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

Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

J ames shrugged his shoulders. “I would not say that I have any particular inclination toward Lady Essington.” His conscience burned but he did not refute his previous remark, choosing instead just to look steadily back at Lord Huntsford without further comment.

“You are jesting, I am certain of it!”

“I am not jesting.” James cleared his throat, a little uncertain as to why he did not want his friend to know the truth. “Lady Essington is a delightful lady but –”

“But she is a widow and you believe she is not at all eager to marry again?”

James cleared his throat and looked away.

“Why is it you will not admit the truth?”

“Perhaps I do not wish to!” James threw up his hands, a little exasperated. “There is, mayhap, a great deal of confusion on my part!”

His friend frowned. “Confusion?”

Given that I have already spoken a little truth to him, I may as well explain further.

Sighing, James dropped his head. “I was greatly enamored with Lady Maude, was I not?”

“Yes, you were.”

“And you then, very helpfully, I might add, showed me that my consideration of the lady was based not only on her outward beauty but also with the hope that I might, somehow, be blessed with a little favor. My pride was eager for her to turn her attention toward me so I might be considered all the more favorably by the ton . I wanted the status, I suppose.”

Lord Huntsford’s eyebrows drew together even more. “And what has this to do with your consideration of Lady Essington?”

James spread his hands. “What if I am doing the very same thing again?”

He watched as Lord Huntsford’s eyes widened and his lips pulled into a wide grin.

“Good gracious, man! There is not even the smallest similarity between the two ladies! Lady Essington is quite lovely, I agree, but there is nothing of the arrogance nor selfishness that you now see displayed in Lady Maude’s character.”

Chewing on his lip, James considered this. “That is true.”

“Tell me, what think you of Lady Essington’s conversation?”

A smile began to pull at James’ lips. “I find her conversation most pleasing,” he began, as Lord Huntsford nodded. “We are easily able to converse on a number of topics and I find that we often share a little mirth during our times of conversation.” His smile grew. “She is quite delightful, I think.”

“And her character?”

Musing for a moment, James rubbed at his chin, his gaze drifting toward the corner of Whites’. “Her character is one of gentleness, although there is a strength within her that I believe comes from the loss that she has endured. I see her continually watching those around her as though she is interested in their comings and goings but, at the same time, shows no inclination toward gossiping or spreading rumors.”

“Something that you find most pleasing, I assume?”

“Indeed.” James grinned as his friend chuckled. “You know I have great difficulty with such things. It is all the more delightful that Lady Essington does not engage with such a thing either.”

Lord Huntsford spread out one hand, the other holding his glass of whiskey. “Then might I suggest you are drawn to Lady Essington in a way that you never truly were with Lady Maude. I say such a thing because you know of her character, you delight in her conversation and, while she is quite lovely, you do not find yourself speaking only of her outward appearance. In short, my dear fellow, I do not consider that you need to have any concern when it comes to the lady. You are clearly a good deal more considered when it comes to her.”

James let out a long breath – a breath that he had not known he had been holding – and found himself smiling. “I find that I am somewhat relieved,” he stated, as his friend laughed. “Forgive me for attempting to keep such a thing to myself. You know now why I tried to do so.”

“I do, but you need not fear speaking honestly with me.” Lord Huntsford waved his empty glass toward a passing footman, who came immediately to collect it. “And now, alas, I fear that our time here has come to an end and we must now make our way to the evening assembly.”

Smiling, James found himself rather looking forward to the evening now, having been a little reluctant before. Perhaps, in sorting out his true feelings as regarded Lady Essington, he was now able to enjoy her company with clear intention. “We should not want to be too tardy, I grant you.”

“Lord Guthrie will not mind, I am certain,” Lord Huntsford replied, with a grin. “He will already be in his cups, I am quite sure of it!”

Chuckling, James rose and followed after his friend. He was eager now to see Lady Essington again, eager to be back in conversation with her, eager to allow his heart every gentle stirring, every flicker of deeper emotion that, thus far, he had been unwilling to identify fully. This was, mayhap, going to be a somewhat illuminating evening and he found himself growing more impatient with every step he took.

Good evening, Lady Essington.” James bowed low, lifting his gaze back to the lady almost the very first moment he could. She was dressed in a deep green gown which brought his attention fully to the color of her eyes. Allowing his gaze to fasten itself to hers, James became all too aware of the quickening of his heart, the way he caught his breath, and the growing appreciation of her that built in his heart.

“Good evening, Lord Yardley. I do hope that you have found the evening pleasant thus far?”

James smiled. “It is all the more pleasant, Lady Essington, since I am now in company with you.” He watched as his words took hold, seeing how a dusky pink entered her cheeks and the corner of her mouth lifted. Her eyes darted away from his for a few seconds, before returning to his, searching them intently as if she wanted to be quite certain that he spoke truthfully.

“There is to be dancing this evening, I think.” He lifted one eyebrow gently, looking steadily at her. “And will you be stepping out with anyone?”

She smiled, the color on her face growing all the more. “I would be inclined to do so if one would ask me.”

