Andrea’s stomach fluttered with the wings of a thousand butterflies, seeing the expression on his face and feeling her heart lift with a sudden, unexpected hope.
“There are other gentlemen within London society who might wish to further their acquaintance,” he continued, moving slowly towards her, his eyes never lifting from hers. “There are those who might have been forced to keep such desires secret for one reason or another, but who might now find themselves at liberty to share them with you, Miss Truwin.”
Licking her lips with a sudden nervousness and growing aware that they were entirely alone – which was not a wise position for any young lady to find herself in, Andrea dropped her gaze and turned her head away.
“You are very kind to suggest such a thing, Lord Bastien,” she said softly, wondering what had changed between his turning away from her last evening to now speaking with such eloquence and evident affection. “I shall, of course, consider what you have said and allow my thoughts to dwell on matters for some time.” Glancing back at him, she was surprised to see the smile on his face and how his eyes glittered. It was as though what she had said rendered him triumphant, although she did not understand why. “You have my grateful thanks, Lord Bastien.”
He bowed low, sweeping down and then rising up again, only to stretch out one hand towards her.
Andrea could not breathe, seeing that he meant to take her hand and yet finding it almost impossible to give him what he desired. Given how he had behaved at their first meeting – turning away from her and ignoring her entirely, it had then come as a shock to her that he had sought her out with Lady Landerbelt and asked to sign his name on her dance card! How glad she had been that there had been some spaces left for him to do so. However, now that he was standing in this room alone with her and asking for her hand, Andrea felt as though he were seeking more than what was appropriate, knowing that they could be discovered at any moment and her reputation potentially stained. If someone were to walk in when he was bringing her hand to his mouth, then a good deal more might be construed.
Would that be so terrible? asked a quiet voice, as she looked into his eyes. You care for him, do you not?
Her heart ached and, almost unwillingly, she lifted her hand to his. The fervor with which he took it astonished her all the more, only for a furious heat to rush up her arm and into her whole body as he kissed the back of her hand. His lips were fire, the gentleness of his touch an overwhelming heat. Her heart beat so violently and with such strength that she felt quite certain he could hear it, for the look in his eyes as he raised his head and let her hand drop was one of victory, as if he knew precisely how she now felt.
“Perhaps I might sit with you this evening, when the musical entertainment begins,” he said, huskily. “It would be my greatest–”
Before he could finish speaking, the door opened and he stepped back hurriedly, whilst Andrea herself froze in place, her cheeks paling to white.
“Excuse me,” said a familiar voice, gentle and yet filled with a sternness that Andrea knew would be directed towards her. “Miss Truwin, I came in search of you for I wanted to discuss something pertinent.” Lady Landerbelt walked into the room with firm steps, leaving the door wide open and fixing her gaze upon Lord Bastien. “I did not think you would have company, however.”
Lord Bastien bowed heavily, his expression a little ashamed. “You find us both here unexpectedly, Lady Landerbelt,” he replied quietly, without looking at Andrea. “Miss Truwin came into the library without noticing my presence here. I was only just making her aware of my being here when you arrived.”
Andrea blushed, knowing this was not quite the truth but finding that she could not bring herself to say anything that would contradict this. It was embarrassing enough to have been found in a room alone with a gentleman without her adding to it by telling Lady Landerbelt the truth in its entirety.
“I see,” Lady Landerbelt murmured, finally looking at Andrea and lifting one eyebrow in a gentle arch. “Then might I ask you, Miss Truwin, if you will accompany me back to the drawing room? I would not like your absence to be noticed by anyone else.”
“But of course,” Andrea replied in a small voice, not looking at Lord Bastien as she hurried towards the door, as though she wanted to prove to Lady Landerbelt that she was eager to remove herself from this situation. “At once, Lady Landerbelt.” She did not look back but waited for Lady Landerbelt to join her in the passageway, leaving Lord Bastien within.
