his friend, who was still watching after Lady Rebecca with a slightly astonished look on his face as though he could not believe what he had heard.
“If you were not in such a circumstance, Richmond, I would tell you to pursue that young lady with everything you possessed,” he remarked, turning his head to look at Jeffery. “She is quite remarkable!”
“Or very naïve, as she herself stated,” Jeffery replied, trying to push away the lingering memory of her watchful eyes considering him and only now becoming aware of just how quickly his heart was beating. “I might be a rogue for all she knows.
And given it is her first Season...” He trailed off, leaving the rest of the words unspoken. A debutante did not know much of society, even though she would be well aware of all that was demanded of her in terms of behavior and expectations of propriety. It might come as something of a shock to a delicate young lady to know that gentlemen could be so roguish in their behavior, to hear such whispers and gossip as never before. Quite what it was Lady Rebecca had seen in him, he did not know, but Jeffery was determined to push her from his mind. His only intention was to remain in London and within society to prove to the ton that he would not be pushed away by rumor and gossip. Being fully aware that his reputation was already damaged by what had occurred thus far, Jeffery did not want to make it all the worse for himself by running to hide—but he certainly could not pull someone such as Lady Rebecca down with him, even if she was both beautiful and intriguing.
“You are in something of a predicament, are you not?” Lord Swinton remarked, shaking his head. “I can tell that you are interested in the lady and, in truth, I do not think I have ever met someone akin to her before. To come here and speak to you in such an open and direct manner, when she has only been introduced to you the once, is quite astonishing!”
“Perhaps she felt a little guilty over what Lady Hayward said to me,” Jeffery replied, trying to shrug off any suggestion that he was fascinated by Lady Rebecca. “Although she need not do so. It is not as though it was her doing, and, if I am honest, I quite understand Lady Hayward’s need to keep her charge from me, and it is to be expected that gossip such as this is listened to.”
Lord Swinton lifted his eyebrows and looked hard at Jeffery, who immediately cleared his throat and looked away. He knew very well that his friend expected him to admit to the fact that he was interested in Lady Rebecca when he was quite determined not to do so.
“So, you are to do nothing about the lady, then,” Lord Swinton said, sounding disappointed. “You are just to continue as you are, removing her from your thoughts so that you could not even consider her.”