Page 19 of Enamored with a Brooding Earl
“And thus, Lord Barlington is going to call very soon and I will be expected not only to tolerate his presence but also to listen to him as he expresses various sentiments – none of which I want to listen to. It seems that both he and my parents are entirely unaware that I am contented just as I am.” Her gaze grew rather wistful as she looked out across the ocean, her expression softening. “The last two years, I have become very happy here. I have found myself free rather than trapped. There is a contentedness within me which I did not expect to find and I do not want to be pulled away from it. My mother may not like that it appears I am to be a spinster but what of my own feelings?”
James’ stomach dropped low and he swallowed hard, suddenly a little distressed at hearing the satisfaction of which she spoke. Was she truly happy at being a spinster? Did she not desire anything more?
“I do not think I will be able to express such a thing to Lord Barlington, however,” Lady Temperance continued, as James fought to control his own emotions and simply listen to her. “He will be more interested in telling me about his own feelings ratherthan listen to my own.” Her eyes closed tightly and James’ heart twisted with sympathy. “I will not be able to say anything to him, I will be forced only to listen. No doubt he will offer a great many words to try and convince me, to almost demand that I accept what he has to say.”
“Mayhap I could help?” James saw how her eyebrows lifted, but then pressed on. “If you knew of when he was to call, then mayhap my mother and I might come to call at the very same time? It would mean that he would be interrupted and mayhap, you would not have to endure for so very long?”
After a moment, Lady Temperance smiled and James found himself smiling back as they finally stepped out onto the beach.
“Would you truly do such a thing for me?”
“I would, of course I would. And I am certain that my mother would be very glad to call upon you again and should Lord and Lady Thurston know of this visit also, then I am certain they would join us also! It could be an unexpected visitbutit would also show Lord Barlington that you have friends here, that you are well connected and do not requirehiscompany.”
Lady Temperance’s smile grew bigger, though her eyes glistened gently. “That would be quite wonderful. I would not have thought about such a thing myself.”
“Then shall we tell Lord Thurston?”
With a nod, Lady Temperance called to Lord Thurston and, turning, the gentleman came to join them again post-haste. Without hesitation, Lady Temperance began to explain what had happened, ending by asking Lord Thurston if he and his wife might join James to call almost at the very same time.
Lord Thurston, just as James had known he would, agreed at once.
“I should be very glad to do so,” Lord Thurston said quickly, as James offered him a small smile. “And I know that Penelope will want to do the very same thing.”
Lady Temperance let out a slow breath but this time, she was smiling. “This has made me feel a great deal better. Thank you. Thank you both.”
“But of course.” James smiled back at her. “Will you write a note to either Lady Thurston or to myself so that we know when to call?”
“I will write to you both,” came the reply. “Thank you, Lord Thurston, thank you, Lord Calverton.” Her eyes closed briefly, her smile faltering a little. “While this may be a very difficult situation, it is already a little easier knowing that my friends will be there.”
James’ heart lifted as Lord Thurston responded with encouraging words. Yes, he thought to himself, IamLady Temperance’s friend.
The question which came next made his heart twist, his brows furrowing with uncertainty.
What if he wanted to be something more?
***
“You are not eating, my son.”
James looked up at his mother, having been entirely lost in thought. “I am sorry, Mother, I did not hear what you said.”
She smiled at him, her eyes twinkling. “I said that you are not eating but evidently, you are not listening to me either!”
A slight heat touched James’ cheeks. “I am sorry. My thoughts are… elsewhere.”
“Oh?”
The edge of James’ lip lifted. “Mother, we are going to call on Lady Hartford and Lady Temperance tomorrow. Though I am not certain what time we are to call as yet.”
Light lit up his mother’s features. “How wonderful!”
“That is why I am caught up in my thoughts,” James explained. “Lady Temperance is in something of a difficulty. Her mother and father have come to reside with Lady Hartford, but they have also brought another guest with them, though he is not residing in the same place.”
“And who is this guest?”
James closed his eyes for a moment, still barely able to believe that the Duke and Duchess were so blind to their daughter’s suffering. “The Marquess of Barlington intends to come to call upon Lady Temperance, desiring to speak of his regret and sorrow over what he did in separating and ending their engagement.”
There was nothing but silence for a few moments. James looked back at his mother, seeing the slight twitch of her lips,noting the darkness which flashed in her eyes and understanding that she now felt the very same way as he.
