Page 40 of The Duke's Reluctant Muse
Jonathan thought quickly, soon coming upon the only solution he could think of. “I – I must counter it. I must counter the rumour, make it appear that Lady Ludlow is either confused or deliberately speaking ill of me. That is the only way to protect Miss Jeffries’ reputation.”
Lord Dalton nodded. “I quite agree though what exactly are you going to do?”
Jonathan swallowed hard, a fierce hope building in his chest. “I must tell thetonthat we are betrothed.”
His friend’s eyebrows rose sharply.
“I know that I have not asked her such a thing and I certainly have not spoken to Lord Dennington but it is the only thing that can be done,” Jonathan continued, looking all around him. “If I can find her, then...”
“I do not think there is time. Lord Yardley has, no doubt, gone to tell others of what he has heard.” Lord Dalton held Jonathan’s gaze steadily as his heart began to beat furiously. “This is something that you must addressnow. Every minute that you say nothing is another chance for the rumour to spread.”
A slight sweat broke out across Jonathan’s forehead. Could he dare do such a thing without even speaking to Miss Jeffries first? It was the only way out that he could see and, truth be told, it was something that he desperately wanted. Heneededto see her, to explain about all that he had been feeling and his absence from society the last few days – but Lord Dalton was right. If he delayed, then the rumor would spread and he could not let that happen.
I must hope that all that I feel is returned.
“Very well.” Taking a deep breath, he turned his head and looked across the room to find someone with whom he might speak.
“Come with me.” Lord Dalton gestured ahead of him. “There is Lord Yardley. You can address the rumour directly that way.”
With a nod, Jonathan fell into step beside his friend, seeing Lord Yardley’s eyebrows lift as they approached. Lord Dalton smiled warmly and it took Jonathan a moment to realize that he too ought to appear just as jovial as he could be, given the supposed good news that he wanted to share.
“My friend! I have just been speaking to the Duke of Nottingham about what has been said of him and I believe that he has something to tell you.”
“Oh?” Lord Yardley’s face flushed but he looked back at Jonathan directly. “You are aware of the rumour, then?”
“Of course I am, though I am disappointed that my most wonderful news has been tainted by a vile rumour,” Jonathan answered, aware that a few heads were now turning towards him as he spoke. “I must assure you, Lord Yardley, that there is nothing true in what you have heard. Nothing whatsoever. Instead, it is quite the opposite.”
Lord Yardley frowned. “I do not understand.”
“Then permit me to explain.” Ignoring the knots in his stomach, Jonathan forced a grin. “I am not seeking a dalliance with Miss Jeffries. Rather, despite the fact that I was meant to be acting as her chaperone, I found myself drawn to her. Thus, I have asked for her hand and we are now betrothed!”
Lord Yardley’s eyes widened but there came many a gasp from the onlookers who were clearly eavesdropping, though Jonathan did not permit his eyes to glance towards any of them. Relief poured into him as Lord Yardley began to nod, then stuck out his hand for Jonathan to shake.
“My sincere apologies, Your Grace,” he said, as Jonathan grasped his hand. “I spoke out of concern for my cousin, which I hope you must understand.”
“I do. It is to be expected and speaks highly of your character,” Jonathan answered, fully aware of the whispers which now surrounded him like a rushing river. “But I can promise you that there is no truth in it. Miss Jeffries and I are to be wed by the end of the Season and I am truly overjoyed by her acceptance of my hand.”
Lord Yardley smiled. “Wonderful. I am very glad to hear it. I shall be sure to make my way around those I have spoken to previously – only one or two, you understand – to state that Lady Ludlow must have been mistaken.”
Hearing the name sent a shudder through Jonathan though he quickly nodded, trying to hide it from anyone watching. “I thank you.”
“It does seem very strange to me that Lady Ludlow should make such agravemistake,” Lord Dalton interrupted, clearly aware of those who were still listening. “I do hope that she is not trying to cause trouble as she has done before, Your Grace. You are very happy, as is Miss Jeffries, and I can see no reason for anyone to try and break that apart. Lady Ludlow ought to be berated for saying such untruths.”
“Indeed,” Lord Yardley agreed, as Jonathan smiled his thanks to Lord Dalton. “Do excuse me now, Your Grace. I shall do as I have promised and speak only truth from now on as regards your betrothal. Might I offer you my congratulations before I take my leave?”
Jonathan inclined his head. “I thank you. Good evening, Lord Yardley.”
Turning, he made his way across the room with Lord Dalton beside him, quite sure that the sudden hubbub in the ballroom was because of what he had just revealed to Lord Yardley. “Thank you for your encouragement in this, Dalton.” He glanced from one side of the room to the other, trying to find Miss Jeffries. “I think I must now go and find Lord Dennington and the lady herself.”
“No doubt the news will have reached her before you can find her,” Lord Dalton told him with a wry smile. “But I wish you every successandevery happiness.”
“I thank you.” Stepping away, Jonathan slowly began to make his way around the ballroom, taking in as many faces as he could though, he noted, a good many were glancing towards him and then whispering to another, just as they had done before. Now, however, he hoped that it was news of his betrothal upon their lips.
Where is she?
He had almost walked the entire way around the ballroom when, elbowing his way through the crowd, came none other than Lord Dennington. Jonathan’s heart almost stopped in his chest at the dark expression upon his friend’s face, fearing now that he had done the wrong thing in trying to save Miss Jeffries’ reputation.
“Nottingham.” Lord Dennington nodded in the direction of a door that led to a hallway. “My sister is waiting in the parlour. I think it would be good if you could both speak privately.”
