It has been for naught, Elias thought to himself, a cold hand grasping his heart. I will have to wed the lady.
“You are a marquess, and thus, your title is more than sufficient for one of my daughters,” the duke continued as Elias’ spirits continued to sink low. “However, it is quite clear to me that your character is severely lacking in worth. In addition, my daughter does not have any desire to be forced into matrimony with you.”
The sting of the duke’s words were gentled only by the edge of relief that began to make its way into Elias’ heart. His eyes lifted to the duke’s as the man continued to speak, beginning, finally, to believe that he might be allowed to keep a hold of his freedom.
“Nonetheless, it is important that Lady Anna is not spurned by society entirely. Therefore, whilst I have listened to your intentions, I confess myself not entirely convinced that you will be able to improve things for my daughter.” The duke took in a long breath, his lips pressing hard together for a moment so that they appeared almost entirely white. His eyes were narrowed as he studied Elias carefully, clearly making a decision that would affect Elias’ future entirely.
“Therefore,” the duke said, slowly, as Elias’ heart began to pound furiously. “You will do what you can to ensure my daughter is returned to society and into their good graces, since she herself has done nothing worthy of their displeasure. But, if after a fortnight, you have not managed to make any progress whatsoever, then you shall offer marriage to my daughter.”
For a moment, Elias could not breathe. The tension that had been coiling slowly around him now began to release the tight hold it had on his chest, and he found himself gasping for breath, lowering his head just a little.
“A fortnight might not be enough time,” he found himself saying, even though he knew that every part of him ought to be thanking the duke for his willingness to permit such a thing. “Might I ask for a little more time?”
The duke’s frown was a little angry. “Three weeks,” he said, his voice grating hard now. “But no more.”
Elias let out a long breath, closing his eyes for a moment as he took in what the duke had said. “I thank you, Your Grace,” he said, fully aware that there was now a great deal of responsibility on his shoulders—but responsibility that he fully deserved. The duke was quite right to state that this was entirely his doing and, thus, it was also his responsibility to make certain that all he could do was done for Lady Anna. The fact that he would not have to wed her brought such relief that he could not speak for some moments, rising to his feet and lifting his head slowly so that he might converse honestly to the duke.
“Three weeks,” he said, after another few moments. “Might I have your permission to also speak to Lady Anna to apologize, again, for what I have done and to assure her that I shall do all I can to make certain of her success?”
The duke nodded, his frown still remaining in place as he studied Elias, perhaps worrying that he had already made the wrong decision.
“She is waiting for my response to your visit,” he said, a little coldly. “You may speak to her for a few minutes, Lord Comerfield.” He let out a sigh as though he were deeply sorrowful over what had occurred, reminding Elias that he was entirely to blame for this situation. “You will find her in the parlor.”
“I thank you,” Elias murmured, bowing low. “You have been most understanding, Your Grace.”
“And it has not been for your sake, Lord Comerfield,” the duke replied. “I can tell you are reluctant to wed, Lord Comerfield, and it is for that reason, and that reason alone, that I have accepted your offer to attempt something different. I should not like my daughter wed to a gentleman who cares nothing for her, and it is for her sake that I have agreed to this.” His jaw worked for a moment. “Do not fail, Lord Comerfield.”
Elias swallowed hard, realizing that he was being held back from seeing the full extent of the duke’s anger and upset. There was something of a threat in the duke’s words, and Elias could not help but feel a growing anxiety settle over him. But, keeping his chin lifted and what he hoped was an assured expression on his face, he nodded and bowed low. “I thank you, Your Grace,” he said again. “Do excuse me.”
Walking out of the study and allowing the door to close behind him, Elias took a moment to draw in breath, feeling his heart begin to pound with yet another sense of growing tension. He had to make his way to the parlor now, to speak with the very lady who wanted nothing more to do with him. The lady he had wronged so very greatly. Shaking his head, he rubbed one hand across his eyes and then lifted it, looking along the hallway and steeling himself inwardly. Quite how Lady Anna would react, he did not know, but he had very little doubt that she would not be overly glad to see him. With a heavy sigh, he made his way along the hallway and to the parlor, praying that, at the very least, she would be relieved to hear that he would not have to wed her. Quite what she would say to knowing that he would be a little more in her company, guiding her as best he could to those in society who would be glad of her presence, he did not know, but it was the only way he could think of to make certain they avoided matrimony.
Steeling himself, Elias came to the door of the parlor, which was a little ajar. He heard the murmur of conversation and, after a moment, pushed the door open and stepped inside, ready to greet Lady Anna and whoever was with her. The time for him to speak was now at hand.
Chapter Six
“I do not like this idea, Lady Hayward.”
“I am not in the least bit surprised,” Lady Hayward replied kindly, “but if the alternative is matrimony, then you must consider what is best.”
Anna let out a long breath and nodded, looking out of the carriage window and praying silently that this evening would go as well as Lord Comerfield had promised. There was, however, a great deal of doubt within her heart that she would find herself welcomed, given how society had treated her at the ball only two nights ago, she did not think that things would immediately change.
