Page 21 of Wallflower Whispers
Lord Blackmore sighed and shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose for a moment before dropping his hand.
“I do not know. If I do not do as is required, as is asked, then will not those who have been planning this know that I am aware of their schemes? And if I wish to discover them, then would it not be best that they continue to believe that I do not know anything of what they intend to do?”
“But you cannot go to that room alone!” Rachael exclaimed, fear beginning to rise up within her chest all over again. “If you do, then the gossip will begin to spread almost at once, I am sure of it!”
With a gentle smile, Lord Blackmore took her hand again, pressing it lightly for a moment.
“I have no intention of going anywhere alone, Miss Simmons, do not fear. Lord Richmond, Lord Elmsford, might you accompany me? After all,” he finished, with a wry smile, “it is not as though that message stated that I was required to make my way there entirely alone!”
With relief, Rachael closed her eyes, swallowed, and nodded, glad now that there was to be no danger of him being caught up in this wicked scheme.
“But there is more here than I first thought,” Lord Blackmore continued, his smile breaking apart. “Might I call on you soon,Miss Simmons? I think that there are some things we need to discuss.”
Rachael blinked in surprise.
“I do not know if there is anything more that I can offer you, save for what I have told you already.”
Lord Blackmore’s smile returned quickly.
“All the same, I should like to be able to talk with you, Miss Simmons. Would you be willing to permit me to call on you?”
Her heart leapt but she quieted it at once.
“Of course. Thank you, Lord Blackmore.”
“No, it is I who should be thanking you.” With a smile, he inclined his head and then moved to the door. “I should go now. I am sure that these two men – whoever they are – will be watching for me.”
“I will follow quietly thereafter,” Rachael promised, as Lord Blackmore’s eyes caught hers again. “It may be that I can see something more. Mayhap I will be able to see these men watching for you.”
Lord Blackmore smiled.
“And here I thought thatIwould be the one to aid you, not the other way around,” he said, making her smile. “Thank you, Miss Simmons. I am sure we will speak again very soon.”
Rachael watched the three gentlemen step back out into the ballroom and after a few moments, followed them. Her heart was beating a little more quickly, her anxious thoughts rising up again but, as Lord Blackmore disappeared into the crowd, Rachael let her shoulders drop and quietened her pounding heart. There was no one following him, no one chasing him to make certain that he did as he had been asked. Thus far, those two gentlemen remained a mystery and Rachael could only pray that, soon, Lord Blackmore would be able to find out who they were – else the rest of this London Season could prove avery dangerous one for his reputationandhis standing… and possibly her own.
Chapter Seven
Hugh walked with purpose and, though he kept his expression blank, his hands were pulled into tight fists, anger beginning to build with every step that he took. He was not angry in the least with Miss Simmons, of course, for he could give her nothing but relief and gratitude for the kindness and consideration she had shown him. Instead, his fury was directed at this invisible enemy, one who hid themselves away and, from the shadows, attempted to injure him by ruining his reputation – and for what cause? He had always been a respectable, honest gentleman and had never made any particular enemies – not that he knew of, at least. So why was someone attempting to tear him down with such strength?
And could it have continued from last Season? Was that first rumor meant to send me back to my estate to stay there?
“Lord Blackmore, good evening.”
Hugh paused, clearing his throat gently as he bowed.
“Good evening, Miss Wilson. Might you excuse me for a few moments? I have been asked to go to speak with a particular gentleman, but I will return to your side in a few minutes.”
Miss Wilson’s eyes widened.
“Goodness, that sounds very serious indeed. Of course you must go.” Her fan fluttered gently as her eyes dropped to the floor, only to lift to look up at him again. “I look forward to your return.”
A warning edged into Hugh’s heart and, though he returned her smile and moved away quickly, he silently reminded himself to be careful and cautious when it came to Miss Wilson. She appeared rather interested in his company and, though he found her quite agreeable, there was no return of interest there, not on his part.
“The parlor is off the corridor which is just through these doors.” Lord Richmond, knowing their host’s townhouse, indicated the double doors they were to walk through. “Though we will come with you, I will also watch for anyone who might be watching you.”
“Thank you.”
With a nod to Lord Elmsford, Hugh stepped through the doors and then made his way to the only door which was a little ajar, assuming it to be the parlor.
