Page 47 of The Truth about the Marquess
It took a moment, but Lady Guilford not only nodded but smiled.
“More that she wishes to say, but also more thatyouwill wish to share with her, I am certain.” This was greatly confusing and though Oliver appreciated the lady’s visit, he still could not understand what it was that she meant. “You should write to her, as you have done before,” Lady Guilford continued, waving one hand in his direction as though she expected him to go and fetch his quill at that very moment. “Insist on speaking with her and, if she does not soon appear, then you must inform me, and I will bring you to her.”
Oliver blinked in surprise.
“You will?”
“I will. It is vitally important to me that you meet the lady,” she said, with a firmness that made Oliver’s eyebrows lift all the more. “It must soon happen. It must be soon, for I fear that she will lose all hope otherwise.”
It took all of Oliver’s strength not to ask what hope it was that this mysterious lady might lose, but realizing that he would not be given a simple answer, he merely nodded.
“You will do it, then?”
“Yes, I will.”
“Might you do it now?” she asked, astonishing him. “I will take it myself to The London Chronicle so that it might be delivered to her.”
“I am grateful for your willingness, but I am expecting Lord Dunstable and his betrothed to call very soon,” Oliver answered,seeing the frustration fill Lady Guilford’s expression. “But I shall write this very afternoon, I promise you.”
Lady Guilford took a step closer to him, her eyes sharp.
“You swear it to me?”
“I do.” Oliver put one hand to his heart and then bowed. “You have my word.”
This seemed to satisfy Lady Guilford and, with a nod, she swept from the room, leaving Oliver staring after her. Whatever it was that she knew, whoever this lady was, it was clear that Lady Guilford was quite determined that she and Oliver would soon meet. With a shake of his head, Oliver sat back down, feeling the urge to pull out a sheet of paper and begin his letter, only for a knock on the door to interrupt him.
“Come in.” He beamed as Lord Dunstable walked into the room, reaching out to shake his hand quickly. “My friend. I am glad to see you.” His smile faded just a little as the door closed behind Lord Dunstable without Lady Henrietta coming into the room. “Your betrothed?”
“All is well, have no fear,” came the reply. “She was unable to call upon you with me, for she is preparing her trousseau.” Perhaps seeing Oliver’s surprise, Lord Dunstable shrugged. “Her father has been good enough to keep back Lady Henrietta’s dowry, it seems. He has not gambled it away, as she feared, and thus, there is enough for her to spend on the trousseau before we wed.” His shoulders fell. “I did tell them all that I had no need of her dowry, but her father was quite insistent. Mayhap he feels a little ashamed after all he has done, I do not know.”
“Then I am very glad for you.”
“You will come to the service, will you not?”
Oliver threw out his hands.
“Of course I will! Nothing could prevent me from joining you on your wedding day.”
His friend tilted his head just a little, his gaze steadying.
“I am sorry that you are not to have such a day yourself. I know that you are glad for my sake, and for Lady Henrietta’s, that we have found such a connection, but I did hear about Miss Leverton also.”
Oliver looked away.
“It is unexpected, certainly, to be left without any young lady in my consideration. It is not what I expected!”
“And is there no other?”
A frown darted across Oliver’s forehead.
“Another? Another lady I have been considering, you mean?”
Lord Dunstable nodded.
“No, there is not. You know that I was only seeking out Lady Henrietta and Miss Leverton. Who else could you be thinking of?”
“Lady Harsham.”