“Thank you, Miss Truwin,” Lady Landerbelt murmured, as she came to walk alongside Andrea. “I came in search of you after seeing you quit the room. I feared that I had brought you some embarrassment.”
Andrea looked up at the lady sharply. “No, indeed not,” she exclaimed, horrified at the thought that Lady Landerbelt considered herself to be the one at fault. “I believe you have the measure of my mother, Lady Landerbelt, and whilst I do not want to continually speak ill of her, I found her conduct this evening most unbecoming, and I am truly sorry if you were brought any shame or embarrassment by what was said.”
Lady Landerbelt graced her with a small smile, before the door to the drawing room was opened by one of the footmen for them to walk through. “You are honest, at least,” she murmured, sending a frisson of guilt through Andrea’s heart. “But perhaps a little unwise, Miss Truwin.” She came to a stop near the edge of the room, allowing them to continue speaking in private. “What were you doing with Lord Bastien?”
Andrea shook her head, dropping her gaze to the floor. “I did not know he was within, Lady Landerbelt,” she said, honestly. “When he came to speak to me, I was utterly astonished. I know that I should have quit the room at once, but–”
“He should have quit the room,” Lady Landerbelt interrupted, with a sharp frown. “A gentleman ought not to linger when a lady’s reputation is at stake.” She tilted her head and looked carefully at Andrea, as though she knew precisely why Lord Bastien had not immediately gone from the room. “Is there anything you wish to say to me, Miss Truwin? I know that you have said before that there is no gentleman that particularly captures your attention, but I could not help but notice how your gaze lingered on Lord Bastien last evening, and how you blushed when he sought to write his name on your dance card.”
Andrea’s mouth went dry. She had not spoken of her feelings to anyone as yet, having no expectation that her mother would be at all interested in what Andrea felt. Lord Bastien was an earl, of course, and that title would do very well for Lord and Lady Hawthorn, but Andrea had been afraid that if she told her mother of her affections for the gentleman, then her mother would end up pushing Lord Bastien far from Andrea, simply by speaking and behaving in her usual loud and overly bold manner. But Lady Landerbelt was quite different to her mother, Andrea knew. There was something about the lady that made Andrea want to tell her the truth, even though she had not known the lady for very long.
“You can trust me, Miss Truwin,” Lady Landerbelt said gently, her expression softening. “I would like to help you, if you would permit me. However, if you would prefer to align yourself with your mother, then I truly will understand. I do not want to bring any dissension to your family.”
Andrea swallowed hard, knowing precisely what she wanted. She wanted someone to come alongside her and help guide her through society, instead of crowing loudly about her supposed achievements. She wanted someone to whom she might speak honestly about her feelings and have them given consideration. Lady Landerbelt could very well be that person, for Andrea knew full well, her mother never could be.
“I was acquainted with Lord Bastien last Season,” she found herself saying, as Lady Landerbelt nodded knowingly. “We talked very often and danced at almost every ball. He did not ever call upon me, however, or suggest anything that might deepen our acquaintance.” Her heart began to ache just a little, but she kept her voice steady as she continued. “I thought he might be encouraged to write when the Season came to an end, but unfortunately, he did not.
I thought, therefore, that my feelings were to be left unrequited, such as they were, and prayed that they would dim before I returned to London again. However, when I saw him again, my heart lifted with such a thrill that I realized such a thing could never be.”
“I see,” Lady Landerbelt replied, thoughtfully. “And yet now he appears to be quite interested.”
Andrea shook her head, refusing to think on how he had kissed the back of her hand. “He may very well just be returning to that general acquaintance between us,” she said, carefully. “Although when we spoke in the library, he did suggest that there might be other gentlemen who would be glad of an opportunity to court me.”
“As well as himself?” Lady Landerbelt asked, sounding surprised. “I did not think that–”
“He was referring to Lord Islington,” Andrea explained, seeing that she had not made herself particularly clear. “He believes that Lord Islington is being quite forward in his attentions, although he has only presumed that from yesterday evening.”
