by Rose Pearson
“And might you be bold enough to dance with me?” she asked, aware of the heat that rushed into her face as she spoke. “If Lady Hayward permits, of course.”
He hesitated, clear concern written in his features. “I will consider it, Lady Rebecca,” he promised, eventually, as Lord Swinton came to take his leave from her. “Good afternoon.”
A swirl of both disappointment and hope rose within her as she bid farewell to both gentlemen. Watching them as they left, her breath hitched as Lord Richmond glanced over his shoulder towards her, a smile spreading across his face for a moment before he turned his head away and finally left the room.
“Rebecca!”
She turned quickly to see both sisters looking at her with wide eyes.
“Yes?” she asked, trying to keep her voice calm. “Whatever is the matter?”
Lady Anna laughed as Lady Selina rolled her eyes.
“We are not blind, Rebecca!” she exclaimed as Rebecca blushed. “Lord Richmond was clearly quite taken with you.”
“Nonsense,” Rebecca replied with a wave of her hand. “It is only that he and I did not wish to interrupt the conversation that both of you were having with Lord Swinton.” She arched one eyebrow. “He appeared to be very taken with the both of you, in fact!”
Pink rose in Lady Selina’s cheeks, but Rebecca’s words did not seem to influence Lady Anna in any way.
“Now you are being ridiculous,” she declared stoutly. “And you will have to inform Lady Hayward of his interest, Rebecca. She must know of such things.”
Panic began to surge in Rebecca’s chest. “I hardly think that is necessary,” she said quickly. “Unless you wish to inform her of every gentleman that has called this afternoon?”
Lady Anna frowned but said nothing more, looking to her sister for support but, much to Rebecca’s relief, Lady Selina merely rose to her feet and then made her way to the door.
“We should prepare for the fashionable hour,” she said mildly, looking back over her shoulder. “Lady Hayward will be here very soon.”
Rebecca smiled and followed after her. “Yes, of course,” she agreed, leaving Lady Anna to trail after them both, her expression one of frustration that the discussion had come to an end. “I should not like to be tardy.”
Hurrying back to her room, Rebecca felt her heart lift as she remembered all that she had discussed with Lord Richmond. It had felt quite effortless, as though there had been no difficulties with his situation whatsoever, as if they had been two people within society talking for the mere pleasure of it. She hoped desperately that he would be willing to speak to her again tomorrow evening, although she had been, perhaps, foolish in her suggestion of dancing with him. For the moment, that pleasure would have to wait.
“The fashionable hour is not one of my favorite occasions, I must confess!” Lady Hayward laughed as Rebecca pressed close to her to avoid three young ladies who were walking together, their chaperones trailing behind them and seeming to ignore all those around them. “How do you fare, Lady Rebecca?”
“Very well, I think,” Rebecca replied a little doubtfully, looking all around her and wondering whether or not anyone was taking notice of their presence here this afternoon. “I did not expect it to be so busy!”
Behind her, she heard Lady Anna laugh. “But it is meant to be a crush, Rebecca!” she said mischievously. “But the point is that we are amongst the rest of the ton so that our presence might be noted!”
Rebecca glanced over her shoulder at her sister. “I can see why you do not appreciate the fashionable hour, Lady Hayward,” she said a little awkwardly. “Although I am glad to be here.”
Lady Hayward chuckled, then looped her arm through Rebecca’s. “I had hoped to introduce you to an earl who I thought to be most appropriate, but I do not think we shall find him here this afternoon!” She looked across at Rebecca. “Although, no doubt, you shall find something about him to dislike!”
“I shall not agree,” Rebecca replied stoutly. “Only this afternoon, Lord Clayton called upon me and I told him I would be glad to see him again.” That was not the entirety of the truth, however, and Rebecca felt a small smattering of guilt hit hard against her. “If this earl is pleasing, then I am sure I shall have no concern whatsoever.”
“But he shall not be as intriguing as Lord Richmond, no doubt,” Lady Hayward replied with a knowing look. “After what was said last evening, I do not think that you will have simply forgotten him!”
