Page 17 of The Duke's Reluctant Muse
Jonathan chuckled ruefully. “I am not sure that everyone wishes a connection with me, Miss Jeffries. Though you are right in suggesting that there is a good deal of pretence.” His lips flattened, his brow furrowing. “It is that which I struggle with the most.”
“I can well understand that.” Her gaze softened as Jonathan looked back at her steadily. “Though I can assure you, you will find no pretence with me.”
Jonathan nodded slowly, trying to let himself believe that. “I do value that statement, Miss Jeffries.” His head tilted. “I am sure that you have heard a good deal of rumour about me also, though I must hope that your brother has balanced that out a little!”
She nodded. “Of course. And I am not inclined towards gossip, just as Dennington is not. Though,” she continued, a sudden gleam in her eyes, “I should warn you to say nothingof any import in front of my new friend, Lady Annette.” Miss Jeffries sent him a small smile. “She spoke to me of you earlier and some of the rumours she had heard, though she did say that she knows gossip ought not to be pursued.”
A wry chuckle escaped Jonathan’s lips, nodding as he did so. “I appreciate the warning, Miss Jeffries. I intend to be very careful and cautious in society regardless, though I shall take extra care around Lady Annette.” He considered her for a moment, realizing that she already had heard some of the rumors from society about him, had heard the whispers that involved him. Did that mean that she believed them?
“Might you take me to my brother now, Your Grace?” Miss Jeffries rose to her feet, a tiny wince crossing her expression though she tried to hide it with a smile.
“Your ankle still pains you?” On his feet, Jonathan came towards her at once, offering her his arm. “I am truly sorry.”
“It is not nearly as painful as it was, I can assure you.” With a smile quickly replacing the wince, she took his arm again but, much to Jonathan’s relief, without grasping it as strongly as before. “It is not the first time I have done such a thing.”
“But you will not be able to dance.”
She looked up at him. “I am sure I will be able to but even if I cannot, there are many other things that one can do at a ball which will bring a good deal of enjoyment all the same. Conversation, for example?”
Jonathan returned her smile with a brief one of his own, seeing now just how different things were between the two of them. At the soiree, he had felt uncomfortable and tense, stepping away from her and losing himself in his own worries. This evening, he felt a good deal more at ease, recognizing the need for him to give even a little trust that the lady was just as she appeared rather than believing she held her true nature back from him. Indeed, it was because of the pain in her ankle that hehad been forced into conversation with her but it had turned out rather well. It had meant an improvement in their connection as well as a slight change of his own heart and that, in turn, seemed to settle him in some way. No longer was he worried about what others might say about him, no longer was he glancing at the other guests, seeing their sidelong glances and letting nervousness twist through him. Instead, he was more concerned about Miss Jeffries, looking to care for her and make certain all was as well for her as it could be.
“I do appreciate your willingness to accept me as your chaperone,” he found himself saying, “despite my two failed attempts to be a decent gentleman!”
She laughed at this, surprising Jonathan with her reaction. “Your Grace, I am quite sure you are a more than decent gentleman. Everyone is permitted to make errors in judgement at times and I have no intention of holding that against you.”
“Then I am all the more grateful.” Feeling himself a good deal more comfortable in her presence, Jonathan smiled back at her. “I have been thinking – I did refuse your suggestion that we might both practice our conversation with each other but mayhap that was an unwise consideration.”
Miss Jeffries’ eyebrows lifted.
“We may not need topracticein the way that you suggested, but mayhap, if we are to spend a little more time together, such conversations will happen naturally?” A knot of worry tightened in his stomach as Miss Jeffries did not either nod or smile. “You, I am sure, do not need any further practice, however, but I will admit that I certainly do – as you yourself have witnessed!”
Her hand still on his arm, Miss Jeffries came to a stop, forcing Jonathan to do the same. She turned herself so that she was looking up at him a little more, as though assessing whether or not his questions were sincere or not. His stomach twisted allthe more tightly as she frowned, wondering what it was that she was thinking.
“My brother has not told me all that has occurred in your past, Your Grace, though he said that society treated you most unfairly because it did not know the truth about some situation. That is why I have not listened to the rumours about you, why I have not trusted that the whispers that rush through society have any truth.” Her frown lifted. “The reason I speak so is because I can understand that returning to society has a greater trial for you than there is for myself. You may struggle with conversation because of the silent judgement of others but, if you still wish it, I would be very glad indeed to do whatever I can to assist you.”
Jonathan did not know what to say. He felt no anger nor upset that Lord Dennington had spoken to his sister, only gratitude that he had done it so that she might not believe any rumors. At the same time, he felt a slow stirring of hope in his heart, chasing away the anxiety that had taken over his frame for a few moments.
“If you do not, however, then...”
“No, pray do not take my silence for refusal!” Jonathan managed to say, a little embarrassed that it had taken him so long to find a response. “Miss Jeffries, you are very kind indeed. I would be a fool to refuse such an offer for the second time, so yes, I fully accept your offer of assistance.”
It took another moment but eventually, a smile spread right across Miss Jeffries’ face, making Jonathan’s heart leap up unexpectedly. “I thank you, Your Grace.”
“What for?” Jonathan wanted to know, thinking thathewas the only one who should be grateful. “I am the one in your debt.”
The smile grew, spreading up into her eyes. “For trusting me,” she said, softly. “I am sure we will be of great aid to oneanother, Your Grace. I look forward to an improved connection and a happier Season – for us both.”
Chapter Nine
One week later
“‘I have found the company of your sister to be a great boon,’” Elizabeth read aloud, as her brother grinned at her. “‘I have only had to be her chaperone on two occasions this last week as you know, but on almost every occasion, I have been in her company and found it to be just as you said. I confess that I find it difficult to trust without hesitation but I can assure you that it is more present with Miss Jeffries than with any other young lady! And whether it is just my imagination, I cannot say, but I feel as though there have been fewer glances and whispered words these last few days also.’”
“Would you say so?”
Elizabeth glanced up at her brother as he watched her with careful eyes. “I cannot say, Dennington.”
“No?”