Lady Landerbelt considered this for a long moment, then lifted one shoulder and glanced to her left. “I think then, Miss Truwin, that you ought to simply go about society and see what occurs,” she said, quite calmly. “Lord Islington and Lord Bastien will have to make their attentions clear soon enough, and that will be more than satisfactory, I think. You need do nothing more than continue on as you are, showing no preference for either.” Returning her gaze to Andrea, she smiled happily. “Although I am glad that you have trusted me enough to share all that you feel,” she finished. “And I would be glad to aid you in this, if you would have me.”
“I should be very grateful,” Andrea replied, earnestly, “especially after what my mother said of you, which I am quite certain you overheard.” She blushed as Lady Landerbelt arched one eyebrow, her eyes twinkling. “I shall endeavor to ensure that she says nothing of the sort again.”
Lady Landerbelt laughed and waved a hand. “You need have no concern in that regard,” she replied, as a gentleman began to draw near to them. “I have had many people say worse of me, Miss Truwin, and nothing has broken my spirit as yet.” She smiled warmly at Andrea, which, in turn, filled her with relief.
“Lady Landerbelt! Miss Truwin!”
Andrea turned immediately, flushing in surprise at the elegant bow that Lord Islington bestowed upon them both. She fumbled her curtsy in her surprise but thankfully, Lord Islington did not seem to notice.
“How wonderful to see you here this evening,” Lord Islington continued, a broad grin settling on his face. “I do hope you will sit with me for the musical part of the evening, Miss Truwin, which I am certain will start within a few minutes.”
Andrea hesitated, recalling how Lord Bastian had asked her much the same, although he had not quite managed to do so. Glancing behind Lord Islington, she saw none other than Lord Bastien enter the room, his eyes darting from place to place until they finally caught her eye.
He looked at her for a moment, then turned away, walking to the opposite side of the room as though he did not want to draw close to her. Confused, Andrea let a frown mar her brow as she turned back to Lord Islington, who was waiting expectantly. Another quick look towards Lady Landerbelt reminded her that she had already expressed her gratitude for Lady Landerbelt’s help – and that Lady Landerbelt’s advice had been that she continue on through society as normal, not showing preference for anyone at present.
“But of course, Lord Islington,” she said, seeing how his grin spread all the wider. “I should be glad to sit with you.”
“Capital!” he boomed, offering her his arm and immediately guiding her towards some chairs which had been moved near to the pianoforte, with Lady Landerbelt following behind. Andrea could not help but look behind her, catching sight of Lord Bastien. Her heart tugged towards him, but she ignored it entirely, surprised at the look of fierce anger on his face which was, she noted, not directed towards herself but appeared to be towards Lord Islington.
Perhaps his feelings are more than I have ever expected, she thought, as a glimmer of excitement captured her. And perhaps, in time, he might finally make them known to me.
4
Two weeks later
“Ah, Miss Truwin!” Jasper bowed quickly, seeing Lord Islington approaching the lady out of the corner of his eye. “How good to see you this evening.” Those words were honest and entirely truthful, for his heart had lifted at the sight of her approaching. She was clad in a light blue gown, which only brought more attention to her eyes and to her gentle beauty.
“And you,” she replied, her blue eyes filled with evident delight at seeing him. Jasper managed a quick smile, extending his hand towards hers in the hope that she might give him her dance card before Lord Islington approached. The urge to have her in his arms had been one that had been growing steadily these last two weeks, an urge that he had to constantly fight. He could not allow himself to have any true feelings for her, for it would only distract and pull him from what he knew he needed to do.
And yet, ever since that night in the library, when he had spoken quietly to her and kissed her hand, something within him had changed. He could not give name to what it was, nor could he find any easy way of explaining it, but it remained within him still. It was as though every cruel and angry feeling he possessed disappeared whenever Miss Truwin was near. Lord Islington’s misdeeds faded away to the back of his mind, focusing his attention on Miss Truwin alone.
