Page 40 of The Truth about the Viscount
“Yes, we are betrothed. I wanted to wait for a little longer before telling thetonof my happiness, given that my sister has not even had her betrothal ball as yet but, truth be told, I could not help it! I am much too happy to keep my joy within.”
Lady Gregson’s eyes widened all the more.
“You mean to say that you have been betrothed for some time? Oh, Lord Hastings! How considerate of you! And Lady Patience, how patient you have been!”
Patience opened her mouth to correct the lady, but Lord Hastings set one hand on hers as it sat on his arm, quietening her. It was, she realized, a benefit to them if Lady Gregson believed that they had been betrothed for some time. That story would be spread and, therefore, anything that Lady Winters might say would be blown into fine dust, soon to be forgotten.
“I am sure that you have many a person you wish to tell,” Lady Gregson continued, making to step away from them both. “I will not hold you back.”
Murmuring his thanks, Lord Hastings sent a twinkling look towards Patience, a tiny smile curling one side of his lip which, seeing it, made Patience smile broadly. It was quite obvious to them both that Lady Gregson did not care about either of them but was eagerly hurrying away so thatshemight spread their news.
“For once, I find myself grateful for thetonand their delight in spreading whispers,” Lord Hastings said, out of the corner of his mouth. “I cannot express my gratitude to you enough in this, Lady Patience.” Turning his head to look straight into her eyes, his smile became a little more gentle, almost tender. “We are betrothed. And soon, all of society shall know it.”
“You arebetrothed?”Patience rose to her feet, crossed the drawing room, and pulled her cousin into a tight hug. She said nothing, a lump in her throat as Eleanor leaned back to look into Patience’s eyes, concern lingering there. “Are you happy in your betrothal?”
Patience nodded, releasing Eleanor but catching her hands instead.
“I wanted to tell you last evening, but I could not.”
“That is because I was not present,” Eleanor told her. “I was at a soiree, only to hear Lady Winters make the most extraordinary statement! She informed us all that Lord Hastings was courting Lady Madeline! And that he wanted very much to betrothe himself to her!”
Licking her lips, Patience nodded.
“Eleanor, it is because of that statement that I find myself betrothed to Lord Hastings.” Quickly explaining, she made herway across the room to sit back down, her cousin coming to sit beside her. “Might I ask when you heard the news?”
Eleanor smiled, a tiny gleam in her eye.
“It was at the soiree. Someone who had been at the ball came to play cards and, as he sat down, told Lord Johnstone that Lord Hastings had just declared his betrothal to Lady Patience – and not only that, that you had been betrothed for some time but had not told anyone to give Miss Spearton her happiness.”
Awash with relief, Patience’s shoulders dropped just a little.
“That is good. I am glad that Lady Winters’ story was prevented from spreading.”
Eleanor set one hand over Patience’s.
“Not only that, but those at the soiree, once they had heard the news, then began to question Lady Winters as to why she would say such a thing about a gentleman who had already announced himself betrothed. Lady Winters began to stammer some explanation but another lady – I believe it was Lady Berridale – stated that she hadneverseen Lady Madeline and Lord Hastings in company, and accused Lady Winters of fabricating the connection to push her daughter a little more into society’s view.” She pressed Patience’s hand. “I, of course, pretended that I had known about it for a long time, and had been told to remain silent. Given what you have explained to me, I think that you and Lord Hastings have succeeded in thwarting Lord Newforth’s efforts. Lady Winters is the one embarrassed and ashamed, I am afraid, though that is entirely her own doing.”
Patience nodded.
“Yes, it is.”
“Tell me.” Eleanor lifted her hand and then tipped her head, studying Patience’s face. “Are you happy with this betrothal? You have not long known Lord Hastings and I must wonder if this is a wise idea.”
Patience looked down at her hands as they rested in her lap, wondering if she ought to be truthful with her cousin or if she ought to pretend that all was well, regardless of what she felt inwardly. After a few moments of quiet, she lifted her gaze back to Eleanor, then spread out her hands.
“I will admit that I have found myself a little drawn to Lord Hastings of late. We started off rather badly but that has improved significantly to the point that I have found myself eager to be in conversation with him whenever I can. I think himveryhandsome and, truth be told, when he made the suggestion that we become betrothed, there was something within my heart that flew to the skies in delight.”
Eleanor’s eyes continued to search Patience’s face though, after another short while, she smiled.
“Then might I wish you every happiness, Patience. Though,” she continued, a frown marring her otherwise warm expression, “I think that now, you must be even more on your guard. Lord Newforth will be greatly displeased, and now Lady Winters will be upset and angry also. I do not know what they will do, but I fear that they will attempt to shame youbothin some way.”
Patience pressed her lips tight together as she considered this, only to nod.
“Yes, I can see why you might be concerned, but I have made my decision. I am now betrothed to be married to Lord Hastings, and I will continue to aid him in whatever way I can against Lord Newforth.”
Eleanor sighed gently but then smiled.
“You are always sure of what you want to do, are you not? I am glad for you, truly. Though, I do hope that you will continue to put your drawings into The London Chronicle? I note thatmylikeness has not yet been published within it!” She laughed as Patience giggled, her eyes twinkling. “Your work is well known insociety now, Patience. You cannot give it up just because you are betrothed and now have a wedding to plan!”
