Page 43 of The Truth about the Marquess
“I – I thank you, my friend.”
“If there is to be opportunity to join you on your wedding day, I hope you know that I would find it a privilege to be present.”
“I thank you.” Lord Dunstable glanced at his bride. “It will depend on just how quickly we need to marry. I do not want Lady Henrietta to suffer any more than she has already done, and news of her father’s foolishness has not yet spread through theton… though it will not be long.”
“I quite understand.” Putting one hand to his heart, Oliver bowed to them both. “And thank you for your consideration in speaking to me so openly about these things. I am truly grateful.”
“I am only glad that your heart was not injured,” Lord Dunstable answered, sounding more relieved now. “Your understanding has made this matter a good deal easier.”
“But of course.” Gesturing to the door, Oliver smiled as Lady Henrietta quickly put her mask back on again, only to then take the arm of Lord Dunstable. “I am truly delighted for you both.”
Watching them walk from the room, Oliver closed the door but then leaned back against it, choosing not to go into the ballroom immediately thereafter. Though he was not upset by the news, it had been something of a shock to hear that Lord Dunstable now considered himself practically in love with Lady Henrietta and intended to marry her! Trying to let the news sinkin a little more, Oliver closed his eyes and let out a long, slow breath.
I do not feel any sorrow nor sadness about this,he reminded himself, astonished as a slight relief began to flood his chest.I did not even think of Lady Henrietta in all of this. The only person I thought of was Lady Harsham.
Oliver closed his eyes and rested his head back against the door, breathing deeply. There was something strong in his connection with Lady Harsham, he had to admit it. But was there something more there than just mere friendship?
His eyes popped open as a sudden thought struck him.
Have I been so caught up in my pursuit of two other young ladies that I missed what was directly in front of my eyes?
Letting out a slow breath, Oliver pushed himself away from the door, realizing that, as yet, he had not greeted Lady Harsham – or mayhap he had without realizing it. Had he been so busy thinking about the lady with the peacock feathers that he had not recognized her when she had first arrived? A trifle irritated with himself, Oliver strode back to the ballroom and pulled open the door, determined now to go in search of Lady Harsham – though quite how he was to find her at a masquerade ball, he did not know!
“Lord Edenbridge?”
Turning his head, Oliver’s heart clattered in his chest.
“My Lady.” He went to hurry forward, only for the lady, her peacock feathers bobbing in her hair as she moved, to reach for his arm to hold him in place.
“Might we speak?” she asked, catching his hand very briefly, but in a way that spoke of familiarity. “It is important, Lord Edenbridge.”
Oliver frowned, struggling to hear her over the sound of the ballroom which was growing loud and raucous.
“You wish to speak with me?”
“Now.”
It was said with the same urgency as Lord Dunstable had spoken and, all the more confused, Oliver permitted the lady to lead him out into the hallway, aware of the knot which tied itself in his stomach.
“Lord Edenbridge.” The lady released his arm, then spread out her hands. “I have come to tell you of some rumors which I have heard. I believe that they are true rather than rumor, however, though I am sorry to have to tell you of it.”
“Rumors?” The word sent a buzzing into Oliver’s ears, memories of all he had already endured throwing themselves at him. “What have you heard?”
The lady hesitated for a moment, then took a breath.
“I have been told that Miss Leverton has eloped with a gentleman by the name of Lord Whittington.” Oliver gaped at her, shock ricocheting through him. “I know that it must be a great shock to you, but I did not want you to hear of it from another, who might then look to spread news of your reaction to others. It is known to some in theton, at least, that you have been showing an interest in the lady.”
For some minutes, Oliver could say nothing. It was not that he had become overly interested in Miss Leverton and was eager to have more of her company, nor that he found himself upset that she had turned away from him so quickly. It was simply the astonishment of hearing that she had done such a thing, for the lady he had come to know was quiet, reserved, and under the severe gaze of her mother at all times. Never would he have imagined that she had such boldness!
“I am sorry.”
It was the softness of her hand on his that made Oliver start in surprise, tugging him out of his thoughts. He looked down into the lady’s eyes, trying to sort out his many, complicated thoughts.
“You are very considerate, my Lady.” A broken, jerking laugh issued from his lips. “It seems that I have lost two young ladies on the same evening! No doubt you have also heard that I was considering Lady Henrietta, yes?” He looked away from her as the lady nodded, feeling a sense of foolishness wash over him. “My closest friend is now to marry her, though I cannot say that I am in any way upset or angry about that. To see them together, to see the hope that they now had, did make my heart glad.” He closed his eyes briefly. “For myself, however, it now seems that I shall, yet again, garner the attention of theton, though they will most likely do nothing but laugh at me this time.”
“I am sure it is not so.”
“Oh, but it shall be,” Oliver replied, a little more gruffly than he had intended, heat beginning to build in his chest. “I can already hear their sharp tongues speaking of me, telling all of their friends and acquaintances that I am a gentleman who can never garner the attention of a young lady for long.” Letting out a long sigh, he closed his eyes. “I suppose it does not matter. Mayhap I ought not to have come to London this Season.”