Rebecca let out a small sigh. “You know me much too well, Lady Hayward,” she answered with a wry smile. “Yes, I confess that I am still very interested in the gentleman. In fact, he—”
“Good gracious, can that be you, Lady Hayward?”
Rebecca saw Lady Hayward frown as she turned her head to the right and then to the left before sucking in a breath, realizing who it was that had called her name. Rebecca, not recognizing the lady, remained silent and stood by Lady Hayward’s side, as did her sisters.
“Good afternoon, Lady Kensington,” Lady Hayward said, and instantly, Rebecca stiffened. “I do hope you are enjoying the fine weather this afternoon.”
Lady Kensington laughed and fluttered her fan as though the warmth of the afternoon was too much for her.
“Yes, it is very enjoyable to be amongst society,” Lady Kensington said with a sigh, looking all around her before returning her gaze to Rebecca. “Now, you must introduce me to your charges, Lady Hayward. I have heard so much about the duke’s daughters that have graced society with their presence!”
Rebecca blinked, a little surprised at the hint of vitriol that was in the lady’s words. She dared not say anything, however, leaving Lady Hayward to quickly make the introductions. From the flash in Lady Hayward’s eyes, however, Rebecca knew that she was less than willing to do so but had no other choice in the matter, given the circumstances.
“How very good to meet you,” Rebecca murmured, dropping into a quick curtsy as Lady Kensington merely inclined her head. Her sisters murmured the same as Lady Kensington looked directly at Rebecca again, her eyes a little narrowed with some sort of spite that Rebecca did not quite understand.
“You are much spoken of in society, Lady Rebecca,” Lady Kensington said a little too loudly. “You must be very grateful for Lady Hayward’s guiding hand.”
Rebecca nodded. “Yes, of course,” she said softly, wondering at this state of questioning. “I have been very glad for her, as my sisters have also been.” Lady Anna and Lady Selina both murmured their agreement quickly as Lady Hayward smiled tightly.
“Society can so quickly turn on you,” Lady Kensington said as though warning Rebecca of something. “I should be very careful indeed, Lady Rebecca.”
Lady Hayward cleared her throat gently. “I am quite certain that Lady Rebecca shall do very well in society, indeed,” she said, a little sharply. “She has made an excellent first impression and will continue to do so.”
Rebecca swallowed hard, a little uncertain as to why Lady Kensington had spoken so. Had Rebecca done something to upset her in some way, even though they had not been introduced until this moment? Or was there a warning there? A warning for Rebecca to be careful as she mixed with the ton, even though she was safe and secure with the guidance of Lady Hayward?
“A single word whispered by one to another can start something truly terrible,” Lady Kensington said with a shake of her head as another sigh left her lips. “A single action can affect the rest of your life, Lady Rebecca. It can steal your future, your happiness, and your reputation, plunging you into great misery.” Another shake of her head accompanied this, although Rebecca felt nothing more than fright, completely unable to understand why Lady Kensington should speak so. “I should be very upset indeed if such a thing should happen to you.”
“It will not,” Lady Hayward said decisively, taking a small step in front of Rebecca so that Lady Kensington was forced to look at her rather than keep her gaze fixed to Rebecca. “Now, if you will excuse us, Lady Kens
ington, there are others we must greet.”
With a sweep of her skirts, Lady Kensington stepped aside and lowered her head as though she were some sort of subject and Lady Hayward a great noble. With a tight nod, Lady Hayward moved away from Lady Kensington, taking Rebecca, Anna, and Selina with her.
“Have you ever spoken to her before, Lady Rebecca?” Lady Hayward asked, keeping her voice low as they walked across the park, her eyes serious as she looked at Rebecca. “I must know.”
“No,” Rebecca said, shaking her head. “No, I have never met the lady before, Lady Hayward. I can assure you of that.”
