Page 6 of The Truth about the Earl
“Whatever can you mean?” James threw a hard look toward his friend, thinking him ridiculous.
“Well, if you have tried to catch her interest and have failed, then why not attempt to do something quite the opposite?” Lord Huntsford shrugged. “If you dance with her but show very little interest in her company, then perhaps she will notice that and her thoughts, thereafter, will linger on you. Or, asIhope, you will realize there is no worth in pursuing the lady.”
James’s frown grew but he did not respond immediately, choosing to ignore the latter part of Lord Huntsford’s advice.Nor did he refute such an idea. Instead, he allowed it to wrap around his mind and allowed himself to consider what might happen should he behave in such a way.
“She might be glad of my disinterest.” Rubbing one hand over his forehead, he let out a long sigh. “And what then?”
Lord Huntsford let out a long sigh and rolled his eyes. “If you are determined to pursue her, then you will have to return to your present state of behavior, which is to seek her out at every opportunity so that shecannotforget your face.”
Letting out another long sigh, James shrugged. “If I become a little more desperate in my attempts to have her consider me, then I will return to your idea and see what will occur. But I am not ready to give up my pursuit of her in my own way quite yet.”
“Very well, although as I have said, I think it a foolish endeavor and the lady is not worth your attention.” Lord Huntsford did not seem at all concerned or offended at James’ outright refusal to do as he suggested instantly but merely shrugged. “Mayhap you ought to dance with as many other young ladies as you can this evening. That will help to put Lady Maude from your mind, I am sure.”
James gave him a half-smile, choosing to ignorethe fact that Lord Huntsford continually attempted to encourage him to forget Lady Maude entirely. “That, at least, is an idea that I would find most enjoyable, whom shall we approach next?” Lord Huntsford looked around, smiling to himself as he took in the many young ladies and their companions or chaperones. “My, my. There are many new faces in London this evening, it seems! A good many beautiful debutantes that I am certain would be glad to make your acquaintance.”
“Now you are attempting to flatter me so that I will not think of Lady Maude and allow my spirits to become despondent.”
Chuckling, Lord Huntsford shook his head. “Or mayhap I seek only to find other dance partners for myself this eveningand wish that you would not speak with such melancholy so that we might insteadenjoythe evening, hmm?” One eyebrow arched, and James grinned.
“Very well, I shall do as you have suggested.” Letting his gaze rove around the room, he spotted a very striking young lady standing by another. His heart lifted for a moment, for the young lady was quite lovely – although not in comparison to Lady Maude at all, of course. She was standing near to a group of gentlemen and ladies and as James watched, he saw the older lady gesture toward them before pushing the younger lady forward.
Clearly, that is either her mother or her chaperone.
“And who isthatfine beauty?” Pointing openly, he waited until Lord Huntsford’s eyes had traveled in her direction while his gaze lingered on her. The lady in question was tall with generous curves that he could not help but notice. Her oval face held a slim, delicate nose, rosebud lips, and eyes he longed to know the color of. Her fair hair was threaded with gold from the candlelight and her curls bounced lightly when she laughed.
Lord Huntsford cleared his throat and there was no smile on his face. “Are you unaware of Lady Essington?”
James shot a quick look toward him. “She is already married?”
“Shewas.I believe she will have finished her year of mourning only recently.”
“Oh.” That did not dissuade James in any way but his interest in her was a little diminished. “Then it is highly unlikely she would consider matrimony.”
“But then again, neither areyouconsidering such a thing,” Lord Huntsford reminded him, “save for Lady Maude. Recall that this is solely for your pleasure this evening. You talk and dance with whomever you wish in the hope that we might find a little enjoyment!”
And mayhap Lady Maude will see I am entertaining and in the very best of company and if I am a little distant with her, she may begin to think of me.
“Very well. If you are acquainted with her, then please do introduce me.” Clearing his throat, James puffed out his chest a little, held his head high, and smiled at Lord Huntsford. “As soon as possible.”
They walked over to Lady Essington’s group and Lord Huntsford caught her attention. Lord Huntsford cleared his throat, smiled, and then gestured to James. “Lady Essington, might I have the honor of presenting my friend to you?”
She nodded. “But of course.”
Her smile sought to push all thought of Lady Maude from his mind. She was even more beautiful standing so close to him and her eyes glittered like emeralds. “Lady Essington, I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
“And might I now present Lady Gillingham?” Lady Essington made further introductions and James was forced to wait a little longer before he could fall into further conversation with her. “Lady Gillingham is soon to return to the country, however.”
“Indeed, this is my final social event of the Season,” came the reply. “I am to make my way to my manor house in Wiltshire tomorrow afternoon.”
Wondering if the lady was feeling unwell, James gave her a small, sympathetic smile. “I am truly sorry. I hope you will not miss London too much.”
Lady Gillingham laughed, making Lady Essington smile, although she tried to hide it behind her fan.
“Oh, you quite mistake me, Lord Yardley. I amchoosingto return to my manor house rather than remain in London. There is no disappointment in my heart about leaving town. Instead, I am quite looking forward to returning home.”
“I see. Forgive me for making an assumption.”
“There is no apology required, I assure you.” The older lady smiled and James allowed himself to return it, a little embarrassed over his mistake.
