Page 39 of The Duke's Gamble
Letting out a groan, Samuel rubbed one hand over his face before throwing his head back and looking up towards the ceiling. He did not know what to do, understandingwhyLord Crawley believed such a thing but at the same time, fearful of what damage had been done by the speaking of what was, in fact, a mistruth.
“What did she say?”
“She said very little.” Lord Crawley was now frowning heavily. “She said something about discovering the truth, so I do not think that she instantly believed what I had to say.”
Awash with relief, Samuel shut his eyes tightly for just a few moments, before letting out a breath. Looking squarely at his friend, he held out his hands on either side before letting them fall. “I had nothing to do with Lord Finneston.”
Lord Crawley swallowed, visibly.
“Though I can well understand why you might think it,” Samuel continued, not in the least bit upset with his friend, knowing preciselywhyLord Crawley had thought such a thing. “I do not know why Lord Finneston has appeared and drawn so close to Lady Florentina, but I am in no way involved with him.” He rubbed one hand over his face. “Though, again, I do not expect you to believe me.”
“I—I do not know what to say.” Lord Crawley shook his head and looked away. “I thought… that is to say, I was sure that—”
“As I have said, I can understand it,” Samuel repeated, turning his head away. “But I have come to care for Lady Florentina, all the same. It is something that has come upon me most unexpectedly and yet, I cannot deny it. The strength of my affection has grown to the point that my whole being seems to reverberate with it every time I see the lady. It is true what you said, Crawley, sheisa treasure that I did not ever see… not until recently and, the truth is, I now think her the most wonderful young lady of my acquaintance. I value her so very highly thatI cannot go a day, not even an hour, without thinking of her, without marvelling at just what I have been given in taking her as my wife.” His heart squeezed painfully. “And now I must go and speak with her, to beg her to forgive me for Allington and my plan there, and also to protest my innocence as regards Lord Finneston. Though whether she will believe me there also is something that I can only hope for.”
“Ibelieve you.”
Samuel blinked in surprise as Lord Crawley held out one hand to Samuel, clearly eager for him to shake his hand.
“I apologise for what I said. I should have spoken to you first, I think, rather than seeing her directly. The truth is, Dartmoor, Ihavenoticed a change in your character but I was uncertain as to whether or not it was genuine. I do, however, sincerely apologise for my mistake. If you wish, I can come to speak with Lady Florentina with you.”
Utterly astonished by his friend’s change of heart, Samuel grasped Lord Crawley’s hand and shook it, firmly. “As I have said, there is no upset or anger on my part. I have given you every reason to suspect that I am as cruel, selfish and inconsiderate as I ever was.”
“Youhavebegun to change.”
“And that is solely because of her.” Releasing Lord Crawley’s hand, Samuel set his shoulders. “And now I must go and find her in the hope of salvaging our connection.” Pain tore through him as he thought of what she might say when he found her. “I must pray that she will not sever our engagement entirely, that somehow, she will be able to forgive me.”
***
“There.”
Samuel frowned. “Where?”
“I saw her walking from the ballroom, into the hallway. Mayhap she is thirsty after her dance and now wishes to take the air for a while.”
Trusting Lord Crawley’s eyes, Samuel hurried towards the door, pushing it open and stepping into the hallway, looking all over for Lady Florentina. He had seen her dancing with Lord Finneston—his stomach twisting at the sight—only to see her then step away from him entirely, making her way through the crowd. Struggling to catch her given the sheer number of guests, he now feared he had lost her again and, to his mind, every moment of their separation could only be a bad thing.
“I do not know where she has gone.” Samuel ran a hand over his chin, his heart beating quickly now. “I am sure—” He stopped short, certain he had heard something, only to frown and shake his head.
“Wait a moment.” Lord Crawley touched his arm and Samuel turned his head, looking in the very same direction as his friend. “Is that not Lady Dinah?”
“It is.” Samuel watched her as she hurried towards another door, frowning as she then stepped into it and shut the door again behind her. “Why would she be making her way into the private parlour? Surely that is most unwise for a young lady such as herself?”
Lord Crawley nodded. “Yes, it is. Shall we take a look inside?”
“You think Lady Florentina might be within?” Making for the door, Samuel took a breath as his hand went to the handle. He paused, hearing Lady Dinah’s voice and, after a moment, pushed his way inside.
His heart pounded as he took in the scene. Lady Dinah was standing very close to Lady Florentina, whose face was quite white with either fear or shock. To his horror, Lord Finnestonwas there also, again standing very close to Lady Florentina and with his hand tight on her arm.
He dropped it the moment Samuel’s gaze went to him and then stepped back, both hands lifting.
“It was Lady Dinah’s plan, not my own!” he exclaimed, as Lady Dinah gasped and then stepped back from Lady Florentina who began to rub at her arm, her gaze darting all around. “I only did as she asked.”
“And what was it you intended, Lady Dinah?” Closing the door, Samuel advanced towards the two ladies, though Lady Florentina did not move towards him. “What did you think to do?”
Lady Florentina closed her eyes and let out a shuddering breath, her whole body visibly trembling. “I believe, Dartmoor, that Lady Dinah became aware of our connection and decided to do whatever was required in order to end it.” Opening her eyes, she looked at Lord Finneston. “Lord Finneston was a willing participant, though quite what Lady Dinah had offered him by way of reward, I cannot say.”
The realization of what she was saying hit Samuel right between the eyes and he snatched in a breath, staring at Lord Finneston for a long moment. “You… you thought to place Lady Florentina in a less than suitable situation against her will, I have no doubt in the hope that she would then be discovered and disgraced?”