Lady Hayward bit her lip then gave herself a slight shake. “I do not like Lady Kensington,” she said bluntly. “But what she said to you was very strange indeed. I do not know what she means, nor do I understand why it was directed at you.”
Rebecca let out a slow breath, aware that she had been frightened by Lady Kensington’s warning words. She had no knowledge of what the lady had meant nor why she had been spoken to in such a direct manner. Swallowing hard, she took in a steadying breath before speaking again.
“There is nothing to fear, surely,” she said softly as Lady Hayward looked at her. “If I am with you as my chaperone, or with my father, then there is nothing I need to be anxious about.”
This seemed to buoy Lady Hayward’s spirits a little, for the coldness left her eyes, and she nodded.
“Yes, of course,” she said a little more firmly. “You have, as I have said, made an excellent impression upon society thus far. I trust that you will not be tempted to ever step away from your chaperone by a gentleman’s pleas.” Her eyes narrowed just a fraction. “Not even if it is one that you are inclined towards.”
Knowing that she spoke of Lord Richmond, Rebecca flushed but held Lady Hayward’s gaze. “Never,” she promised, having every intention of doing so. “I shall never do so, Lady Hayward. And on that, you have my word.”
Chapter Nine
Walking into the ballroom, Jeffery let out a long breath and set his shoulders, keeping his head high and refusing to allow any whispers to affect him in any way. He had been invited here this evening and had accepted, glad to know that Lady Rebecca, as well as a few other friends, would be present to greet him. Not that he had any intention of dancing with Lady Rebecca, even though he desperately wished to. To speak to her was one thing, but to take her in his arms was quite another, even if it would be just to dance. The beau monde would take note of it, especially if it were just Lady Rebecca that he danced with.
Keeping to the side, Jeffery continued further into the room but remained in the shadows. There was no need for him to step out into the crowd yet. Most of the ton wanted to be seen this evening, whilst he wanted to make certain that his presence was not so obvious. Yes, he had some friends here this evening, but most of the ton would watch him with suspicious eyes.
“I thought you might be skulking around here.”
Jeffery froze, turning his head to see none other than Lady Kensington approaching him. His heart began to hammer, and he turned away, continuing to walk away from her, but her voice reached out to him again, pulling him back.
“You might wish to consider what you are doing, Lord Richmond,” she said in a voice loud enough for him to hear. “My husband believes I am gone to the retiring room, but I will be very glad to tell him that the reason I was tardy in returning to him was entirely because of you.”
Her words made Jeffery stop dead, hating that he had no other choice but to do so. The threat was real enough, and the last thing Jeffery needed was for any further difficulty to come his way.
“I told you I would tell you what it is I require of you,” Lady Kensington said, her voice now closer to him than before. “It is up to you, of course, whether or not you comply. I should hate to think of what will happen, however, if you do not.” A quiet laugh escaped her. “I had the pleasure of being introduced to Lady Rebecca. She is very lovely and quite innocent. I do hope that Lady Hayward is able to protect her from the...more difficult parts of the ton. There is so much that a young lady can become caught up in accidentally, and I do fear for her safety.”
He turned, looking into her beautiful face and finding himself cold. Her smile was warm, her head tilted just a little to the left, but the ice in her gaze sent a shudder through him. Lady Kensington was manipulative, cold, and cruel, and he was thoroughly caught in her trap. She knew that every word she spoke about Lady Rebecca was a sword to his heart, a pain to his chest. Whilst he might be able to warn Lord and Lady Merrick and Lord Swinton of what Lady Kensington had threatened and be assured that they would be much more on their guard, there was not the same degree of difficulty that would come to them as would come to Lady Rebecca, should something occur. Lord and Lady Merrick were already wed and, whilst rumors might abound, they had each other, and there was a certain security in that.
Likewise, Lord Swinton. He was a gentleman of the ton and well able to shoulder a whisper or two, should it come to it. Most likely, he would do just as Jeffery was doing at present and remain in society, pushing aside the gossip with a firm determination.
