Page 34 of The Truth about the Earl
“How else are you to find out who is forcing your hand? You cannot simply leave things as they are, else this person will continue to demand you write what they please!”
The thought had crossed Norah’s mind but she had not come up with any particular conclusion as to how to move forward.
“I am quite certain the person responsible for this monstrous behavior is someone known to you. Someone who wishes to injure you as well as those they wish to write falsehoods about.”
“But I have so many acquaintances! How can I possibly work out who such a person might be?”
Lady Adlay took in a deep breath. “By telling Lord Yardley of this. By discovering which of your shared acquaintances might hold something against him.”
It was an idea Norah simply could not accept. “I am much too afraid to do so, Sophia.”
“But there is no other choice,” came the firm reply. “Consider it, my dear friend. In speaking the truth to him, you will gain an ally. An ally that might help remove you from this dreadful situation and permit you to be free from it entirely.”
Norah made to say something more, only for another lady to come toward Lady Adlay, her expression one of concern. Stepping back, Norah smiled, covering her upset and worry, and stepped away. Lady Adlay would have a great many gentlemen and ladies coming to enquire of her health and Norah did not want to take up all of her time.
Will Lord Yardley even be present this evening?Her heart had ached terribly as she had written those words into her article, tears burning in her eyes as she had sealed up the letter. But the thought of further harm coming to Lady Adlay or even to Lord Yardley himself had been too much to bear and that waswhat had driven her to do as she had been directed. She had said as little as possible, had used only his initial, and prayed it would be enough to turnsomeof society in his favor.
“Good evening, Lady Essington.”
She looked up, her breath catching. “Lord Huntsford. Pray tell me Lord Yardley is present this evening?”
A small smile played about his mouth, a gentleness softening his eyes. “I am very glad to hear you ask of him in such a way, Lady Essington. Yes, indeed he is present. His invitation to this soiree was not rescinded as he feared.”
Norah closed her eyes and let out a long breath, relief pouring into her. “I am very glad to hear you say so, Lord Huntsford.”
“It is all quite false, you understand? I believe Lord Yardley himself sent you a letter this afternoon?”
Frowning, Norah’s lips twisted to one side for a moment. “I did not receive any note, but then I have not been at home for a good part of the day. But you need not fear, I have not thought of considering it to be true. I know all too well that such things can be naught but a rumor that holds no basis in truth.”
“I am, again, relieved to hear you speak so. Lord Yardley is, at present, staying near to the edges of the room for fear of being so ill-considered that he would be made to feel unwelcome.”
“Then I shall go to him at once.” Looking all about her, Norah did not even beg her leave from Lord Huntsford but stepped away, making her way to one side of the room and then the other in search of him.
And then, her eyes found him.
Lord Yardley was leaning back against the wall, standing just behind two other gentlemen who had their backs to him. His eyes were darting from one side of the room to the other, never lingering in one place for any length of time. One hand clasped a glass of brandy whilst the other was clasped into a tight fist,held down tightly by his side. Itwasas though he were hiding, as though he were fearful of being seen by anyone.
Her heart tore.
I am the cause of this.
Lady Adlay’s words came back to her but Norah dismissed them immediately. She could not tell him the truth, not now! Not when he was in such distress, not when he was so very concerned. Norah took in a deep breath, lifted her chin, and made her way directly toward him. She might not be eager to tell him everything but, for the moment at least, she would do all she could to make sure both thetonand Lord Yardley knew she was not about to turn her back on him in any way whatsoever.
“Lord Yardley?” She spoke his name a little more loudly than usual, garnering the attention of a few of the other guests. “Ah, Lord Yardley, there you are. How very good to see you.” Fixing a smile to her lips, she made her way toward him, seeing him look at her with a shadow flickering in his eyes. He did not smile but did push himself away from the wall a little, standing as tall as before.
“Lady Essington.” He breathed her name, a hint of the upset he felt lingering in his voice. “You do not have to come to greet me if you do not wish it.”
“Nonsense.” A little surprised at herself, Norah found her hand now clasping lightly to his arm, as though it had found its way there of its own accord. “You need not think you will receive any reprimand or coldness from me, Lord Yardley.”
His eyes were like dark pools. Norah shivered as his hand touched hers, suddenly grateful they were stood in a way that hid them from the other guests.
“You cannot know just how glad I am to see you standing before me in such a way.”
She smiled softly. “Why would I not do such a thing?”
“You have read the news, no doubt?”
“That does not mean I believe it,” she stated, firmly. “Lord Yardley, you need not think I am about to turn my back on you simply because a rumor has been spoken about you.”
