Page 19 of The Viscount's Code
Faith’s smile fell. “Why are you asking me of this again?”
“I just… I am saddened to think of you alone.”
“I have you.”
“Yes, but what if I marry?”
“Why this sudden talk of marriage?” Faith asked, placing her hands on her hips. “You do not have anyone in mind, do you?”
“No,” Hope shook her head. “But we are getting to that age where it is expected of us, and I know Father is hoping that you marry first.”
“Which makes no sense. I shouldn’t hold you back,” Faith said, lifting her hands in the air.
“Father is quite intent on it.”
“He wouldn’t say no if you found someoneappropriate,” she said, fixing Hope with a pointed look.
“I have no feelings toward the viscount, if that is what you are insinuating,” Hope said. “Besides interest in what he is doing and appreciation that he is helping Cassandra’s family.”
“So you say,” Faith said. “His is not a family that you want to tie yourself to. Remember that.” She paused. “Besides, Father would never allow it.”
Hope followed Faith out of the room on their way to meet the rest of their party at the carriages. “This is not an issue regarding which you need to have any concern.”
“Good,” Faith said, looking back over her shoulder. “Remember that.”
Hope sighed as they reached the bottom of the stairs before going out into the fresh air beyond, where her father and Lord Whitehall were sitting upon their horses beside the carriage. This was perhaps going to be a long day – but she wouldn’t dwell on that. Instead, she would think about everything of interest that awaited.
She was sure it would be much better than she thought.
* * *
The rideinto Harwich was a short one. Hope had refused to even meet Lord Whitehall’s eyes after he had so rudely dismissed her yesterday. She understood that there was tragedy in his past that caused him to be the way he was, but that didn’t excuse his rudeness.
She had only been trying to help, and he had reacted with malice for no reason whatsoever.
His mother was actually quite a sweet woman, if quiet and hesitant. Although that made her the perfect companion for Hope’s mother.
“You were friends since you were girls, were you not?” Hope asked, to which her mother nodded. “Then why has it been so long since you two have seen one another?”
Lady Whitehall looked down at her lap while Hope’s mother smiled brightly if slightly falsely. “We were both busy with our families. It has been fortunate we can spend time together once again.”
“Of course,” Lady Whitehall murmured.
Hope felt Faith’s warning look upon her, but she ignored her.
“Well, I am happy to have the opportunity to become more familiar with you, Lady Whitehall,” she said. “Especially as your estate is so close. Do you spend much time in the country?”
“I did until more recently,” Lady Whitehall said. “Anthony prefers London, and I become rather lonely at the estate alone.”
“All the more reason to prolong your visit here,” Hope’s mother interjected. “Now, what do you suppose will be at the fair? It has been such a long time since I have even been to the market, but afair? What fun this will be.”
Hope forced a smile of interest on her face as she allowed her mother to chatter on. It seemed she was not going to solve the mystery of Lord Whitehall – past or current. She knew she should let it go and do as her father and Faith said, keeping her distance from the viscount.
But, for once, she just couldn’t seem to do as she was told.
* * *
The rideinto Harwich had been a silent one.
