Page 41 of The Truth about the Marquess
“You might find that it will be better this way,” she said, encouraging Jane just a little, though her fear still remained strong. “It is clear even in this just how much you have come to care for him, my friend. Letthat– your affection – be your guide. The rest will come.”
Jane could only nod and then, before her courage failed her entirely, turned on her heel and went in search of Lord Edenbridge.
Chapter Seventeen
Where is she?
The lady with the peacock feathers adorning both her hair and her mask had caught Oliver’s attention from the very moment that she had smiled at him. There had been something very familiar about her, though he had not recognized her voice. It was when she had spoken to him, however, when she had whispered those words about sharing letters that he had finally realized who she was – the writer for The London Chronicle! He had wanted to capture her hand and her attention, to tell her of his gratitude, of his overwhelming appreciation for all that she had done to help guide him but, yet, due to his responsibilities as host, he had been forced to let her go. Now, however, he was determined to find her.
“Edenbridge.”
Oliver glanced to his left, just as a hand caught his elbow.
“Yes?”
“It is I.” The gentleman spread out his hands, sounding a little exasperated when Oliver did not immediately recognize him. “Dunstable.”
“Good evening, Dunstable.” Oliver chuckled, though his eyes continued to rove around the room. “I did not recognize you with such an… ornate mask on.” He glanced at his friend again, taking in the silver mask which covered half of one side of his face as well as both eyes. “It is as though you do not wish to be seen!”
Lord Dunstable did not smile.
“I must speak with you.”
The smile fixed itself to Oliver’s face as he heard the seriousness in his friend’s voice.
“Wearespeaking, are we not?”
“In private.” Oliver blinked. “Now, if you please.”
“Now?” Oliver gestured to the room. “My friend, I am hosting this evening! I have many people present and all of them–”
Lord Dunstable grasped Oliver’s arm, hard.
“Please.I would not ask if it was not of the greatest importance.”
Considering this, Oliver set aside his desire to find the lady with the peacock feathers in her hair and instead, relented so that he might go to speak with his friend.
“Very well.”
Lord Dunstable relaxed outwardly, his hand no longer gripping so hard, his shoulders dropping and a long breath escaping him.
“I thank you. This way, if you please.”
Oliver followed after his friend as Lord Dunstable made his way through the crowd and then, much to Oliver’s surprise, out into the hallway. Thereafter, he stepped into Oliver’s parlor with a familiarity that came with them having been such good friends for so many years.
The moment that Oliver stepped into the room, however, shock hit him with such force that he stumbled back. There, waiting for them with her hands clasped directly in front of her,was none other than Lady Henrietta. She did not wear a mask, holding it instead by its ribbons, and her eyes were already sparkling with tears – though what had caused them, Oliver did not know.
His shock quickly turned to anger.
“Whatever are you doing?” he hissed, coming close to Lord Dunstable, his hand grasping his arm, tightly. “You cannot have Lady Henrietta waiting here alone! Where is her mother? Or any sort of chaperone? I know that her family is in some sort of difficulty but that does not mean that you can force my arm!”
“Force your arm?” Lord Dunstable repeated, puzzlement on his face, only for it to clear in an instant as he shook off Oliver’s hand. “That isnotwhat I brought you here for, my friend! Surely you know me better than that?”
Oliver’s confusion and anger began to fade as he searched his friend’s face. After a moment, he released Lord Dunstable’s arm and then closed his eyes as he let out a small sigh.
“You are a worthy gentleman,” he muttered, reaching around to take off his mask. “You would never force my hand, I know. I should not have suggested that.” He opened his eyes. “My sincere apologies.”
“I thank you.” Lord Dunstable let out a slow breath. “My friend, I asked you here so that we might speak together – all of us.”