“Lord Comerfield has promised this evening will have those within it who are much more inclined to believe you free of any guilt whatsoever and, thus, we are expected to have a very pleasant evening indeed,” Lady Hayward reminded her as though she had forgotten. “Your father would not have agreed to this if he did not believe that there was a good chance of success.”
Anna nodded but did not speak. She recalled the moment Lord Comerfield had come into the parlor, the way that he had dropped his head and greeted both herself and Lady Selina, who had been sitting quietly together engaged in gentle conversation about her situation at present. She had not expected to see him, had thought that, after his conversation with her father, he would depart the house and leave her to discuss matters further with her father. The shock that had rippled down her spine as he had come into the room had rendered her entirely mute for some minutes.
What he had told her had brought with it a measure of relief. Relief that she would not be forced to wed him, would not be expected to step forward and marry the gentleman who had caused her so much difficulty, and yet with that had come the fear that she would be left entirely to society’s judgments. When he had explained to her what he intended to do, she had found herself staring at him in disbelief, for what could he do to aid her when he was the one who had behaved so poorly at the first? The words he had spoken had been rushed and, at times, a little jumbled, but slowly she had begun to understand that he intended to use the very best of his acquaintances to ensure that she was not entirely thrust from society. She had been assured that there were many within the beau monde who would quickly believe that he had been the one to behave inappropriately and that she needed only to give him time to make certain that she was surrounded by those who would not judge her, rather than being forced to wander through a ball and avoid almost every sharp look that came her way.
Three weeks.
Anna had to admit to herself that she had been less than convinced by Lord Comerfield’s explanation of what he intended to do. In fa
ct, the more he spoke, the less certain she became, but, as Lady Selina had reminded her thereafter, if this was the only opportunity available to her aside from stepping into a hasty engagement, then was it not worth considering? When he had told her that her father had agreed to only three weeks of this particular arrangement before a marriage would have to take place, she had felt a trembling take a hold of her frame for some moments. Three weeks did not seem to be a prolonged length of time, and yet, perhaps seeing the doubt on her face, Lord Comerfield had assured her that it was entirely possible and that he had every hope of success.
Thus, she now found herself in the carriage with Lady Selina and Lady Hayward, making their way to Lord and Lady Chesterton’s evening soiree. They had previously received an invitation, of course, and whilst Lord Comerfield had also been issued one, Anna was not entirely sure that he would still be as welcome as before. Yet, he had promised her that, during this evening, he would do all he could to introduce her to some of his acquaintances in the hope that they would accept her and speak to her warmly, just as before this dreadful matter had taken hold.
She could not help but feel nervous.
“Recall that Lady Chesterton does not believe for one moment that you behaved in any wrong way,” Lady Hayward said kindly, as though she could see into the very depths of Anna’s heart and mind and knew of her nervousness, her anxiety, and her fear. “If you have been invited, then it speaks plainly of Lord and Lady Chesterton’s opinion of you, even if we are quite certain that it was Lady Chesterton who spoke of such a thing in the first place!”
Anna nodded but said nothing, her fingers twisting together as she held them tightly in her lap. As the minutes ticked by, she felt her nervousness grow all the more steadily, her heart pounding with such a fury that she was sure that her sister and Lady Hayward could hear it. But the carriage rumbled on slowly until, finally, they reached Lord and Lady Chesterton’s townhouse. Anna wanted to cling to her seat, to tell the driver to turn around and return her home at once but knew she could not. Summoning as much of her courage as she could, she stepped down and looked up at the townhouse before her, trying to steel herself for what was to come, whatever it might be.
* * *
“Good evening, Lady Anna!”
Lady Chesterton’s voice was just as loud as Anna recalled, and she did not miss the way that several heads swiveled towards them all as Lady Chesterton finished greeting both Lady Selina and Lady Hayward.
“I am so very glad that you chose to attend this evening,” Lady Chesterton continued, speaking directly to Anna, who was forced to put a small smile on her face. “I know that you have had a great deal of difficulty these last few days, but I am here to assure you that you will find no such judgment from me.”
“I thank you,” Anna murmured, wishing that Lady Chesterton would not speak so loudly. “And also for your kind invitation. I am very glad to be here this evening.” Forcing a smile to her lips to cover the lie, Anna waited until Lady Hayward was able to remove herself from Lady Chesterton’s company and then walked a little further into the room, keeping her eyes fixed straight ahead.
The room was quite large, although Anna saw that there was an adjoining door open also, though where it led, she was not sure. Lady Hayward murmured a greeting to one or two people as they passed but continued to lead Anna and Selina towards a quieter part of the room, where, finally, they were able to catch their breath.
“Good evening, Lady Anna, Lady Selina.”
A gruff voice caught her ears and Anna turned around to see none other than Lord Comerfield and, with him, Lord Rowley, whom she had already been introduced to.
“Good evening,” she murmured as he greeted Lady Hayward also. “Good evening, Lord Rowley.”
