Page 20 of The Penitent Duke
Lady Eleanor sniffed. “That is because I do not.”
“Why is that?”
Her friend closed her eyes briefly and then shook her head. “Lord Westlake is not known as a gentle, considerate fellow, Rosalind. He is harsh and demanding, though I am sure that he did not appear to be so with you now!”
Rather surprised at this, Rosalind shook her head. “No, he did not. I thought him genial and considerate. He came to inform me that he had seen me speaking with the Duke of Strathmore and, having overheard the conversation, wanted then to make certain I was quite well.”
“Hmph.” Lady Eleanor dismissed this with a single sound. “Be cautious when it comes to Lord Westlake, Rosalind. He is not a gentleman to be trusted despite his appearances. I say this because of what I know of himandof what I have seen. He greatly injured Lady Sarah some years ago, thetonwas utterly shocked by it! My elder sister, Ophelia, was making her come out at the very same time and told me all about it.”
Rosalind’s shoulders rounded just a little, feeling her hopes spiral into nothingness within her. He had appeared to be a very kind, thoughtful gentleman and, she supposed, part of her had imagined that, in speaking to her as he did, he was showing that not all gentlemen in London would ignore her or turn away from her. In those few moments, a fresh hope had ignited, but now Rosalind blew it out again so it was nothing but smoke and ashes.
“I will be a good deal more careful; I assure you.” She gestured to their two empty glasses. “Another, mayhap? We might think about speaking of something a little more cheerful too, for else I fear that my spirits will sink lower than they have ever done before!”
Her friend reached across the table and squeezed Rosalind’s hand. “But of course. We can speak about whatever you wish and say nothing about any of the gentlemen who might otherwise upset us!”
Nodding, Rosalind caught the attention of one of the waiting staff and tried to smile, pushing aside all thoughts of Lord Westlake and theDuke. If she did not, she feared she might drop into deep despondency and thereafter, never find a single iota of happiness again.
Chapter Nine
Lucian cleared his throat. “Thank you for seeing me, Radcliffe.”
His friend said nothing, his gaze measured and his jaw set.
“I know that you are displeased with my behaviour of late and I have come to inform you that –”
“If you have not come to offer your apologies and to inform me that you intend to make amends with Lady Eleanor and Lady Rosalind as well, then I shall have no desire to continue our discourse any longer.” Lord Radcliffe gestured to the door. “I was quite serious when I spoke to you about my determination to separate our friendship. I do not think I have ever been more humiliated! And that in front of Lady Eleanor, whom you know I have every intention of pursuing.”
For a moment, Lucian was quite lost for words. He had taken in what Lord Radcliffe had said on the night of the ball but he had not thought that he had been entirely serious in it all. He had presumed that it had been spoken at a time when his friend had felt embarrassed and perhaps a little angry and that now, after having some time to reflect, he would recant a little.
It seemed he had been wrong.
“I did not mean to upset you, my friend. I spoke to Lady Rosalind as I did because I have had some thoughts as regards matrimony.”
At this, Lord Radcliffe’s eyes narrowed. “That does not sound anything like an apology, Strathmore.”
“That is because it is not.” Letting out a long sigh, Lucian rubbed one hand over his eyes, feeling a slight sense of worry knotting his stomach. “I do not want our friendship to break apart. I understand that what I said and in the manner I said it was most inappropriate. Lady Rosalind had made quite clear what she thinks of my character and you have done the same, it seems.” His hand fell to his side. “Mayhap I need to take a little longer to consider what has been said of and to me.”
“Mayhap you do, though again, not a word of apology has crossed your lips.” Lord Radcliffe folded his arms across his chest, his eyebrows lifting – and Lucian winced. Those words were not about to come easily to him. All the same, he took in a breath, paused and then spread out his hands. “I apologise.”
Lord Radcliffe lifted an eyebrow.
Lucian sighed heavily. “I apologise for speaking so rudely to Lady Rosalind. I apologise for being impolite, inconsiderate and for not silencingmyself when I ought to have done it. I am sorry for embarrassing you for, in our connection as good friends, I have no doubt that you must have been ashamed to have introduced those two ladies to me.”
“I was, yes.”
“Then I am sorry for that. I recognise that I behaved badly and I am sorry for it.”
Lord Radcliffe tipped his head. “Do you know, I believe that you are quite genuine.”
Lucian’s jaw tightened, a flash of irritation crossing him. “Of course I am genuine. That was very difficult for me to express.”
Lord Radcliffe unfolded his arms and then shrugged. “It will have to become a little easier, my friend. You will have to apologise to Lady Eleanor and Lady Rosalind – though it ought to be Lady Rosalind first.”
Lucian’s stomach twisted. “I have already spoken to Lady Rosalind.” He watched as Lord Radcliffe’s eyes rounded just a little. “I did not apologise, however,” he continued, aware that he should express nothing but the truth to his friend for fear that he would soon learn about it otherwise, if he did not. “I spoke to her for an entirely different reason but indeed, I can see why you think I ought to apologise. I shall. Profusely, if required.”
“I think it shall be required,” Lord Radcliffe answered, sounding a good deal less frustrated than before. “Though you must tell me why you spoke to Lady Rosalind, for if it was not to apologise, then I cannot imagine what else it was for.” He rose to his feet and walked across the room, seemingly preparing to pour them both a brandy.
Lucian hesitated. He had come to inform his friend of his intention to wed Lady Rosalind but after all that he had just spoken, after all that his friend had made him aware of, it felt a very strange conversation to have. He was not certain how Lord Radcliffe would react.
