Page 43 of The Truth about the Earl
“They threaten to injure you also, Lord Yardley,” she responded, softly. “Or to further injure Lady Adlay. I know you will both say that you will be careful that that such a thing does not matter, but I assure you that it does. I cannot put you in danger but I also cannot write what is being demanded.”
His fingers squeezed her own, his eyes searching her face. “Then what shall you do?”
Norah’s mind began to whirl, searching for an idea, for something that would release her from her current difficulty whilst protecting those she cared for. “I am not certain as yet but, mayhap with yourself, Lady Adlay, and I working together, we will find a way forward. A way that removes us both from this state of difficulty once and for all.”
Chapter Sixteen
“Thank you for coming.”
“But of course.” Lord Huntsford sat forward, looking out of the carriage window as though impatient they had not yet arrived. “What you have told me thus far is most intriguing.”
“And presents a great difficulty. Lady Essington will have to send something to the newspaper by the day’s end but it is clear she has no thought as to what to write as yet.”
The carriage drew up to the house and James let out a long, slow breath. “I should also thank you at this present juncture, given that it was entirely due to your words that I gave Lady Essington any further thought.” He winced as Lord Huntsford grinned. “Had you not said something I would, no doubt, be lingering in anger and frustration rather than giving her words any further consideration.”
“You are quite welcome.” Lord Huntsford climbed out of the carriage, leaving James to follow suit. Together, they began to climb the steps that led to the front of the house, seeing the door already opening for them.
“I do hope this means you shall soon be engaged, Yardley?”
Lord Huntsford’s abrupt question caught James off-guard and he tripped on one of the steps, stumbling forward before managing to catch himself in time. Lord Huntsford did nothing but laugh, his eyes bright as James flushed hot.
“I shall take that to confirm my hopes,” he told James, who closed his eyes and drew in a long, steadying breath whilst embarrassment flooded him. “I am glad, old boy. She is a lovely young lady and I think many a gentleman would be jealous of the clear affection that is shared between you.”
James tried to smile. “I thank you.”
“Many a lady, also. Although Lady Maude –”
His words died away as James started suddenly, staring back into Lord Huntsford’s face. It was as if someone had pulled back a thick curtain to reveal the glorious sunshine.Why did I not think of it before?
“We must tell the ladies.”
Handing their particulars to the butler, James found himself impatient as he was shown to the drawing room. He did not stop even to bow but hurried forward, took Lady Essington’s hands in his, and looked into her eyes.
“It is Lady Maude.”
She stared at him for a long moment, then, much to James’ astonishment, began to laugh. Lady Adlay joined in also and James took a step back, only for Lady Essington to lean into him, her head going to his shoulder.
“Forgive us, it is only that we have been waiting for you so that we might make the very same conclusion!” she exclaimed, as James finally began to smile, realizing what she meant. “Yes, it must be Lady Maude! Although why she would want to injure you, I am not yet certain.” Stepping back, she looked up at him, her smile fading, and James wanted nothing more than to pull her back tight against him – although he restrained himself, given the company he was in.
“Good afternoon, Lady Essington, Lady Adlay.” Lord Huntsford bowed low, a calming presence in amongst the angst that now filled the room. “I was reflecting with Lord Yardley only a short while ago upon Lady Maude’s character. To my mind, it seems she dislikes the fact that he now shows his affections and interest to another.” James saw the way his eyes turned to Lady Essington and then watched the slow, beautiful smile spread across her face. “It may be that, as punishment for his lack of eagerness to return to her company, she has chosen to attempt to ruin him by any means she can.”
“She must have somehow discoveredyouwere Mrs. Fullerton,” Lady Adlay agreed, her voice a little thin as she turned to Lady Essington. “Goodness, I wish I had never introduced you to her!”
Lady Essington shook her head. “None of this is your doing, my dear Sophia. You need not look so upset. Come, let us ring for tea and decide what we are to do next. The article will have to be written very soon, one way or the other.”
James reached out and caught her arm gently. “You will not wish to carry on writing as Mrs. Fullerton? Not after you have been so discovered?”
Lady Essington smiled softly. “It is not a question as to whether or not I wish it, Lord Yardley. At the present time, I must.”
“Must?” He saw Lady Adlay and Lord Huntsford come together in conversation and stepped a little closer to Lady Essington. “This is something you must do?” he asked, keeping his voice very low indeed. “But why?”
She sighed and put one hand on his chest. “My late husband left me this townhouse and a small yearly sum – but without being ungrateful, anything I can do that would bring in a little extra coin would be a great help to me and my present circumstances.” Her eyes held his but color bloomed in hercheeks. “That is why Lady Gillingham came to me, I suppose. Having been in my situation herself, she was all too aware that being widowed could bring financial difficulties and wanted to be of aid to me.”
“I quite understand.” Lifting his hand, he cupped her cheek, marveling inwardly at the softness of her skin. “Mayhap there will be another alternative and you will not have to rely on such an income any longer.” Seeing the question in her eyes, he shook his head. “But now is not the time for us to talk of such things. Come. We must find our way forward in this matter. You will not be under Lady Maude’s hold for much longer, Norah. I promise you that.”
“Good evening, good evening.”
James looked down at Lady Essington, glad she had been so willing to take his arm. “Are you quite well, my dear?”
