The Truth about the Earl (Whispers of the Ton #1)

Chapter 4

Chapter Four

“ D id you hear the news about Lord Jennings?”

James looked up from his newspaper as Lord Huntsford strode into his study, unannounced and uninvited. “Good morning, Huntsford,” he replied, mildly. “Is there a reason you have come striding in like this? Is there something of great importance that I have missed thus far?”

“If you are reading the newspaper, then I am astonished that you seem to have no awareness as to what I am speaking of!”

James lifted one eyebrow. “In case you had forgotten, I am not a gentleman inclined toward reading the society papers.”

Lord Huntsford rolled his eyes and sat down heavily in a chair. “But how will you know the goings-on in the ton if you do not read them?”

“Perhaps I do not need to know the ‘goings-on’, as you say,” James replied, folding up the newspaper and setting it down in a most pointed manner. “It is not as though they are of any benefit to me.”

Shaking his head, Lord Huntsford lifted his chin. “In that regard, you are quite mistaken. They are of great benefit.”

James sighed and spread out his hands on either side. “I do not need to know what rumors the gossip mongers are spreading throughout London. I consider the writer of such things to be the very worst of such people.”

“Ah, but again, you are mistaken! Mrs. Fullerton – for that is the name of the person writing the society column – has only ever written the truth.”

“I find that very difficult to believe.”

Lord Huntsford held up one hand, ticking off his fingers with the other. “Lord Newgate was found to be gambling away almost every penny he had, Lord and Lady Highforth were pushed from society after the news of their thefts was revealed in that society column. Lord Quinsley’s penchant for stealing young ladies away and then threatening them thereafter so that they remained silent was also revealed in the paper, as was Lord Heseltine’s less than gentlemanly behavior toward a recently married young lady.”

Grimacing, James tilted his head, trying to find something to argue with in response to all that Lord Huntsford had said but found that there was nothing he could say.

“And now we hear about Lord Jennings!”

Trying to recall the gentleman, it took James a moment to respond. “Lord Jennings has done something, I presume? Something that has been written about in the society papers?”

Lord Huntsford nodded gravely, rose from his chair, and went to pour himself a brandy. “Indeed. It seems that he was seen leading a reluctant young lady out of doors during the most recent ball – and when the lady requested to be returned to her mother, the gentleman refused and attempted to press his affections onto her.”

A ball of anger began to roll around in James’ stomach and he tensed his jaw. “Then he is no gentleman at all.”

“I would quite agree.”

“And does the writer identify the lady in question?”

Lord Huntsford shook his head and then took a sip of his brandy. “The lady does not tend to inform the ton of those who have been ill-used by the hands of others.”

“That is good, I suppose,” James replied, begrudgingly. “Regardless, I do not care to read the society papers. It would only disgust me further, I am sure. I do not have any wish to hear of how inappropriately in society others have chosen to behave.”

“But it should inform you, should it not?” Lord Huntsford’s brows lowered over his eyes. “It is important now that we do not seek out Lord Jennings’s acquaintance and be sure to turn from him should he wish to engage us in conversation!”

James shrugged. “But given that you are so eager to read such things, I have no need to do so for you will guide me through it all, I am sure.”

Lord Huntsford opened his mouth and then closed it again, his mouth tugging to one side. “I find you very strange indeed, old boy.”

“That is quite all right,” James replied, easily. “You like to delve into the whispers and the gossip of society, whereas I do not. In that regard we are different but that suits me very well indeed.”

“Hmph.” Lord Huntsford took a sip of his brandy, drew in a long breath, and then changed the subject entirely. “And how was your dance with Lady Maude? You have not spoken of it to me as yet.”

“It was….” James frowned. “It was a little strange, I confess.”

“Strange?”

He nodded. “Lady Maude asked me about Lady Essington. I believe she saw us conversing.”

Lord Huntsford’s eyes rounded. “Indeed. That is interesting.”

“I have wondered if your idea of showing her a little less interest than I have been at present is a wise idea.” Seeing the smile begin to pull at Lord Huntsford’s mouth, James waved a hand. “Yes, you may applaud yourself for such a suggestion, I will confess it may well turn out to be a very good idea.”

Chuckling, Lord Huntsford shrugged. “You are very welcome. So you say that she disliked your interest in Lady Essington?”

“It appeared to be so. I saw a flash in her eyes when she discovered I was to dance with the lady twice.”

