Page 19 of A Spinster's Unexpected Marriage
Not quite sure what to say, though finding herself glad that there had been that flicker of interest, Martha looked down demurely. “I do not know what that could be,” she answered, quietly. “Though that is very kind of you to say, Lord Talbot.”
“Indeed, and a good observation,” Lord Childers agreed, offering Martha the first smile he had given since she had stepped in to join their group. “You must be quite remarkable, Lady Newton.”
“Remarkable?” Another young lady laughed horribly and shook her head. “I highly doubt that. We are all aware of the difficulties your father has found himself in, Lady Newton. There can hardly be anything remarkable about that!”
Martha’s heart beat hard for a moment, though she caught the way Miss Stockton’s eyes narrowed, her chin lifting just a little as she prepared to come to Martha’s defence.
“I hardly think that it is fair to judge a person’s merits based on the failings of their parent, do you?” she asked, before Miss Stockton could say anything. “Besides which, my betrothal to the Marquess of Granton clearly shows thathedoes not have any concern in that regard.” She laughed as brightly as she could, waving one hand in Lady Tabitha’s direction, attempting to lightly dismiss what she had said. “Besides, if the Marquess himself does not seem to care about such things, then why should anyone else? Thankfully, he sees me just as I am rather than judging my merits based on my parent’s character!”
This made a few of those present glance at each other, some with lifted eyebrows and some slowly nodding, but it was the small smiles on the lips of some of the gentlemen which brought Martha the most relief. They now appeared to be considering her, at least, which was a good deal better than otherwise ignoring her!
“All the same, I do think that – ”
“Tell me, Lady Newton, what was it that first drew the Marquess to you?” A young lady with a warm, soft smile interrupted Lady Tabitha’s attempts to dismiss Martha again. “What was it that called you together? I must confess myself to be rather intrigued.”
Martha smiled though quickly trying to hide her sense of panic as she fought to find an answer – an answer which was not yet forthcoming.
“I heard it was because of a bet,” Lord Gregory interrupted, folding his arms across his chest and glowering in an obvious attempt to push aside the brightness of the conversation. “Was it not because your father – ”
“Do youreallythink that the Marquess of Granton would force himself to become engaged to a young lady in such a way?” Miss Stockton laughed aloud as a few smiles and giggles crossed the faces of others. “And even if that were the case, do you think that you can explain his adoration of her, his rejection of others and his complete change in character?”
“No, indeed!” Another of the young ladies broke in, her hand going to her heart as she let out a small sigh. “It is rather lovely to hear of it, Lady Newton. I do think that the Marquess has quite fallen in love with you, which is most extraordinary! I did not ever think that such a rogue would ever be willing to give up his flirtations and the like but it seems that you have convinced him to do so.”
Martha managed to smile, her face still hot though she sent a look towards Miss Stockton, a look which she hoped spoke of gratitude and relief. The conversation continued on to some other matter and Martha let out a slow breath, aware of the tension which slowly began to fade away. She looked around the group again, feeling herself a little more hopeful now that the conversation had gone so well. Catching the eye of Lord Childers, who was still gazing at her with a thoughtful expression on his face, Martha resisted the urge to pull her eyes away from his. Instead, she returned his look with a long, lingering one of her own, smiling softly and then, after a few moments, turning her gaze away. Whether that and the conversation before it, would be enough to engage his interest, Martha did not know but mayhap, she considered, Lord Childers might be the very gentleman who could save her from the hands of Lord Granton.
Chapter Eleven
“Pray, do not keep me, my dear!” James laughed as Lady Lamberton wrapped her arms all the more tightly around his neck. “I must go to walk with Lady Newton.”
“Must you?” Lady Lamberton sighed heavily and pressed her lips to his cheek, sending a slight wave of heat through James though, much to his displeasure, there also came a slight niggle of guilt.
“Yes, I am afraid that I must,” he said, trying to disentangle himself from her. “I am to walk with my betrothed though, as I have told you, I do hope that this situation will not last long.” James sole purpose in coming to see Lady Lamberton had been to inform her about what the situation was as regarded his engagement to Lady Newton, informing her that there could be no further connection between them until his engagement had been ended. Lady Lamberton had been rather disappointed, though much to James’ relief, she had understood and had expressed her hope that they would not be too long apart. “I will return to your arms very soon.”
Lady Lamberton sighed and settled her head on his shoulder, seemingly unwilling to let him go. “I do not think that I can bear it.”
“Ah, but bear it you must.” Looking down at her, James let himself kiss her again for what would be the last time for some duration though, to his frustration, the nudge of guilt within himself now grew to such a loud roar, he pulled away from her a little more quickly than he might otherwise have done. He did not like such a feeling and certainly had no desire to sense any sort of guilt over his behaviour but, for whatever reason, it was attempting to grow within him. With a scowl, he stepped away, catching the look of concern on Lady Lamberton’s face at his expression. “I am only morose over the thought of being apart from you,” he said, by way of explanation. “But go I must.”
“It will not be long until we are back in each other’s arms, I am sure,” Lady Lamberton said, with a confidence which forced James to nod in fervent agreement. “I wish you well, my love.”
“I thank you.” Bowing over her hand, James resisted the urge to press a kiss to it and, after another moment, made his way from the room, silently wondering just how long it would be until he could be back in her company again.
***
James put his hands behind his back as he continued to walk alongside Lady Newton. It was more than obvious to him that Lady Newton was not at all inclined towards his company but what could be done about that? They had to pretend, did they not? They had to make thetonbelieve that they were quite caught up with each other, even though they clearly disliked each other’s company.
“It is a very warm day, is it not?”
When Martha looked up at him, a dullness in her eyes, James could not help but chuckle. It did not come from genuine laughter, however, but rather from a sense of awkwardness.
“Forgive me, Lady Newton, but I can think of nothing else to say. Though,” he continued, “I do think it would be best if you took my arm.”
Martha shook her head. “I do not want to.”
“I am well aware of that and I certainly do not ask you this because I desire it either. But, as you know, we are painting a picture of our connection to society and we must make certain that they believe we care deeply for each other.”
With a long sigh, Martha turned to look up at him, her steps slowing. Thereafter, she took her arm though her fingers lay limply there rather than showing any sort of genuine interest in being physical connected with him.
“And you have nothing to say?” he asked, hating that there was such a great wall of silence between them. “Nothing whatsoever that might breathe a little life into our walk?”
