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

Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

“ S ophia, I am so very glad to see you.”

Lady Adlay smiled as she took Norah’s hands. “I did tell you in my letter not to be concerned, did I not? I assured you I would be out this evening.”

“Yes, you did, but there is something very relieving in seeing you for myself.” Norah squeezed her friend’s hands and then released them. “I do hope you are not wearying yourself by coming out this evening?”

Lady Adlay laughed, her eyes twinkling. “No, I am quite all right. Lord Adlay would not have allowed me from the house had I not been fully recovered.”

“You did not tell me precisely what happened,” Norah said, looping her arm through Lady Adlay’s. “I know there will be other guests who will wish to speak to you but let me steal you away for a few minutes.”

“I did not want to upset you,” Lady Adlay replied, softly. “I was injured, certainly, but I am sure it was an accident.”

“I am not at all convinced.” Norah shook her head but did not go into further detail.

Lady Adlay smiled softly. “You may not be, but all that occurred was a gentleman stumbled backward and trod not only on my gown but also on my foot. When I turned, my ankle twisted and I fell rather badly. It was not his fault I fell so nor that I hit my head on the floor. He was in his cups, certainly but that is the way of many in society!”

A lump tore into Norah’s throat. “Alas, I have had another note.” It was time now to speak of what she had learned, waiting for the realization to flare in Lady Adlay’s eyes. “It stated the injury to you was precisely because I did not do as was asked of me.”

“Good gracious.” The sparkle left Lady Adlay’s eyes. “Are you quite certain?”

“I cannot see what else it could be.” Norah sighed heavily and dropped her head. Even the thought of seeing Lord Yardley again after what she had written was sending waves of nausea through her. “I was given further instruction.”

Lady Adlay blinked. “I have not had an opportunity to read the society papers. Is there something there?”

Norah nodded. “I had to write about Lord Yardley.”

Her friend’s eyes flared. “Lord Yardley?” She listened as Norah briefly explained what she had been forced to write, releasing Norah’s arm so she could turn to stare at her.

“And you wrote this?”

“I had no choice! After what happened to you, the threat of further pain was not something I could endure. I did not write Lord Yardley’s name in full but I am sure it will be plain to all of society.” Miserable, she lowered her gaze so she would not have to look into Lady Adlay’s eyes. “Pray forgive me.”

“I have nothing to forgive.” Lady Adlay stopped walking, turned, and grasped both of Norah’s hands in hers. “You must tell him.”

Norah caught her breath in a gasp. “I cannot!”

“You must. You cannot continue to form a close acquaintance with a gentleman who does not know the truth.”

Her throat constricted, making it difficult to speak. “But if I do so, then he will turn from me for good.” And we are so close to something wonderful.

“How else are you to find out who is forcing your hand? You cannot simply leave things as they are, else this person will continue to demand you write what they please!”

The thought had crossed Norah’s mind but she had not come up with any particular conclusion as to how to move forward.

“I am quite certain the person responsible for this monstrous behavior is someone known to you. Someone who wishes to injure you as well as those they wish to write falsehoods about.”

“But I have so many acquaintances! How can I possibly work out who such a person might be?”

Lady Adlay took in a deep breath. “By telling Lord Yardley of this. By discovering which of your shared acquaintances might hold something against him.”

It was an idea Norah simply could not accept. “I am much too afraid to do so, Sophia.”

“But there is no other choice,” came the firm reply. “Consider it, my dear friend. In speaking the truth to him, you will gain an ally. An ally that might help remove you from this dreadful situation and permit you to be free from it entirely.”

Norah made to say something more, only for another lady to come toward Lady Adlay, her expression one of concern. Stepping back, Norah smiled, covering her upset and worry, and stepped away. Lady Adlay would have a great many gentlemen and ladies coming to enquire of her health and Norah did not want to take up all of her time.

