Page 38 of The Uncouth Duke of Longford
That was a most terrifying prospect, was it not? Or was it the most wonderful thing he had ever permitted himself to contemplate?
“Cousin.”
Andrew turned, a little surprised at the sharpness of Lord Chiddick’s voice. “Chiddick. Good evening.”
His cousin did not smile. “I have just heard the most incredible news.”
“Oh?”
Lord Chiddick lifted his chin a notch. “I have been told of a courtship.”
“Ah.” Andrew smiled and shrugged. “It has spread through this ballroom with the greatest speed. I did not think that there would be that much interest and yet –”
“You are courting Miss Grifford?”
Andrew stopped, a little surprised that not only had his cousin interrupted him, but also that there was a sharp anger to his tone which Andrew did not understand. He took in Lord Chiddick, noticing the way his brows hung low over his eyes, how shadows crossed his expression as he folded his arms across his chest.
“Yes,” he said slowly, trying to understand Lord Chiddick’s reaction. “I am. Does that trouble you in some way?”
“What troubles me is that you did not tell me of this,” came the quick reply, a slight narrowing coming through Lord Chiddick’s eyes. “Do you not understand? I am yourcousinand yet you told me nothing of this! Can you imagine my embarrassment at hearing of this from Lord Henderson? Lord Henderson asked me why I was unaware of it and I could give him no answer!”
Still rather taken aback by Lord Chiddick’s reaction, Andrew spread out both hands. “I did not think that you would be at all angry about such a thing. It all came about rather quickly.”
“And unexpectedly,” Lord Chiddick stated, his arms still tight across his chest. “I did not even know you werethinkingof courting the lady! The last I heard, you were quite determined not to even think of such a thing. Why then have you changed your mind?”
Andrew considered this, wondering whether he ought to tell his cousin the truth about everything, only to recall Lord Wrexham’s advice. At the same time, he remembered his considerations as regarded continuing the courtship and that sealed his lips.
“I like Miss Grifford,” he said, eventually. “That is all.”
Lord Chiddick rolled his eyes. “That is unusual.”
“Why should it be?”
“Because you have been quite determinednotto pursue a young lady!” came the angry reply. “And now you do this?! It does not make any sense to me. I –”
“Oh.”
Evidently hearing Andrew’s low murmur, Lord Chiddick stopped dead and narrowed his gaze a little more. “What is it?”
“You… you care for Miss Grifford?” Andrew tilted his head, studying his cousin. “Is this the reason for your upset? I didnot know that you were considering her but now that I think of it, youwerethe one who wished to call on her, to have her introduced to you and the like. I am sorry, cousin. I did not think of that for a moment.”
Lord Chiddick opened his mouth and then closed it again before dropping his arms to his sides with a long and heavy sigh. He looked away and then passed one hand over his eyes.
“Forgive me, cousin. I did not mean to speak with such fierceness,” he said, a good deal more quietly than before. “If I am to be truthful, I was very surprised indeed to hear that you were not only courting but courting Miss Grifford – MissRachelGrifford at that!”
A streak of anger raced up to Andrew’s heart. “Miss Rachel Grifford is an exceptional young lady.”
“Oh, I am well aware of that!” Lord Chiddick responded with a smile. “It is only that her sister is so… well, a good deal more prominent in society than Rachel. However, as I was saying, I was surprised to hear your news and, thereafter, felt myself embarrassed that I did not know it before anyone else. Being family, I assumed that I would have been told by you beforehand.” He let out another sigh and then shook his head. “And I will admit to a fleeting interest in Miss Grifford though it is not as though I had any real intention of pursuing that.”
“I see.” Satisfied that he now understood his cousin’s upset, Andrew reached out one hand to shake Lord Chiddick’s. “Forgive me for my lack of consideration. As I am sure you are well aware, I am not exactly well known for my thoughts as regards the satisfaction of others.”
Lord Chiddick offered him a wry smile but shook Andrew’s hand firmly. “Forgive me for my own frustration. I ought not to have been so sharp in my words.” He released Andrew’s hand and then winked. “Though if you decide to end the courtship,please do tell me before anyone else – even before Miss Grifford!”
“So that you can step in instead?” Andrew asked, finding himself rather despondent at the idea rather than laughing along with his cousin.
“Yes, precisely!” Lord Chiddick grinned and then with a shrug, turned away. “I think Miss Grifford an exceptional young lady, just as you have said. Perhaps I ought to have stepped in sooner rather than wait to see if anyone else caught my attention!” He chuckled as he spoke the final few words over his shoulder. “Should I be given opportunity, I will not make that same mistake again!”
Andrew scowled and walked away in the opposite direction. His cousin had clearly had an interest in Miss Grifford but Andrew had been entirely unaware of it. Would he give up Miss Grifford, knowing that Lord Chiddick was ready to step in to take her into his arms? Or was he beginning to find himself even more protective of the lady than ever before?