But with Lady Rebecca, there was nothing that could protect her reputation from damage. No matter how well Lady Hayward guided her, no matter how well she behaved, a single mistake or deliberate action by another could ruin her forever. And both he and Lady Kensington knew that.
“What is it that you want, Lady Kensington?” he growled, feeling his hackles rise as she smiled up at him. “I have endured your threats playing about in my mind for some time already, and I will not permit you to continue to do so.”
“Then you will not do as I ask?” Lady Kensington asked, sounding a little surprised. She studied him for a few moments as the flickering candlelight sent shadows twisting over their faces before another laugh escaped from her. “No, you will do so because of your affection for Lady Rebecca.”
“I have no affection for her,” Jeffery stated angrily, “but I will not permit you to ruin her to injure me.”
Lady Kensington lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “I care not,” she said flippantly. “I hold you responsible for my present circumstances, as you know, for my husband barely lets me from his sight, and if I am even a few minutes late on my return, he will question me as to where I have been.” An ugly expression came to her face, her lip curled, and her eyes filled with a hatred of her situation. “I had to endure a great deal from him after we had spoken, Lord Richmond. Which is why I shall not linger. I shall not tarry here long.” A glance over her shoulder betrayed her slight anxiety. “I do expect you to do as I have asked, however, without hesitation.”
Jeffery said nothing, his jaw working furiously as he fought to contain all his fiery emotions. He was both angry and upset, furious with himself for agreeing and yet knowing that there was nothing else he could have done. He had to protect Lady Rebecca in any way he could.
“This evening, there is a particular gentleman here that I very much wish to speak with later,” Lady Kensington continued as Jeffery’s stomach dropped. “You will inform him of such. You will tell him that I am, unfortunately, required to remain in my husband’s company at present, but you will ask him to call upon me tomorrow afternoon during the fashionable hour.” A small smile crept over her face. “When my husband will be absent from the house on business.”
Jeffery’s stomach turned over on itself, and he closed his eyes, hating the fact that he would have to repeat such words to another gentleman.
“You are not going to ask me who it is I wish to speak to?” Lady Kensington asked teasingly. “You wish very much to remain silent, to show no interest?” She laughed at him, and Jeffery’s fingernails bit into his palms, his anger burning all the hotter. “Very well, your resolve, I suppose, does you credit.” Taking something from her pocket, she held it out to him. “And give him this so he knows your words can be trusted.”
Unwillingly, Jeffery stretched out a hand and took the delicate locket from L
ady Kensington. It was of burnished gold, sitting on a delicate chain. He did not want to ask whether or not it was from this particular gentleman, choosing instead just to slip it into his pocket without remark.
“You are determined not to ask me anything, then,” Jeffery heard Lady Kensington say as he turned his head away from her, hating every moment of her company. “Very well, very well. Now, you are to find Lord Bellingham. And when you have done so, make certain you inform me of the fact.”
“Impossible!” Jeffery retorted, spinning around to face her. “I will not come near to you this evening, Lady Kensington.”
“Oh yes, you will,” she replied calmly. “And you will tell me that it has been done, else I shall go to Lady Rebecca. It would be most unfortunate if—”
“Enough.” Jeffery sliced the air with his hand, cutting her off as Lady Kensington began to smile, her eyes flashing with a darkness that Jeffery had not seen before. “Good evening, Lady Kensington.” He turned on his heel and strode away from her, hearing her quiet, tinkling laugh chasing after him, adding to his misery as he stumbled forward, further into the shadows and further away from her. He hated himself for having to agree, for having to do all that she demanded without hesitation, yet he knew that she would do all that she had threatened—and more—if he did not.
“Goodness, you look as though...” Lord Swinton began to chuckle, only to trail off, his smile fading as he took in Jeffery’s appearance. “I see Lady Kensington has spoken to you.”
“You knew she would be here this evening?” Jeffery grated as Lord Swinton nodded. “I did not.”
Lord Swinton studied him for a moment. “What has she asked of you?”