Will Lord Yardley even be present this evening? Her heart had ached terribly as she had written those words into her article, tears burning in her eyes as she had sealed up the letter. But the thought of further harm coming to Lady Adlay or even to Lord Yardley himself had been too much to bear and that was what had driven her to do as she had been directed. She had said as little as possible, had used only his initial, and prayed it would be enough to turn some of society in his favor.

“Good evening, Lady Essington.”

She looked up, her breath catching. “Lord Huntsford. Pray tell me Lord Yardley is present this evening?”

A small smile played about his mouth, a gentleness softening his eyes. “I am very glad to hear you ask of him in such a way, Lady Essington. Yes, indeed he is present. His invitation to this soiree was not rescinded as he feared.”

Norah closed her eyes and let out a long breath, relief pouring into her. “I am very glad to hear you say so, Lord Huntsford.”

“It is all quite false, you understand? I believe Lord Yardley himself sent you a letter this afternoon?”

Frowning, Norah’s lips twisted to one side for a moment. “I did not receive any note, but then I have not been at home for a good part of the day. But you need not fear, I have not thought of considering it to be true. I know all too well that such things can be naught but a rumor that holds no basis in truth.”

“I am, again, relieved to hear you speak so. Lord Yardley is, at present, staying near to the edges of the room for fear of being so ill-considered that he would be made to feel unwelcome.”

“Then I shall go to him at once.” Looking all about her, Norah did not even beg her leave from Lord Huntsford but stepped away, making her way to one side of the room and then the other in search of him.

And then, her eyes found him.

Lord Yardley was leaning back against the wall, standing just behind two other gentlemen who had their backs to him. His eyes were darting from one side of the room to the other, never lingering in one place for any length of time. One hand clasped a glass of brandy whilst the other was clasped into a tight fist, held down tightly by his side. It was as though he were hiding, as though he were fearful of being seen by anyone.

Her heart tore.

I am the cause of this.

Lady Adlay’s words came back to her but Norah dismissed them immediately. She could not tell him the truth, not now! Not when he was in such distress, not when he was so very concerned. Norah took in a deep breath, lifted her chin, and made her way directly toward him. She might not be eager to tell him everything but, for the moment at least, she would do all she could to make sure both the ton and Lord Yardley knew she was not about to turn her back on him in any way whatsoever.

“Lord Yardley?” She spoke his name a little more loudly than usual, garnering the attention of a few of the other guests. “Ah, Lord Yardley, there you are. How very good to see you.” Fixing a smile to her lips, she made her way toward him, seeing him look at her with a shadow flickering in his eyes. He did not smile but did push himself away from the wall a little, standing as tall as before.

“Lady Essington.” He breathed her name, a hint of the upset he felt lingering in his voice. “You do not have to come to greet me if you do not wish it.”

“Nonsense.” A little surprised at herself, Norah found her hand now clasping lightly to his arm, as though it had found its way there of its own accord. “You need not think you will receive any reprimand or coldness from me, Lord Yardley.”

His eyes were like dark pools. Norah shivered as his hand touched hers, suddenly grateful they were stood in a way that hid them from the other guests.

“You cannot know just how glad I am to see you standing before me in such a way.”

She smiled softly. “Why would I not do such a thing?”

“You have read the news, no doubt?”

“That does not mean I believe it,” she stated, firmly. “Lord Yardley, you need not think I am about to turn my back on you simply because a rumor has been spoken about you.”

Lord Yardley closed his eyes for a moment, letting it out slowly. The tension she saw etched in his features began to fade away, as though he had been waiting for a single word from her so that he might feel a little more at ease.

How can I tell him I am the cause of his distress?

“I know of your character, Lord Yardley. I know you are not the sort of gentleman who would do such a thing.”

Shaking his head fervently, Norah felt Lord Yardley’s hand squeeze hers gently. “I am not,” he said, with such a determination that Norah wanted to protest that she did not need to be convinced. “I have gentlemen who were with me that evening. We were at Whites. I was nowhere near the theatre.”