“Then I shall make certain to ask you when the time comes.” Warmth spread out across James’ heart and his smile stretched even further. For some moments, they stood in silence together, simply looking at one another without feeling the urge to make any sort of conversation.

“Ah, Lady Essington.” Lady Adlay came to join them, looking up at James with bright eyes. “And Lord Yardley! Good evening.”

“Good evening.” He bowed, catching the look that was shared between Lady Adlay and Lady Essington, silently wondering what that meant. “Is your husband present this evening? It has been some time since I have spoken with him.”

Lady Adlay laughed, waving a hand as though James ought to already know what the answer would be. “My dear husband is already in the card room, Lord Yardley. He has never been a man inclined toward conversation and dancing and the like! It is just as well that he enjoys conversing with me, else I do not think I should ever have been eager for his company!”

“Then I shall make certain to come and dance with you this evening also, Lady Adlay if you are inclined.”

Her eyes twinkled. “That would be most kind, Lord Yardley, although I would not want to take away any opportunity from any other particular lady!”

A small flush burned in his chest and neck but he did not react other than to smile. The music began at that very moment as if it knew that he was waiting for an opportunity – and he instantly turned his attention back to Lady Essington.

“The cotillion, I believe.” One hand stretched out toward her and without even the slightest hesitation, Lady Essington reached out and took it with a firm grasp. Her decisiveness delighted James’ heart and he beamed at her, turning them both toward the center of the room where the dancing was soon to begin.

“I do not think I have ever danced so much!” Lady Essington exclaimed, an excitement sending a brightness into her eyes. “At every ball, l have had the opportunity to dance at least once and have made so many acquaintances that I feel so very blessed.”

James considered her as they stood opposite each other, waiting for the dance to begin. “Did you not have a Season as a debutante?”

“I did,” came the reply, “but I was soon engaged. My father’s eagerness for a good marriage overtook any thought of my considerations.” Her smile dimmed for a moment and she looked away. “That is not to say that I am ungrateful. I –”

“I have never thought you so, Lady Essington,” James cut in, not wishing her to feel any concern or doubt. “But I am glad that you find yourself in such a position now. There is much enjoyment to be found in the London Season and a good many acquaintances to be made.”

“I find myself greatly enamored with my present acquaintance, Lord Yardley.”

The music began and it took James a moment to step forward, his breath hitching, his chest tight as the blood roared in his ears. That comment was, he was sure, a compliment toward him but mayhap it meant a little more than just her enjoyment of their acquaintance such as it was? Might it be that she had more than just a friendly consideration of him? His heart launched itself hard against his chest as their hands joined, their eyes locking together as they turned.

A little overwhelmed with the sheer amount of feeling in his heart as he danced with Lady Essington, James blinked hard, forcing himself to concentrate on the dance. The minutes passed quickly, their time together seeming all too fleeting and when the time came for him to bow, James wanted nothing more than to step forward, catch her hands in his, and begin the dance all over again.

“I thank you, Lord Yardley.” The flush of pink in Lady Essington’s cheek enamored James toward her all the more, but he could not find anything to say that would express that. Clearing his throat, he smiled and offered his arm instead of making any actual conversation. His tongue felt a little too large for his mouth, his fingers itching to reach across and press to her hand as it rested on his arm, simply for the sheer enjoyment of being a little closer to her.

I want to court this lady.

The thought was a swift and urgent one and James found himself turning toward her at once, the force of his desire growing steadily. Having stopped walking with her, James turned his head and made to speak, seeing her eyes widen slightly as she looked up into his face.

“Lady Essington.” His words were rushed and hurried, tripping over themselves as he spoke. “I have been wondering if I might –”

A sudden scream caught both of their attention, making Lady Essington jump visibly. Her head turned, her eyes roving across the room.

“Whatever was that?”

James hurried forward, Lady Essington beside him as a small crowd gathered. Frantic whispers were being spread in all directions and James craned his neck, trying to see what had happened.

“Might I ask what has occurred?” Lady Essington spoke to another lady who stood nearby.

“I cannot tell you exactly, came the reply, “but it seems that Lady Adlay has had a fall.”

A small exclamation lodged in James’ throat as Lady Essington’s hand grasped his arm tightly. Reaching across, he pressed her hand gently, turning to see her pale face looking up at him.

“I must go to her.”

“I think we cannot at present,” James murmured, understanding Lady Essington’s need to go straight to her friend. “There is already a great crowd and I am sure –”

“Do excuse me. Clear a path! Lady Adlay must rest.”

Before James could say anything further, Lady Essington had dropped her hand and pressed forward, practically forcing her way through the crowd until she could reach her friend. Even though he desired to go after her, James gritted his teeth and remained where he was. It would be best for him to remain a little further back and allow the lady and whoever was with her to make their way to another room so that she might be adequately cared for. Whatever had occurred, James could only hope that Lady Adlay would soon recover and that Lady Essington would not be too distressed.

A little frustrated that he could do nothing more, James heaved a great sigh and turned away. He would write to both the ladies come the morning.