Page 12 of The Truth about the Earl
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 littlelessinterest 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 yourpridethat 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 thetonwould 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 yetyouwish 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 thetonif 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 inhis throat, still silently rebelling against all that Lord Huntsford had said. Hedidcare 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 hisstudy 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.
