Page 37 of The Truth about the Marquess
Lord Dunstable glanced again at Oliver, who spoke quickly.
“I have no doubt that Lord Dunstable will be just as reassuring as I have been. Mayhap that might encourage you?”
Lady Henrietta sniffed, keeping the handkerchief clasped tightly in her hand, her eyes, damp with tears, looking up towards Lord Dunstable.
“All I want to know is whether or not you would step away from me also, Lord Dunstable,” she said, her voice a mournful whisper. “Lord Edenbridge says that he will not, but I am fearful that so many others will.”
Lord Dunstable frowned and then leaned closer to her.
“Whatever has happened, Lady Henrietta?”
“Lord Edenbridge?”
Oliver turned his head, just to see Lady Harsham and Lady Guilford coming towards him, a warm smile spreading across both their faces.
“We thought to come and speak to you but alas, I fear that we have broken you apart!” Lady Guilford exclaimed, making Oliver turn his head to see Lord Dunstable and Lady Henrietta walking away from them, with Lord Dunstable’s head close to Lady Henrietta’s.
“I am glad that you thought to be so kind,” he answered with a smile. “Lord Dunstable is a friend of Lady Henrietta’s family, I believe, for they have all been acquainted with each other for many a year.” His smile slipped. “Alas, Lady Henrietta has had some difficult news thrust upon her, and our pleasant walk turned into something quite sorrowful indeed.” He looked again to where his friend was walking with the lady, a sense of relief in his chest. “Lord Dunstable will know what to say. I was not able to offer anything to her, I am afraid.”
A frown began to pull at his forehead as he remembered how close he had come to asking to court her, only for his heart to pull him back. Why had it been so fierce in its determination to drag him away from her? She was someone that he was considering, was she not? She was lovely, kind, and excellent in her conversation and manner, and he was certainly fond of her,at the very least. So why, when it came to it, had he been so unwilling to offer her courtship?
“Lord Edenbridge? Are you quite all right?” Lady Harsham touched his arm. “You have gone very quiet and are scowling as though you have thought of something displeasing!”
Oliver blinked rapidly and then shook his head as though to cast the expression from his face.
“I am quite well, forgive me. It is concern only. Given what Lady Henrietta has told me, I am now very well aware of what she will face and that it is going to be a very difficult situation indeed.” Sighing, he rubbed one hand over his chin. “I only hope that she will find the strength to overcome it all.”
“With good friends such as Lord Dunstable beside her, as well as your support – and the support from others, such as myself and Lady Guilford – I am sure that, whatever has happened, she will be encouraged.”
Lady Harsham smiled, and Oliver nodded, her words of comfort touching his heart.
“I think that you are quite correct.” With a deep breath, he gestured towards Lady Henrietta and Lord Dunstable. “I had thought to offer to court her the very moment that she told me of her troubles, but Lord Dunstable interrupted me before I could do so.” Wincing, he saw Lady Guilford and Lady Harsham exchange a look. “It came from a desire to aid her, I suppose, though I am glad that I did not say anything. I have still Miss Leverton to consider, and I have not yet spoken with her about my fortune, as I have been advised to do. I can see now that it would have been an impulsive decision, had I offered courtship to Lady Henrietta.” With a quiet laugh, he ran one hand over his eyes. “I ought not to have said anything to you either, I am sure, for now I have only brought shame to myself!”
Lady Harsham smiled, but dropped her gaze and, instead, took his arm.
“There is no shame in wishing to save someone from whatever difficulty they find themselves in.”
“I quite agree,” Lady Guilford agreed, as they all fell into step together. “Though I think we should hurry to catch Lady Henrietta and Lord Dunstable before her mother notices that she is walking with another!”
Laughing, Oliver pushed aside his embarrassment and began to walk, noticing that there was no concern in his heart over the fact that Lord Dunstable was now arm in arm with Lady Henrietta.
Looking to his right and seeing Lady Harsham there made him quite contented and, with a soft smile on his face, he hurried after the others.
Chapter Sixteen
Jane tried not to look at Lady Guilford as they meandered back to their carriage. All the same, she could feel the intensity of her friend’s gaze, knowing exactly what was on the lady’s mind, but having no real desire to speak of it, not when her thoughts were already as tormented as they were.
“Jane. Please.”
With a sigh, Jane finally turned her gaze to Lady Guilford.
“I know what you want to ask me.”
“You do?”
“Of course I do.”
Lady Guilford frowned.
