Page 2 of The Truth about the Earl
“I – I understand.”
“Good.” Lady Gillingham smiled but there was no lightness in her expression. “The reason I speak to you so, Lady Essington,is to offer you the opportunity in the very same way that I was all those years ago.”
For some moments, Norah stared at Lady Gillingham with undisguised confusion. She had no notion as to what the lady meant nor what she wanted and, as such, could only shake her head.
Lady Gillingham sighed. “I am tired of writing my column, Lady Essington. As I have said, it is a paid position and all done very discreetly. I wish to return to my little house in the country and enjoy being away in the quiet countryside rather than the hubbub of London. The funds I have received for writing this particular column have been more than enough over the years and I have managed to save a good deal so that I might retire to the country in comfort.”
“I see.” Still a little confused, Norah twisted her lips to one side for a few moments. “And you wish formeto write this for you?”
“For yourself!” Lady Gillingham flung her hands in the air. “They want to continue the column, for it isverypopular, and as such, they require someone to write it. I thought that, since you find yourself in much the same situation as I was some years ago, you might be willing to think on it.”
Blowing out a long, slow breath, Norah found herself nodding out but quickly stopped it from occurring. “I think I should like to consider it a little longer.”
“But of course. You have your mourning period, and thereafter, perhaps you might be willing to give me an answer?”
Norah frowned. “But that is a little over a year away.”
“Yes, I am well aware it is a long time, Lady Essington. But I shall finish writing for this Season in the hope that you will take over thereafter. It is, as I am sure you have been able to tell, quite secretive and without any danger.”
Norah gave her a small smile, finding her heart flooding with a little relief. “Because you are Mrs. Fullerton,” she answered, as Lady Gillingham beamed at her. “You write as Mrs. Fullerton, I should say.”
“Indeed, I do. I must, for else society would not wish to have me join them in anything, and then where would I be?” A murmur of laughter broke from her lips as she got to her feet, bringing her prolonged visit to an end. “Consider what I have suggested, my dear. I do not know what your circumstances are at present and I am quite certain you willnotbe aware of them until you return to the late Lord Essington’s estate but I am quite sure you would do excellently. You may, of course, write to me whenever you wish with any questions or concerns that I could answer for you.”
“I very much appreciate your concernandyour consideration, Lady Gillingham.” Rising to her feet, Norah gave the lady a small curtsy, which was returned. “I shall take the year to consider it.”
“Do.” Reaching out, Lady Gillingham grasped Norah’s hands and held them tightly, her eyes fixed on Norah’s. “Do not permit yourself to be pushed aside, Lady Essington. Certain characters might soon determine that you do not deserve what is written on Lord Essington’s will but be aware that it cannot be contested. Take what is yours and make certain you do all you can for your comfort. No one will take from you what is rightfully yours, I assure you.”
Norah’s smile slipped and she could only nod as Lady Gillingham squeezed her hands. She was rather fearful of returning to her late husband’s estate and being informed of her situation as regarded her husband’s death.
“And you must promise me that you will not speak of this to anyone.”
“Of course,” Norah promised without hesitation. “I shall not tell a soul, Lady Gillingham. Of that, you can be quite certain.”
“Good, I am glad.” With another warm smile, Lady Gillingham dropped Norah’s hands and made her way to the door. “Good afternoon, Miss Essington. I do hope your sorrow passes quickly.”
Norah nodded and smiled but did not respond. Did Lady Gillingham know Norah had never had a kind thought for her husband? That their marriage had been solely because of Lord Essington’s desire to have a young, pretty wife by his side rather than due to any real or genuine care or consideration for her? Telling herself silently that such a thing did not matter, Norah waited until Lady Gillingham had quit the room before flopping back into her chair and blowing out a long breath.
Most extraordinary.Biting her lip, Norah considered what Lady Gillingham had offered her. Was it something she would consider? Would she become the next writer of theLondon Chroniclesociety column? It was employment, but not something Norah could simply ignore.
“I might very well require some extra coin,” she murmured to herself, sighing heavily as another rap came at the door. Most likely, this would be another visitor coming to express their sympathy and sorrow. Whilst Norah did not begrudge them, she was finding herself rather weary.
I have a year to consider,she reminded herself, calling for the footman to come into the room.One year. And then I may very well find myself as the new Mrs. Fullerton.
Chapter One
One year later.
Taking the hand of her coachman, Norah descended from the carriage and drew in a long breath.
I am back in London.
The strange awareness that she was quite alone – without companion or chaperone – rushed over her, rendering Norah a little uncomfortable. Wriggling her shoulders a little in an attempt to remove such feelings from herself, Norah put a smile on her face and began to walk through St James’ Park, praying that Lady Gillingham would be waiting as she had promised.
The last year had been something of a dull one and it brought Norah a good deal of pleasure to be back in town. Society had been severely lacking and the only other people in the world she had enjoyed conversation with had been her lady’s maid, Cherry, and the housekeeper. Both had seemed to recognize that Norah was a little lonely and as the months had passed, a semblance of friendship – albeit a strange one – had begun to flourish. However, upon her return to town, Norah had been forced to leave both the maid and the housekeeper behind, for she was no longer permitted to reside in the small estate that had been hersfor the last year. Now, she was to find a way to settle in London and with an entirely new complement of staff.
“Ah, Lady Essington! I am so glad to see you again.”
Lady Gillingham rose quickly from where she had been seated on the small, wooden bench and, much to Norah’s surprise, grasped her hands tightly whilst looking keenly into her eyes.