“I am already convinced of your innocence!” Norah glanced around, attempting to regulate her voice. “You need not say anything that will urge me to believe you. I already trust you, Lord Yardley. I am convinced you are the very best of gentlemen. I do not think I have ever found such contentment and enjoyment in any gentleman’s company before. I should hate to be separated from you and, therefore, have no intention to ever be so.”

She had not meant to speak with such vehemence nor give him such an insight into the depths of her feelings but the urge to encourage him, to give him an assurance of her commitment to their current connection was overwhelming. Lord Yardley’s eyes widened slightly but he did not say anything. Instead, he simply looked back into her eyes and Norah returned his gaze steadily, all too aware of the quickening of her heart. He was so very handsome and had such a wonderful character that Norah knew it was quite impossible for her heart not to be affected. The difficulty she had brought him by writing that particular piece was hard to see, however, and that knowledge brought Norah herself a good deal of pain.

“Lady Essington, I must speak my heart to you.”

Her eyes flared. “Now?”

Lord Yardley smiled, his expression brightening as though someone had lit a candle near to them both. “I think it must be now, Lady Essington. I confess I have long had the intention of speaking to you about this matter but as yet, I have not found opportunity.”

Rather than feeling any delight and flare of hope over what he now sought to speak with her about, Norah’s heart dropped low to the ground, her struggling smile evidence of her inner turmoil. Whatever he was to ask her, Norah was quite certain it was to do with their present connection and, whilst she knew what her heart was beginning to yearn for, her mind would not allow her to even consider it. She could not! Not when she was the one who had written the article that now caused Lord Yardley so much difficulty.

“And you believe this is now the best opportunity?” she asked, trying to keep her voice light and her expression a little mirthful by lifting one eyebrow gently. “We may be interrupted at any moment!”

“Ah, but I am too much of a gentleman to ask you to step outside with me so that we might be a little more….in a private situation,” came the immediate reply. “Lady Essington, you must be aware that I have enjoyed your company of late. Indeed, I do not think there has been one single social occasion where I have not sought you out!”

Gentle happiness began to pull at Norah’s lips and she could not help but smile despite the warring in her soul. “That is true, Lord Yardley,” she agreed softly. “We have found something of a companionship with each other, I would agree.”

Something flickered in his eyes and he took a small step closer to her. Norah’s breath caught in her chest and the rest of the room began to fade. She did not hear the conversations of others any longer, did not even remember that they were there. Her eyes were fixed to Lord Yardley, caught by the depth of feeling that a simple look could invoke in her. She forgot about the article she had written, forgot completely about the threatening letter. There was nothing but Lord Yardley and the anticipation in her heart over what he was next to say.

“That companionship has become very dear to me, Lady Essington. I have been foolish not to speak to you of it sooner, I know, but I must confess the truth of my heart. There is more within it than you can possibly know and –”

“Lord Yardley!”

A high-pitched, rather loud voice came between them, forcing them back. Norah’s breathing was ragged, her anticipation so very high that it took her some moments to realize they were being interrupted. Lord Yardley’s eyes widened and he cleared his throat abruptly, the harsh sound bringing Norah back to herself. The heat in her stomach burned a fire up through her, her face warm as she turned to see who it was that had decided to interrupt them so.

“What is this I have read of you?”

Lady Maude.

Norah tried to smile, tried to appear amiable but the frustration at being interrupted by such a rude, disingenuous young lady was difficult to hide. Not that such a thing mattered, however, for Lady Maude did not so much as look at her but instead came to stand directly in front of her, facing Lord Yardley and pushing her back out of the conversation entirely. Norah found herself forced to stand next to Miss Patterson, the shy, quiet creature who seemed constantly to be in Lady Maude’s shadow.

“Good evening, Lady Maude.” Lord Yardley’s eyes caught Norah’s, silently begging her to forgive him. “If you are not aware, I was just now talking to Lady Essington and –”

“It must be quite untrue, I am sure of it,” Lady Maude interrupted. “You are not the sort of gentleman to do such a thing. Besides, did I not hear the Earl of Hull state you were in his company at the time of this supposed interaction? Were you not all at Whites?”

