Page 33 of The Truth about the Earl
James nodded, his heart still beating a good deal more quickly than before as he once more glanced down at the paperin front of him, having not realized his fingers had scrunched around it, as though he might bring out some of his ire upon the words themselves. “You are quite right.” He let out a long breath. “And I wish to make certain Lady Essington is informed also.”
Lord Huntsford’s eyebrows lifted. “You intend to write to her?”
James nodded. “I think I must. If I am to have her continued friendship – something I have been considering at great length – then I must speak to her. I must make certain she hears from me that this rumor is naught but that.”
“You care for her.”
“Of course, I care for her!” James exclaimed, throwing up his hands. “You know I do. For heaven’s sake, I was considering matrimony only earlier this afternoon before your arrival!” He saw his friend’s eyes flare wide but did not hesitate. “I do not know if she wishes to wed again but I have every intention of courting her if she will accept me. I do not know if she will, especially now with this rumor, but I can but hope. That is why I wish to write to her at once.”
“Then go and do so,” came the reply. “In fact, if you can spare me, I shall write to the gentlemen we were with last evening also, stating the very same to them as you shall write. With both of our letters, we must hope we shall have enough of an impact to encourage society to remain favorable toward you.”
Nodding slowly, a shining truth began to reveal itself to James, lingering there in his mind, opening quietly until he realized the full extent of it.
“I do not care about society,” he said slowly, going back on some of his previous statements. “I have been anxious that ladies will give me the cut direct, that my acquaintances will shrink. But the truth is, my only concern is that of Lady Essington.” His gaze lifted to Lord Huntsford, who was nodding, evidently aware of everything James was trying to say. “I carenot whether society rejects me. I care only about her opinion of me, for if I lose her friendship and her companionship, then I fear I shall lose everything.”
“Then let us hope you do not.” Lord Huntsford made his way to the door, leaving James to follow after him. “Come. The sooner we can write these letters, the better it shall be for you. I am sure of that.”
Chapter Thirteen
“Sophia, I am so very glad to see you.”
Lady Adlay smiled as she took Norah’s hands. “I did tell you in my letter not to be concerned, did I not? I assured you I would be out this evening.”
“Yes, you did, but there is something very relieving in seeing you for myself.” Norah squeezed her friend’s hands and then released them. “I do hope you are not wearying yourself by coming out this evening?”
Lady Adlay laughed, her eyes twinkling. “No, I am quite all right. Lord Adlay would not have allowed me from the house had I not been fully recovered.”
“You did not tell me precisely what happened,” Norah said, looping her arm through Lady Adlay’s. “I know there will be other guests who will wish to speak to you but let me steal you away for a few minutes.”
“I did not want to upset you,” Lady Adlay replied, softly. “I was injured, certainly, but I am sure it was an accident.”
“I am not at all convinced.” Norah shook her head but did not go into further detail.
Lady Adlay smiled softly. “You may not be, but all that occurred was a gentleman stumbled backward and trod not onlyon my gown but also on my foot. When I turned, my ankle twisted and I fell rather badly. It was not his fault I fell so nor that I hit my head on the floor. He was in his cups, certainly but that is the way of many in society!”
A lump tore into Norah’s throat. “Alas, I have had another note.” It was time now to speak of what she had learned, waiting for the realization to flare in Lady Adlay’s eyes. “It stated the injury to you was precisely because I did not do as was asked of me.”
“Good gracious.” The sparkle left Lady Adlay’s eyes. “Are you quite certain?”
“I cannot see what else it could be.” Norah sighed heavily and dropped her head. Even the thought of seeing Lord Yardley again after what she had written was sending waves of nausea through her. “I was given further instruction.”
Lady Adlay blinked. “I have not had an opportunity to read the society papers. Is there something there?”
Norah nodded. “I had to write about Lord Yardley.”
Her friend’s eyes flared. “Lord Yardley?” She listened as Norah briefly explained what she had been forced to write, releasing Norah’s arm so she could turn to stare at her.
“And you wrote this?”
“I had no choice! After what happened to you, the threat of further pain was not something I could endure. I did not write Lord Yardley’s name in full but I am sure it will be plain to all of society.” Miserable, she lowered her gaze so she would not have to look into Lady Adlay’s eyes. “Pray forgive me.”
“I have nothing to forgive.” Lady Adlay stopped walking, turned, and grasped both of Norah’s hands in hers. “You must tell him.”
Norah caught her breath in a gasp. “I cannot!”
“You must. You cannot continue to form a close acquaintance with a gentleman who does not know the truth.”
Her throat constricted, making it difficult to speak. “But if I do so, then he will turn from me for good.”And we are so close to something wonderful.