Lord Huntsford tilted his head. “And you do not think that you might find Lady Essington equally as lovely as Lady Maude?”

Hesitating, James considered this for a few moments. Lady Essington was a very beautiful creature but his intention was still toward Lady Maude. “I confess I am still caught up with Lady Maude.”

“That is only because you are frustrated that she has failed to show you even the slightest bit of interest. It is your pride that encourages you to draw closer to the lady, rather than your heart.”

James snorted, ignoring the stab of conscience that came with his friend’s words. “That is nonsense. I think very highly of Lady Maude. There have been times I have thought of her on my arm, as my wife, as well you know.”

“Again, that is simply due to your pride!” Lord Huntsford flung up his hands and James blinked in surprise at the fierceness in his friend’s expression. “In thinking of her as your wife, you consider only what it might be to have such a pretty lady on your arm, what the ton would think of you both, and just how favored you would seem. You never mention anything of her wit, her charm, her laughter or conversation.”

“I have offered plenty of compliments –”

“All to do with her beauty,” his friend interrupted. “Tell me, what make you of her conversation? What are some of her interests?”

James took a moment to try and reply, aware of the heat that rose in his chest and began to creep up into his neck and face. Lord Huntsford was quite right, it seemed, but James did not want to admit it, not even to himself.

“I have not had an opportunity to speak to her at length about any of her particular interests or the like, so it is not at all a fair question.”

Lord Huntsford shook his head. “You are my friend and have been for some time. I saw this interest in Lady Maude at the end of last Season but did not think it would be renewed with such fervency this Season also.”

“It has only been a few weeks!” James protested, his stomach twisting as he fought against the awareness that what his friend had said held a good deal of truth. “I have struggled to converse with her, given that she is so often surrounded by practically every other gentleman in London, and –”

“And yet you wish to be the one she looks to,” Lord Huntsford interrupted. “Is that not so? You want to be the gentleman that finally secures her interest. You may tell me she is beautiful, that she is the most perfect creature you have ever seen and you may state that you would even consider matrimony but that, my dear fellow, comes only from your own injured pride that, as yet, she has not shown you any particular favor. It would make you stand out from the other titled gentlemen of the ton if she chose you, would it not? But you have very little knowledge of her character and speak only of her beauty.”

Sweat broke out across James’ forehead. He had never once heard Lord Huntsford speak with such vehemence before, not when it came to Lady Maude but the truth of his words could not be ignored. James swallowed hard against the tightness in his throat, still silently rebelling against all that Lord Huntsford had said. He did care about more than Lady Maude’s beauty and certainly was not attracted to her only by his pride…wasn’t he? I have never considered myself an arrogant gentleman but that does not mean my pride cannot still take a hold of me.

“Forgive me, old friend.”

Lord Huntsford rubbed one hand over his face and then threw back the remains of what was now his second brandy. “I have spoken a little too harshly, I think.”

James rose from his seat as Lord Huntsford made his way toward the door. “You need not leave. I am not insulted nor angry.”

Lord Huntsford’s smile was thin. “That is very good of you given the tirade that I have only just unleashed but I think it best I take my leave.”

More than a little confused, James bid his friend farewell and, as the door was closed behind him, sat back down hard on his chair.

“Good gracious.”

His words echoed around the room and he rose suddenly, making his way across the room and toward the window. Seeing Lord Huntsford walk out onto the street, James’ brows rose in surprise as Lord Huntsford waved one hand toward his coachman and then began to stride down the street. Evidently, he had decided not to take his carriage but was, for whatever reason, walking back to his townhouse.

James dropped his shoulders, frowning hard as he did so. He had never seen Lord Huntsford behave in such a manner and the fact that he had been somewhat critical of James’ behavior meant that he had a good deal to think on.

“It is true that ever since I saw Lady Maude, I have wanted to pursue her,” he mumbled to himself, wandering back to his study desk and sitting down heavily on the chair beside it. “But there can be nothing wrong with my desire to….”

My desire for what?

His frown grew and he rubbed at the spot between his eyebrows as tension began to grow there. He had always said that he would consider matrimony when it came to Lady Maude, but was that the truth of it? Would he really offer her his hand should she begin to look on him with interest?

A scratch at the door caught his attention and James called for the servant to enter, although his dark expression still lingered.

“My lord, will you require the carriage this afternoon?”

Blinking, James looked back at his butler. “This afternoon?”