“Yes, Lady Maude, I was.” Lord Yardley put his hands behind his back, pushing out his chest just a little. “I appreciate your consideration and your willingness to come and speak to me despite the rumors. None of what you have read of me is true.”

Lady Maude nodded, throwing a glance behind her – although it was not directed toward Norah but rather to Miss Patterson.

“You see?” she said, as Miss Patterson nodded quickly, her eyes a little wide as though she were afraid of what Lady Maude might say next. “I was quite certain it was naught but falsehood. I am sure the ton will see I am more than willing to be in your company and that they, in turn, will readily accept you again and allow such rumors to fade quickly.”

Norah lifted one eyebrow at the lady’s statement, then caught the smile on Lord Yardley’s face. Silently scolding herself for thinking so poorly of the lady when she had clearly brought a little relief to Lord Yardley, Norah turned her attention to Miss Patterson, thinking it best she try some sort of conversation with the lady rather than waiting for Lady Maude to step back and allow her to finish her conversation with the gentleman.

“Miss Patterson, is it not?”

The lady smiled but her gaze strayed low to the ground. “Indeed. Good afternoon, Lady Essington.”

Her voice was quiet, her expression demure. She was so very unlike Lady Maude that Norah silently questioned how such a friendship could have sprung up! Mayhap it was that both their fathers or mothers had been dear friends and thus, the expectation of friendship between their daughters had been quickly encouraged.

“And are you enjoying London?” Norah asked, struggling to think of what else to say and no suggestion of conversation came from Miss Patterson herself. “Is this your first Season?”

“My second, and yes, it is most enjoyable. My father is eager for me to remain close to Lady Maude and I have been particularly favored by her company.” Miss Patterson still did not look at Norah but, much to her frustration was quickly beckoned forward by Lady Maude. Without even a word of farewell, Miss Patterson hurried to stand next to Lady Maude, leaving Norah to stand entirely alone again. Anger began to boil in her veins, realizing that, for the second time, Lady Maude was attempting to force her out of the conversation with Lord Yardley – and succeeding too. Evidently, she had heard and perhaps seen Norah’s conversation with Miss Patterson and had decided to bring that to a swift end, perhaps to discourage Norah from lingering.

Heaving a sigh, Norah turned her head and made to walk away. Lady Maude, for the moment, had succeeded for Norah would not bring herself to interrupt in the same way the lady herself had done. That would be very rude indeed and would not be becoming of a lady.

“Lady Essington?”

The anger washed away in a moment at the sound of Lord Yardley’s voice.

“Lady Essington, forgive me for ending our conversation so abruptly.”

She turned back to face him, all too aware of the tight, angry expression that instantly captured Lady Maude’s face. Lord Yardley had made his way between both ladies, although Lady Maude looked as though she might attempt to grab his arm at any moment to keep him beside her.

“But of course, Lord Yardley, I quite understand,” she replied, softly. “You have further acquaintances to speak to.” A sudden burst of mirth threatened to make her laugh at the sudden grimace and roll of his eyes that she knew was directed toward Lady Maude. “Please, do not worry.”

“Mayhap I might call on you soon?” The earnestness in his eyes and his voice made Norah smile, her heart swelling softly. “Or mayhap you might wish to take a walk in the park with me? We will be able to continue our discussion without interruption that way.”

I will have to tell him the truth.

Her heart sank and her smile faded. “Yes, Lord Yardley. I should like either of those suggestions very much.” That was the truth, of course, but there came with it the haunting awareness she might very soon be bringing such an upset to Lord Yardley’s heart that he would pull himself from her company forever.

“Capital.” His broad smile shone happiness into his eyes and Norah swallowed hard, knowing she would soon shatter that particular happiness.

“I look forward to receiving your note,” she stated, finding her heart did not speak of the same sentiment. “Good afternoon, Lord Yardley.”

He bowed toward her, his smile still lingering. “Good afternoon, Lady Essington.”