Page 17 of A Spinster's Unexpected Marriage
She nodded slowly. “Yes, that is why,” she answered, her eyes a little sharper than before. “You are already aware of that, however.”
“I did not mean any embarrassment,” James said, hastily, realising that she thought he had mentioned it simply to mock her. “I meant that if there was anything else that might cause the gentlemen to step back from you.”
This did not make any difference. In fact, it made things worse for Martha’s cheeks grew red and she put both hands to her waist, her eyes blazing. “There is nothing about me personally that would put any gentleman away from me,” she declared, as embarrassment began to mount in James’ chest. “I am not in the least bit rude or ill mannered, I have not many flirtations assomeI could mention and I certainly have no intention of bringing any sort of embarrassment upon myself by behaving inappropriately!”
James made to apologise, only to stop himself. Why should he care if this young lady was a little frustrated with him? Why should he give her even a second thought? With a shrug and a sniff, he turned his head away and looked again to Lord Billington. “Permit me to go and speak with Lord Billington,” he said, changing the subject entirely. “Let me make certain he is a gentleman worthy of you, Lady Newton,beforeyou come to join us.”
Martha’s eyes were like shards of broken glass but she said nothing. Her hands remained at her waist but without another word, James turned and made his way across the room, ready to speak to Lord Billington. As he went, however, he felt Martha’s eyes pushing into his back and it took all of his strength and determination not to look over his shoulder at her.
I truly did not mean to embarrass her,James thought to himself, as he forced a smile when Lord Billington looked at him as he approached.But, then again, I do not care. I do not care whether or not she is embarrassed. I do not care if she thinks poorly of me. I do not care what she thinks! All I care about is removing this young lady from my side so that we can both have our share of happiness.
***
“Well?”
James caught Martha’s arm as she made to pass him, catching her attention. Martha, on the other hand, wrenched her arm away just as quickly as she could before crossing her arms across her chest.
“I am afraid I have not had any success in convincing either Lord Billington or Lord Rochester to consider me as their newly engaged bride,” she said, a good deal of irony in her voice. “The first gentleman did not even speak to me. The second gentleman said only a few words and then quickly excused himself, leaving me to simply watch him as he took a brandy and sipped at it simply so that he would not have to converse with me. He has returned to Lord Billington’s company now that I have departed, of course.”
Hearing the note of pain in her voice, James hesitated as he looked down into her green eyes. He wanted to say something to her but could not think of what it might be. It was a very strange sensation indeed. To want to encourage her in some way while, at the same time, telling himself that it was the last thing he ought to do, left him in something of a quandary.
“Come.”
Surprising even himself, he turned and, taking her hand, set it on his arm. Making his way back across the room, Martha’s protests started dying away as they drew closer.
“Lord Billington, Lord Rochester, good evening.” James’ voice filled with strength as both gentlemen turned to look at him. He had already greeted them once before, but that was in the past when he had allowed himself to become distracted, leaving Lady Newton there to converse with both gentlemen alone, albeit with Miss Stockton standing by her side.
“Good evening again, Lord Granton,” Lord Rochester replied, throwing a quick glance towards Lord Billington. “Is there something the matter?”
“Yes,” James stated, quickly. “I believe that you did not so much as even glance at my betrothed when I had to step away for a few minutes, Lord Billington. And you, Lord Rochester, were more interested in your brandy rather than in conversation before yourself becoming distracted by someone else… though I see that the moment my betrothed was called away, you returned to Lord Billington’s company.” He looked from one gentleman to the next, “Might I ask if there is some reason for that?”
The two gentlemen looked at each other again, their expressions now a little dark. “Of course not,” Lord Rochester replied, sounding a little awkward. “I found myself a little distracted by Lady Hannah, that is all. When she would not offer me any conversation, I returned to Lord Billington’s company.”
“I see,” James told him, though he made certain that his tone was nothing but disbelieving. “And you, Lord Billington? Is there a reason thatyouwill not talk with my betrothed?”
Lord Billington’s mouth open and then closed again, frowning as he looked to Lord Rochester, perhaps hoping that his friend might offer him some sort of excuse.
“I am well aware that Lord Hampshire has made some difficulties for himself the last few years, but since the debts are paid and all is as it ought to be, is there any reason to treat both himself and his family with such disdain?” James asked, seeing the two gentlemen drop their gaze, finding himself satisfied with how they were responding to him. “Do you not see that, in ignoring my betrothed, you also insult me?”
“I mustbegyour pardon,” Lord Billington said quickly, only for James to hold up one hand, palm out towards Lord Billington. “It is not to me that you must apologise, Lord Billington.”
The gentleman nodded quickly and then looked again to Lady Newton who, rather than looking to Lord Billington, was gazing up at James instead, confusion written into every part of her expression.
“I humbly beg your pardon, Lady Newton,” Lord Billington said, quietly. “I will never do such a thing again.”
“Nor shall I,” Lord Rochester agreed, bowing towards Martha. “Pray excuse me for my boorish bad manners.”
Martha swallowed and then nodded. “But of course,” she said, quietly, though her astonishment appeared to be all the greater as she returned her wide eyes to James.
“I thank you,” James said, grandly. “Come now, my dear.” He walked away with his betrothed by his side, finding himself rather proud in all that he had managed to achieve. The two gentlemen had been properly scolded for what they had done and that, he was sure, would please Lady Newton.
That thought wiped the smile from his face.Please her?He blinked furiously, his chest tight.Why should I want to please her?
“I – I thank you for doing that, Lord Granton.” Martha frowned. “I did not think it necessary but – ”
“But of course it is necessary!” James exclaimed, seeing her frown line her forehead all the more deeply. “You do not understand, I am sure, but I said those things and berated those two gentlemen to make certain that all of thetonknows how dedicated I am to you.” It was a good explanation and James smiled broadly, relieved that he would not have to give the truth to her. He could not exactly confess to her that he had found himself wanting to make certain that she was not treated in that way again, not when he was so unsettled by that himself!
“I see.” Martha let out a small sigh and then looked away from him. “You want society to think well of our connection so that when the engagement ends, they will be sympathetic towards you, just as you have explained.”