The gentleman’s eyes were filled with sympathy as he looked back at her, inclining his head just a little. “Good evening, Lady Anna,” he replied warmly. “And to you also, Lady Selina, Lady Hayward.” Smiling at them both, he returned his gaze to Anna. “Lord Comerfield here has told me of his intention to help you return to society, Lady Anna. I do hope you have no concern with my assisting you with this also?”
Anna frowned. “I do not know what you mean.”
“I am well aware of Lord Comerfield’s lack of sense and decorum in what occurred,” Lord Rowley answered without so much as glancing at Lord Comerfield as he spoke. “I have given him my opinion on the matter and have informed him of what I think he ought to do.” This was accompanied by a tightening of his jaw and a sudden glare towards Lord Comerfield, who accepted such a look without protest. “However,” Lord Rowley continued, looking back at Anna as the anger faded from his eyes, “he has informed me of the agreement between himself and your father and, thus, I have offered my assistance in this matter also.”
A little surprised, Anna looked back at Lord Rowley with wide eyes. “That is very kind of you, Lord Rowley,” she answered after a moment. “I am grateful for any friend that I might have here this evening.”
Lord Rowley smiled, his face transforming into a bright, happy expression that made Anna smile back at him, in spite of the anxiety that still captured her heart.
“Then you can be assured of my friendship,” he said honestly. “If that is quite all right, Lady Hayward?”
Lady Hayward laughed softly. “I should not reject you, Lord Rowley,” she answered as Lady Selina watched carefully, her eyes fixed to Lord Rowley as though she were seeing him for the very first time. “Your kindness speaks very highly of your most excellent character and I am sure that Lady Anna will be very glad of your company any time you can spare it.”
Lord Rowley inclined his head. “Wonderful,” he said, giving a sideways glance to Lord Comerfield, who was neither smiling nor looking at all happy about the situation. “And whilst I believe that Lord Comerfield ought to have taken an entirely different action to settle this matter, I am glad to be of assistance with this particular endeavor.”
Anna flushed, realizing that Lord Rowley expected Lord Comerfield to marry her without hesitation so that her reputation might be restored and, before she could prevent herself, found herself speaking with a good deal of honesty.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to avoid such a situation,” she said as Lord Comerfield’s eyes widened, looking at her with evident surprise. “But if it fails, then the course of action you speak of, Lord Rowley, is still expected to occur.”
Lord Rowley chuckled, his eyes holding fast to hers. “Then I am glad you have been given such an opportunity, Lady Anna,” he said as Lord Comerfield dropped his head, clearly a little embarrassed. “Now, should you wish it, I would be glad to sit with you during the musical portion of the evening, which will begin very soon, I believe.”
Anna smiled back at him. “I would be most grateful,” she answered as Lady Hayward nodded approvingly. “Thank you, Lord Rowley.”
Inclining his head, he took his leave of her and stepped away, taking Lord Comerfield with him. Anna let out a long breath and felt some of her tension dissipate, realizing that, at least for this evening, she would have one friend present.
“Lord Rowley is an excellent gentleman, it seems,” Lady Hayward murmured, one eyebrow lifting as she came to stand a little closer to Anna. “What do you think of him, Lady Anna?”
“Yes, indeed, he is very kind,” Anna agreed only to see the gleam in Lady Hayward’s eyes. “But I should not think that such kindness is meant as anything other than that, Lady Hayward. Let us not expect more of him than he is willing to give at present!” She had no inclination towards Lord Rowley, thinking him a very gracious and generous character but finding herself less than eager to pursue any sort of courtship or the sort with him. “What I am most concerned with at present is being a part of society again,” she said as Lady Hayward nodded. “Let us focus on that rather than on thinking which gentleman, out of the few that still think well of me, might be a suitable match!”
Lady Hayward sighed but nodded, as Lady Selina smiled qui
etly, her eyes still on Lord Rowley.
“Besides which,” Lady Selina murmured, keeping her voice very low indeed, “I believe that Lord Rowley is quite taken with another.”
Anna frowned. “What can you mean?” she asked, only to see Lord Rowley bowing over the hand of a young lady, who was blushing furiously. When he smiled into her eyes, there was something in his expression that Anna had not seen when he had smiled at her. Evidently, Lady Selina, in her quiet observations, was quite correct.
“That is something of a pity,” Lady Hayward said with a small sigh. “But we need not fix our intentions solely upon Lord Rowley. If, as Lord Comerfield has promised, you are to be introduced to others of his acquaintance who, evidently, believe him to be just as much a fool as he himself states, then there may be others who—”
“I cannot think of that at present, Lady Hayward,” Anna interrupted, her anxiety getting the better of her as her voice became a little sharp. “It is enough for me simply to stand in this room with other guests and pray that even one or two of them will be willing to continue our acquaintance.” Closing her eyes, she drew in a quick breath, her hands clenching into tight fists. “I fear that some may give me the cut direct.”
When she opened her eyes, Lady Hayward was watching her with a calmness about her expression that immediately settled some of Anna’s upset.
A Selfish Heart: A Regency Romance: Landon House (Book 2) Page 7