It was most disconcerting.
“You look quite lovely, Miss Truwin, and I must have the honor of dancing with you,” he said, aware of how his emotions and intentions were battling furiously against each other. “I am quite determined.”
“As must I.”
Lord Islington drew near, just as Miss Truwin had been about to extend her hand towards Jasper and, instead of allowing her to take her hand back in order to greet him, grasped her wrist with a strong hand and took a hold of her dance card with the other.
Fire exploded in Jasper’s belly, his hands curling into fists as he turned to glare at Lord Islington, who was ignoring him entirely.
“Whilst I am very grateful, Lord Islington,” Miss Truwin stammered, looking towards Jasper with an awkward expression, “I believe that Lord Bastien approached me at the first.”
“Oh, Lord Bastien will not mind in the least!” Lord Islington exclaimed, grinning broadly in Jasper’s direction with that same familiar arrogance that Jasper knew so well. “Is that not so, Lord Bastien?”
Jasper froze in place, feeling his ire burning all through him, running up and down his spine as he tried to form an appropriate answer. He wanted to tell Lord Islington that, yes, he did mind a very great deal but knew that the way Lord Islington had posed the question meant that he had no other choice but to back away. It would be uncouth to insist otherwise and no doubt make Miss Truwin feel even more awkwardness than she did at present – and for some reason, Miss Truwin’s feelings were of the greatest importance to him.
“But of course,” he grated, eventually, as Lord Islington let out a chuckle of evident delight. “Do go ahead, Islington.”
Lord Islington paid him no attention but turned to Miss Truwin yet again, looking at her dance card and writing his name down at the supper dance and then for one of the waltzes. Jasper, who had been hoping that he might have the supper dance, was left to choose from the other remaining dances, which were not at all to his liking. Unfortunately, he had no other choice but to grit his teeth and write his name down for the country dance and then the quadrille; both of which would give him less intimacy with Miss Truwin than he would have liked.
“That was very good of you, Lord Bastien.”
The tender tone of Miss Truwin’s voice made him look up, surprised at how his heart began to soften, how his anger began to drain away at the grateful look in her eyes. She reached out and touched his hand for a moment and, immediately, Jasper felt as though he was the only person in the room, caught in the light that came from Mis
s Truwin’s gentle touch.
“You are indeed a gentleman,” she continued. “I thank you for your kind consideration and promise that, should you seek me out at the next ball, I shall ensure that you have the very first choice of my dances.” This was accompanied by a rather shy look and a darkening of her cheeks to a rose pink, leaving him captivated by Miss Truwin. He had known the lady for some time, had he not? He had seen her face, talked with her, danced with her, and found her to be most amiable, but there was a new awareness of her now. His heart was desperate to fill with only her, to allow his emotions to crush him so that something new might be formed in its place.
You betray Lady Cecily.
Guilt slammed hard into him, making him drop his gaze as shame crushed his spirits.
“I thank you,” he muttered, turning away quickly and making to leave Miss Truwin’s side, only for her to call his name.
“Oh, Lord Bastien!” she exclaimed, forcing him to regard her again. “I quite forgot. Might you seek out Lady Landerbelt? She wishes to speak to you about a dinner invitation, I believe.” Her cheeks remained a rosy red, and there was something in her voice that betrayed a slight nervousness, but Jasper did not allow himself to linger on it. Instead, he managed to smile, nod, and turn away again, berating himself for allowing Lord Islington to dominate the conversation and force himself into a position he had not wanted to take, as well as for allowing his heart to, even in a small part, become affected by Miss Truwin. She was lovely, yes, but he could not have any affection for her. The part he had played the last fortnight of seeking her out, of conversing with her and dancing with her, had been nothing more than a farce, had it not? He had been doing it solely to draw her attention, to steal her from Lord Islington who, he was quite convinced, had firm intentions towards Miss Truwin.
Regency Engagements Box Set Page 40