Page 65 of Leap of Faith
“Please,” he pleaded. “Do not become rigid. I intend you no harm.”
“That is not what rumour tells,” she answered curtly.
“You have no reason to trust me, I am aware of that. And it is true I have never courted a young lady before, but do you not believe that a gentleman could be moved by beauty and grace? That there comes a time when a man is ready to become settled?”
“You hardly know me, to make such declarations, sir.”
“I do not need to know more,” he insisted.
“All I know of your character is your insinuation into my life by less than respectable means, Sir Julian. If my guardian does not approve, how can I refute that?”
“Then what choice am I left with but to try to convince you of my good intentions by whatever means I may? Yes, perhaps, addressing you at the theatre was not the best choice, but I meant it honourably, I assure you—as a romantic gesture of the highest order. May I be forgiven for my lapse in judgement?”
“Do you swear to me the rumours about the wager are untrue?” Not that she could trust a word he said, but she wanted to hear it all the same.
“I swear it.” He placed his hand over his heart. His voice certainly sounded sincere, but she knew him so little.
“In fact, I am prepared to offer you my name.”
“You know me as little as I know you,” she answered, trying not to let the fear she felt betray herself in her voice.
“I assure you I have never made such an offer before. My lineage goes back hundreds of years and my estate and wealth are not to be balked at. You would want for nothing and know the prestige of being Lady Wright.”
“While I am flattered by your offer, you know my guardian would never consent.” Faith had no interest in Sir Julian, but neither did she wish to insult him.
“I understand. You do not know me well enough to understand what a flattering offer I have made you.”
“Sir Julian, please. I beg of you do not continue. If it is as you say, then you may know me better and court me properly, when I am of age and no longer under the constraints of my guardian.”
A flare of frustration flickered in his eyes. Though it was dim, and the mask hid his face, she had no doubt of what she had seen. There was danger lurking beneath this façade he presented, and she was afraid of him.
“I will say no more, but I will continue trying to change your mind.” He bowed when the set ended and escorted her back to her sisters.
Breathing a heavy sigh of relief, her sisters sensed her anxiety.
“Who was that?” Hope asked.
“Sir Julian,” she told them quietly.
Patience gasped. “He is wearing the costume Lord Westwood described as his own!”
Faith nodded. “Precisely. I had hoped it was one of our friends.”
“Did he impose upon you?” Grace asked.
“Only with words. He asked for my hand. I suggest you avoid the costume, unless you know it to be one of our friends for certain.”
A touch on her shoulder made her jump.
“What is the matter?”
Faith relaxed. How had she thought she would not know Lord Westwood anywhere?
“Has something happened?”
“Faith has just danced with Sir Julian,” Patience explained. “He was wearing your costume.”
Lord Westwood held up his hands in some type of signal, and five other men came towards them, surrounding them and sending away the other gentlemen who were approaching for dances. “The next set is spoken for,” Westwood announced and the others scattered, grumbling.
