Page 3 of The Truth about the Earl
“I do hope you are well?”
Norah nodded, a prickling running down her spine. “I am quite well, I thank you.”
“You have been looked after this past year?”
Opening her mouth to say that yes, she was quite satisfied, Norah slowly closed it again and saw the flicker of understanding in Lady Gillingham’s eye.
“The newly titled Lord Essington did not wish for me to reside with him so I was sent to the dower house for the last few months,” she explained, as Lady Gillingham’s jaw tightened. “I believe that Lord Essington has spent the time attempting to find a way to remove from me what my late husband bequeathed but he has been unable to do so.”
Lady Gillingham’s eyes flared and a small smile touched the corner of her mouth. “I am very glad to hear it.”
“I have a residence here in London and a small complement of staff.” It was not quite the standard she was used to but Norah was determined to make the best of it. “I do not think I shall be able to purchase any new gowns - although it may be required of me somehow – but I am back in town, at the very least.”
Lady Gillingham nodded, turned, and began to walk along the path, gesturing for Norah to fall into step with her. “You were given only a small yearly allowance?”
Norah shrugged one shoulder lightly. “It is more than enough to take care of my needs, certainly.”
“But not enough to give you any real ease.”
Tilting her head, Norah considered what she said, then chose to push away her pride and nod.
“It is as you say.” There would be no additional expenses, no new gowns, gloves, or bonnets and she certainly could not eat extravagantly but at least she had a comfortable home. “The will stated that I was to have the furnished townhouse in London and that my brother-in-law is liable for all repairs to keep it to a specific standard for the rest of my remaining life and that, certainly, is a comfort.”
“I can see that it is, although might you consider marrying again?”
Norah hesitated. “It is not something I have given a good deal of thought to, Lady Gillingham. I have had a great deal of loss these last few years, with the passing of my mother shortly after my marriage and, thereafter, the passing of Lord Essington himself. To find myself now back in London without a parent or husband is a little strange, and I confess that I find it a trifle odd. However, for the moment, it is a freedom that I wish to explore rather than remove from myself in place of another marriage.”
Lady Gillingham laughed and the air around them seemed to brighten. “I quite understand. I, of course, never married again and there is not always a desire to do so, regardless. That is quite an understandable way of thinking and you must allow yourself time to become accustomed to your new situation.”
“Yes, I think you are right.”
Tilting her head slightly, Lady Gillingham looked sidelong at Norah. “And have you given any consideration to my proposal?”
Norah hesitated, her stomach dropping. Until this moment, she had been quite determined that she wouldnotdo as Lady Gillingham had asked, whereas now she was no longer as certain. Realizing she would have to live a somewhat frugal life for the rest of her daysormarry a gentleman with a good deal more fortune – which was, of course, somewhat unlikely sinceshe was a widow – the idea of earning a little more coin was an attractive one.
“I – I was about to refuse until this moment. But now that I am back in your company, I feel quite changed.”
Lady Gillingham’s eyes lit up. “Truthfully?”
Letting out a slightly awkward laugh, Norah nodded. “Although I am not certain I shall have the same way with words as you. How do you find such interesting stories?”
The burst of laughter that came from Lady Gillingham astonished Norah to the point that her steps slowed significantly.
“Oh, forgive me, Lady Essington! It is clear you have not plunged the depths of society as I have.”
A slow flush of heat crept up Norah’s cheeks. “It is true that I was very well protected from any belligerent gentlemen and the like. My mother was most fastidious.”
“As she ought.” Lady Gillingham attempted to hide her smile but it fought to remain on her lips. “But you shall find society a very different beast now, Lady Essington!”
Norah shivered, not certain that she liked that particular remark.
“You are a widowed lady, free to do as you please and act as you wish. You will find that both the gentlemen and ladies of thetonwill treat you very differently now and that, Lady Essington, is where you will find all manner of stories being brought to your ears.”
“I see.”
A small frown pulled at Lady Gillingham’s brow. “However, I made certain any stories I wrote had a basis in fact. I do not like to spread rumors unnecessarily. I stayed far from stories that would bring grave injury to certain parties.”
Norah nodded slowly, seeing the frown and realizing just how seriously Lady Gillingham had taken her employment.