His man nodded, although his face remained impassive. “Yes, my lord. You stated last evening that you wished to make afternoon calls and would require the carriage.”

“Oh.” James’ frown grew, attempting to recall such a conversation and finding that he struggled to remember what he had said. “Afternoon calls.”

“Yes, my lord. I will send the men to get the carriage prepared for you at once, should you wish it?”

He sighed and rubbed at his forehead. “Yes, I should like the carriage. I will be making some afternoon calls.” A sudden flare of memory reminded him that after he had come home last evening, he had declared to his somewhat fatigued butler that his intentions last was to call on Lady Maude during the following afternoon - but now, after his discussion with Lord Huntsford, he suddenly felt uncertain and unsure. “Within the hour, if you please.”

The butler nodded and withdrew, leaving James in a state of confusion. It would not be wrong for him to call upon Lady Maude but it might not be wise, not until he had considered at length what Lord Huntsford had said.

But she might be waiting for you, a small voice said, as James grimaced. Did you tell her that you would call on her today? If you did, then she will wonder why you have not appeared.

Given that he could not remember whether or not he had said such a thing, James considered it best to call on her regardless. Yes, Lord Huntsford’s words held a good deal of weight but he would allow himself time to consider them later.

Lady Maude would be waiting.

“Good afternoon, Lord Yardley.”

Lady Maude rose from her chair and curtsied beautifully, elegance and grace intertwining around her.

“Good afternoon, Lady Maude.” James bowed but had to raise his voice to be heard over the conversations of three other gentlemen who were present in the room. “Forgive me, I do not mean to intrude.”

She smiled and waved a dismissive hand. “I am afraid, Lord Yardley, that you will simply have to endure the presence of other gentlemen who have come to call. There are so many of them eager to spend a few minutes in my company that I simply must entertain them for a short while.”

“I see.” James’ spirits sank to his toes as he glanced around the room, taking in the expressions of the other gentlemen and seeing that there was not a smile on a single face. Two of them were talking to each other with the third now in conversation with Lady Burnley, who was mother to Lady Maude. James had greeted her first when he entered the room but had thought it a little strange to be shown in to see the lady when she already had other callers.

The reason for such now became apparent. Evidently, Lady Maude had a good many gentlemen callers and she wanted to make certain that none were sent away from her company. In granting them all an opportunity to converse with her for a short time – only for a few seconds, it appeared – Lady Maude seemed to be of the opinion that it would send every gentleman back to his abode most contented.

James was not to be one such gentleman.

“I think I shall return to call another afternoon, Lady Maude.” He gave her a small, tight smile. “I shall not be able to converse with you at all, I fear and should not like to interrupt any of your other callers.”

Lady Maude’s expression changed, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Come now, Lord Yardley, there is no need for that.”

“You must understand, Lady Maude, that I came to call in the hope of speaking with you without the interruption of any other, as there always is someone around on other occasions.” The desire to be alone in her company was a strong one and James allowed himself to acknowledge it whilst, at the same time, expressing it to Lady Maude. Perhaps then, she might become aware of his eagerness and understand there was a deeper desire for her company than what any other gentleman might offer.

A line grew between Lady Maude’s eyes as her eyebrows drew together. “It seems that you are a gentleman who is most ungrateful, Lord Yardley. You appeared to be in a similar frame when you came to seek out my dance card at the ball. Are you now expressing a similar discontent?”

A flush of shame began to rise in James’ chest but he pushed it down hard as he lifted his chin slightly.

“I do not think there is anything wrong in expressing a desire to be your singular companion for a short while, Lady Maude.”

She let out a sparkling laugh as though the idea itself was ridiculous but James’ jaw tightened, his gut twisting hard.

“That is a somewhat fanciful desire, Lord Yardley.” She spread her hands. “Can you not see that I am a little overcome with gentlemen callers? To set aside time for each one individually would take more time than I am blessed with at present.”

Recalling all that Lord Huntsford had said, James took in a slow breath and allowed himself a few moments consideration. “You are quite correct,” he stated firmly, seeing how Lady Maude’s smile began to fade. “That is a fanciful notion and, therefore, I should mayhap take my leave.”

The lady’s eyes widened. “Take your leave?”

He nodded. “If I cannot have some time with you in conversation without the presence of others, then it would be best for me to make my other calls without further delay. I am sure you will have many other gentlemen to command your attention. Good afternoon, Lady Maude. I bid you farewell.”