Page 35 of The Duke's Scandal
“I am grateful for all the help you and the other bluestockings have offered me thus far,” Amos said, wanting her to know just how thankful he was. “It might seem like very little to you, but it means a great deal to me. Already, what you have done and said has made a difference.”
“Ah, but we are always determined to get to the truth, no matter how long it may take us,” Lady Isobella answered, still walking beside him, her hand on his arm still. “We will find out who is whispering about you, Your Grace. I am sure of it.”
Amos said nothing, taking great pleasure in having the lady on his arm. There was something quite delightful about having her beside him, walking together as though they were simply out to enjoy one another’s company.
“Now, it is here I must begin my search.” Lady Isobella gestured to a row of books. “If you will excuse me?”
Disappointed that he was unable to linger beside her, Amos stepped back and watched as she walked away from him, towards this row of books. He continued to study her as she took out one book and then, setting it on a small table, began to look through it. Quite what it was she was looking for, Amos did not know, but he was quite content to wait for her to finish her study.
“Your Grace. I must say, I am astonished to see you here.”
He turned quickly, not wanting anyone to see him studying Lady Isobella with such intensity. “Good afternoon.” Bowing quickly, he lifted his head and lookedstraight back into the eyes of Lady Deborah. Surprise lurched through his heart as the lady’s eyebrow arched.
“As I have said, I am astonished to see you making your way through London as if there is nothing is being said of you.”
Uncertain as to what he ought to say or why she was making such a remark, Amos hesitated. “I – I will not permit thetonto whisper about me and force me to hide away because of it.”
“I see.” She did not say whether or not she believed this about him, and that unsettled Amos somewhat. “But you will, it seems, bring Lady Isobella’s reputation into question by walking in and speaking with her?”
It was a strange question, and Amos, uncertain of what to make of it, did not immediately answer. The silence lingered between them both but still, he waited, wondering what Lady Deborah meant by such a statement. Was she concerned for Lady Isobella? Or surprised at Lady Isobella’s willingness to come alongside him?
“She is a bluestocking, I suppose.” Lady Deborah sighed and rolled her eyes. “I suppose that it would not be of any real concern toherwhat thetonhas to say? She will be dealing with more than enough whispers about her bluestocking ways already.”
“I would not be speaking to Lady Isobella if she did not wish me to,” he said, disliking Lady Deborah’s tone. “But I thank you for your concern.”
“Whatever are you doing speaking withhim?”
Amos took a step back, his irritation now growing to anger as a gentleman came to stand directly beside Lady Deborah, his jaw tight. “Lord Welton, good afternoon.”
The gentleman’s lip curled. “I do not think I was speaking to you, Your Grace.”
Affronted, Amos made to respond only to snap his mouth closed. He did not want to make things worse. It would be best for him to step away.
“I can speak to whomever I wish, Lord Welton.” Lady Deborah’s voice grew higher in pitch, her eyes sharpening. “You have no reason to come to interrupt me.”
Amos held up both hands. “If you will excuse me.” Aware that there were others in the room turning to look at him, he made to step away, but Lady Deborah interrupted him.
“There is no need, Your Grace. I can assure you that I am well able to make my own decisions in such things.”
“But you are showing no wisdom!” Lord Welton exclaimed, surprising Amos with just how forward he was to speak to the lady in such a way. “Do you not know of all that has been said of the Duke of Exeter?”
He is speaking as if I am not present.Drawing himself up, Amos lifted his chin high. “There is much that has been said, Lord Welton, but none of it is true.”
Lord Welton scoffed loudly. “Ofcourseyou would say such a thing, Your Grace, but we all know what you did at the ball.”
Wanting to deny it, Amos drew himself up. “There has been a mistake. It was not I who did such a thing. I am sorry it happened to Lady Clara, but I can assure you – ”
“I do not know why we are evenlisteningto you.” Dismissing him, Lord Welton turned around so that his back was to Amos. “Lady Deborah, might I remind you that – ”
“There isnothingbetween us, Lord Welton. No matter what your family expects, I have made my decision clear!”
Those words made Amos’ astonishment overtake his anger. He had never thought that Lady Deborah might bein any way connected to Lord Welton! Evidently, however, it seemed that Lord Welton very much wished for there to be, that there was an expectation that she was choosing to step back from. How many others were aware of this?
“Lady Deborah, might I ask you for your opinion on this?” Lady Isobella, who had been only a short distance away, came towards Lady Deborah, a book in her hand. She was smiling warmly, and her tone was light, shattering the tension between them all.
Lady Deborah blinked, then looked down at the book Lady Isobella was holding. “What is it you should like to ask me?”
Amos could not help but smile, despite the difficult situation. Lady Isobella had acted quickly and calmly, diffusing the upset and had come instead to distract Lady Deborah whilst pulling her away from Lord Welton. He returned his gaze to Lord Welton, turning his head as he did so, only for a sharp pain to crack across his cheek and nose.
