Page 32 of The Uncouth Duke of Longford
“But society will notice that and consider her a little…. affected because of it,” Lord Wrexham explained, quietly. “She may not bear the blame but thetonwill still whisper about her. She is also a young lady attempting to find a suitable match for herself, is she not? And in accepting your courtship – a courtship which she knows will soon come to an end, she is effectively ruining her chances of a successful Season. She will have to wait until next Season and, given how her mother and father treat her, can you be certain that she will be given that?”
Andrew rubbed one hand over his chin, sucking in a breath as he looked away. “I – in truth, I had not thought of such a thing as that.”
“So you can see now why she is considering things,” Lord Wrexham said, making Andrew nod. “She is a very considerate young lady to even bethinkingof accepting such a thing for your sake. She will be giving up a great deal.”
Clearing his throat, Andrew nodded again but said nothing, taking a sip of his whiskey and letting the sensation flood him. It was warm and it settled him a little, leaving him with a fresh understanding of Miss Grifford and all she was offering him in doing as she did. At the same time, bringing her to mind made his heart squeeze tight for a moment, leaving a broad smile to settle across his face though at the questioning look from Lord Wrexham, Andrew pushed it from his expression.
“Is she here this evening?”
“I do not know. I have not seen her as yet,” Andrew answered, truthfully. “I have been keeping myself back from her so as not to put any pressure upon this decision.”
“That is considerate of you.” Lord Wrexham’s expression grew to one of curiosity. “Have you no interest in going about here in search of her? If she is here, then would you not be able to speak with her? Even if it is just general conversation?”
Andrew shook his head, surprised at just how much he desired to do that very thing. It was as though he had been waiting for someone to make that suggestion in order for him to realize just how much he wanted to speak to Miss Grifford again. It had felt like a month between now and their last conversation, even though Andrew knew it had not been more than a few days.
“Are you sure?”
“Enough, my friend!” Andrew exclaimed, seeing his friend laugh. “Please, enough questions. I am quite able to speak to Miss Grifford myself whenever I should desire it. I do not think that I require your assistance with that.”
“Your Grace? My lord?”
Andrew turned to see a footman holding a tray of delicacies. “Queen Currant Cakes!” he exclaimed, reaching for one. “They are one of my favourites.” He took one from the tray and then bit into it, relishing the taste. “I have always enjoyed these, ever since I was a child.”
“As have I,” Lord Wrexham agreed, reaching out one hand for the cakes, only for the footman to turn abruptly and hurry away.
Lord Wrexham frowned. “How very odd. I am sure that – oh! Good gracious, stop!”
He smacked Andrew’s hand so hard, the currant cake fell from Andrew’s hand and threw itself towards the wall of the drawing room. Andrew made to demand to know what it was that his friend thought to be doing, only to realize that there was a warning in his friend’s eyes.
“Why did that footman hurry away?” Lord Wrexham asked, coming closer and looking around the room. “He has left the room without going to another single person, even though there are at least ten others present. Why?”
Andrew swallowed hard. Was it just in his mind or was his throat feeling a little tighter than before?
“He came directly to you, with a tray filled with your favourite treats,” Lord Wrexham pointed out. “And then he quickly hurried away, leaving no opportunity for any other to take one of the cakes. Does that not tell you something?”
The way his friend spoke sent worry shooting into Andrew’s stomach. “It does.”
“Are you feeling unwell?”
Andrew nodded, his stomach queasy. “I am. My stomach aches and my whole body feels hot.”
“Then you should return home,” Lord Wrexham stated, firmly. “We should have the doctor sent for and – ”
“I do not want to.” Pulling out his handkerchief, Andrew wiped at his forehead, aware of the sweat which had broken out. “It will prove to whoever is responsible that I have succumbed. I want to prove to them that they have not succeeded.”
Lord Wrexham shook his head. “That is unwise. You need to recover.”
“Who else is present this evening?” Andrew asked, ignoring his friend’s concern. “I must take note of them all. The person responsible for this attempt at injuring memustbe present.”
His friend’s eyes widened. “That is a good thought.”
“Might I ask if everything is all right?”
Andrew turned around entirely, seeing his cousin standing there, a look of concern on his face. “Chiddick. I am quite all right. I was simply wondering who was present this evening.” He forced a smile even though he did not feel it deep in his soul. He considered for a moment whether or not he ought to say something to his cousin, only to see the way Lord Wrexham shook his head. “It is an excellent soiree, is it not?”
His cousin nodded but he did not smile, that concern still lifting his expression. “Are you quite well? You do not look particularly – ”
“I am quite well, I assure you,” Andrew stated firmly, only to feel a sudden weakness wash over him. “I think that I – ”
