Page 22 of A Brooding Christmas Promise
Lady Hesterway blinked rapidly, only to then turn to her sister though, Samuel noticed, the edge of her lips did quirk just a little. “Charlotte? You did not say anything.”
“That is because I wanted you to hear the explanation rather than throw a thousand questions at me,” Miss Millerton replied, picking up her teacup. “Now, however, you must help us see what we are to do next, unless you have come with another solution, Lord Crestwood?”
Samuel licked his lips, his fingers twisting together as he held them in his lap. “It is not a solution, no, but rather a suggestion.”
“You are engaged to my sister?” Lady Hesterway exclaimed again, interrupting Samuel’s conversation with Miss Millerton. “Does thetonknow as yet?”
“Not as yet, though I am certain they soon shall. Lord Crestwood here believes that Lady Grifford is not well enough known in society to spread such a story but I am not convinced.” Miss Millerton turned her sharp green eyes back towards him. “Well? What is it that you are thinking?”
Feeling his courage fail him, Samuel grasped a hold of what he had and spoke forcefully. “For us to continue. We will continue the betrothal until you return home, whereby I shalltell thetonthat I was not worthy of you. The blame will fall on me and all will come to an end.”
For the second time that afternoon, silence held reign over the room. Lady Hesterway was, for whatever reason, smiling brightly as though this was the most wonderful thing she had ever heard, whereas Miss Millerton was slowly turning pale, her mouth in a small circle of utter astonishment.
“It is a favour I am asking of you, I know,” Samuel continued, a sense of shame beginning to wind through him. “Ever since Maria ended our connection and instead, eloped with Lord Grifford, I have found myself seeking solitude and refusing all manner of company… until this year. When Lord Trenton asked me to come to London to be a part of his festivities, something in me shifted. I wanted to attend, I wanted to be amongst society but I feared greatly the whispers and the gossip of theton. I did not want to be scrutinized, I did not want to have various young ladies put under my nose for me to consider. I have been attempting to tell thebeau mondethat I have no interest in marrying but I do not think that it dissuades many. The whispers have persisted, as I knew they would but now there are those wondering if I am here in London again to seek for a wife.”
“And by engaging yourself to my sister, you would end that scrutiny and be able to enjoy all that the Christmas season has to offer you,” Lady Hesterway said slowly, that smile still on the edges of her lips. “I will not say that it is not a little selfish, Lord Crestwood but I can understand it.”
“As can I,” Miss Millerton said hastily, “but that does not mean that I need to accept the suggestion. Thank you, Lord Crestwood, but I – ”
“It is something that needs to be discussed and considered!” Lady Hesterway reached out, coming half out of her chair, to grasp her sister’s hand. “We cannot simply accept or refuse atthis very moment, can we? There could be benefits for you also and –”
“I do not want to cause any difficulty. If Miss Millerton does not like the idea, then I will consider another way to end this charade before the whispers have even begun.”
Miss Millerton reached for her teacup again. “You could simply go to Lady Grifford and tell her the truth.”
Samuel nodded. “Yes, I could, though I fear what the consequences would be from that.” Shame bit at him and he dropped his gaze. “Though you must forgive me. I am speaking of things that do not concern you.”
Miss Millerton pressed her lips tightly together for a moment and then sighed. “You fear that Lady Grifford would think that your explanation was, instead, a desire to rekindle what you once had.”
“It is not your concern,” Samuel said again, refusing to answer the question. Instead, he got to his feet, a heaviness on his shoulder. “Forgive me, Miss Millerton. Had I not reacted as I did, had I given myself a little more thought, then I am certain I would never have involved you in such a thing as this. I am to blame and I must beg your forgiveness.”
Miss Millerton rose to her feet. “I will think about all that you have said, just as my sister has suggested, though I confess that my thoughts are not positive towards the idea as yet.”
Putting one hand to his heart, Samuel bowed low. “You are very good even to consider this, Miss Millerton.”
For the first time since he had sat down, Miss Millerton smiled and Samuel felt some of the ice which had formed between them begin to melt. Indeed, he had upset her and yet, despite that, she was still willing not only to listen but to consider what he had said while, it seemed, no longer holding anything against him. He shook his head, feeling himself deeply unworthy of such a remarkable lady.
“But of course. Might we speak again tomorrow, Lord Crestwood?
He nodded. “Are you to attend Lord and Lady Hickman’s soiree tomorrow evening?”
“We are, yes.”
“Then,” Samuel suggested, looking steadily at Miss Millerton, “might we speak there for a few minutes? Your sister will remain nearby, of course, for propriety’s sake.”
It took a few moments of silence but, eventually, Miss Millerton nodded. “I suppose that would be suitable. I will have made my decision by then.”
“Capital.” He cleared his throat, shifting one foot to the next. “I am also to have invitations sent out this afternoon. I would be very glad if you would all join me for a card party in three days hence.” So saying, he inclined his head and then made his way to the door, beads of sweat breaking out across his forehead. Swallowing hard, he hastened to the door, shivering as the icy draft rushed forth revealing the waiting carriage.
Will she accept?That question gnawed at him as he sat back in his carriage and it began to rattle across the London cobbles, wondering not only what it was Miss Millerton would give by her answer but also, why it was that he felt himself yearning for her to say yes.
Chapter Eleven
“It is a preposterous idea!”
“It is but it also has some positive notions with it.”
Charlotte shook her head, continuing to pace up and down the drawing room. “I have already made it clear that I will not marry any gentleman. I have made my promise and that is all that can happen!”
