by Alec, Joyce
Miss Martin did not immediately answer and Louisa could almost feel the cold, hard stare that was turned in her direction, although she did not look directly back at her companion.
“I am your companion,” Miss Martin replied eventually, her tone tight and her voice angry. “Therefore, of course I shall accompany you this afternoon. Might I ask where it is you intend to walk? And whom you intend to walk with?”
I would walk with Lord Williamson should he ask me, Louisa thought to herself stubbornly, almost wishing that she could state such a thing unequivocally, simply to show Miss Martin that she was disregarding her obvious dislike for Lord Williamson. “I am to walk with Miss Buxton,” she replied, catching the flash of relief that washed over Miss Martin’s tight expression. “We thought to take a turn about Hyde Park, a little before the fashionable hour as it can become awfully busy around that time.”
“I shall accompany you, of course,” Miss Martin answered, her eyes lowering to her lap. “And if you would but look at me for guidance if any gentlemen come to speak to you, then I would be grateful of that.”
Louisa cleared her throat, making her companion look up sharply. “I shall manage to converse with any gentlemen that approach without your help, Miss Martin,” she told her, wondering why Miss Martin seemed so desperate to protect her from seemingly almost every gentleman of the ton. “Should any seek to court me, then that is when I shall seek your thoughts and advice, although as I have said before, I shall not allow any rumors or gossip to be spoken of.”
Miss Martin shrugged and turned her head away. “Very good, Miss Smallwood,” she stated with a calmness that made Louisa all the more concerned. “I look forward to our walk this afternoon.” And so saying, she got up and excused herself, hurrying to the door and leaving Louisa sitting alone.
Sighing to herself, Louisa passed one hand over her eyes, hating that there appeared to be enmity between herself and Miss Martin. This was not what she had wanted. When seeking a companion, she had longed for someone to understand her difficulties and her urgency in seeking a husband. She had wanted someone to laugh with, someone to stand with her and discuss the merits of one particular fellow or to sigh over another who was perfectly eligible yet entirely out of reach. In short, she had wanted a companion she could respect yet could also become friends with. In Miss Martin, she had found neither. It was most disappointing.
And yet, Louisa had to admit that there were now a good many questions going on in her mind. What was it about Lord Williamson that Miss Martin hated so much? Was it merely that she believed the gossip and rumors that swirled throughout society? That was very strange indeed, for even Louisa knew that all such whispers often held only a modicum of truth.
“Just who are you, Miss Martin?” she murmured, her gaze on the closed door where Miss Martin had only just walked through, half-expecting her companion to return, sit down and begin to explain matters. When no such thing happened, Louisa sighed, shook her head, and sat back in her chair, her head resting to one side as her eyes closed. Whatever the matter was, Louisa was not about to let Miss Martin sabotage what could be a pleasant acquaintance. It might come to nothing more than that, but at least she could enjoy Lord Williamson’s company and conversation and that, Louisa thought to herself, a slow smile spreading across her face, would be quite lovely indeed.
5
Daniel sighed and ran one hand over his dark brown hair, looking at his reflection in the looking glass.
“And I thought you had not an ounce of vanity in you.”
The voice of Lord Townend made Daniel start, turning around to see his friend grinning at him.
“Indeed, that is true, I hope,” he answered, chuckling. “But for whatever reason, I find myself hoping that my appearance is as good as it can be this evening.” He arched one eyebrow in Lord Townend’s direction. “And it has nothing whatsoever to do with the fact that Lady Esther has accepted your invitation to this evening’s soiree.”
Lord Townend laughed, shaking his head. “You are quite ridiculous, Williamson. Lady Esther is to be present, yes, but she will be accompanied by that dragon of a mother, Lady Vasquez, and I doubt you shall be allowed to go anywhere near her without approval!”
Daniel sighed in mock dismay, although he could not pretend that he did not find the idea of meeting Lady Esther a little enticing. Lady Esther was one of the diamonds of the first water of this Season, and it helped enormously that she was the daughter of a marquess—Marquess Vasquez—and had an exceptional dowry to go with it. Marquess Vasquez would not be present, having been caught up with business, but Lady Esther would be accompanied by her mother, who would, of course, ensure that her daughter spoke to those she first approved of.
Silently, Daniel thought that Lady Esther would not take even the slightest notice of him, given that he was nothing more than a viscount and certainly not at all highly titled enough to interest the lady. Although the fact that Lady Vasquez had accepted the invitation of Viscount Townend suggested, at least, that she was willing to move through this particular social circle.
“Remind me of how you are acquainted with Lord Vasquez?” Daniel commented, as the last of Lord Townend’s staff took their places, ready for the guests to arrive. “Or is it that you know Lady Vasquez?”
“I was introduced earlier this Season,” Lord Townend replied with a small shrug. “Lady Esther even permitted me to dance with her on one occasion. I must admit, when I sent my invitations, I did not think even for a moment that Lady Vasquez would accept, but here it is!” He grinned at Daniel and held out a glass, which he had just filled with brandy. “I do hope the evening will go well.” His smile flickered for a moment, betraying his anxiety.
“It will go very well indeed,” Daniel replied at once. “There will be plentiful conversation and the food will be quite sumptuous, as it always is.”
“And do not forget that I have hired a small group of quite remarkable musicians,” Lord Townend replied, waggling a finger in Daniel’s direction. “And one or two of the young ladies are bound to play or sing thereafter.”
“Of course,” Daniel reassured him, wondering why his friend appeared so anxious. Was there someone he wished to impress? Or was it merely that Lady Vasquez and her daughter were to, unexpectedly, attend the soiree?
“Oh, and that young lady that you danced with some days ago is also invited,” Lord Townend told him, waving a hand in Daniel’s direction. “I was introduced to her at the time also, although we did not dance.” He lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “I thought her quite agreeable and thought to invite her.”
Daniel blinked, a little surprised. He had not thought of Miss Smallwood since that particular evening, even though he now recalled insisting that he should seek her out for another dance should they meet at another social event. The matter with Miss Martin grated on his mind, irritating him a little as he considered seeing Miss Smallwood again. “That means that Miss Martin will, no doubt, be accompanying her,” he said, seeing how Lord Townend looked away. “Unless her father, Lord…” He closed his eyes, trying to remember.
“Lord Churston.”
“Yes, Lord Churston. Unless Lord Churston is to attend?”
Lord Townend shook his head. “The gentleman sent his regrets but insisted that his daughter would attend and would do so with her companion, so yes, both shall be in attendance this evening.” He looked at Daniel with a slight flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “I thought you quite liked the chit.”
“She was agreeable, yes,” Daniel admitted carefully, “but she did not capture my attention in any significant way, if that is what you are asking me.” His heart twisted for a moment, as though he had betrayed himself in some way, but Daniel thrust that aside quickly. Miss Smallwood had been easy to converse with, yes, and certainly he had discovered himself being a good deal more open with her than he had with any other young lady of his acquaintance, but that meant nothing in particular… did it?
“I think Miss Smallwood m
ight be glad to see you,” Lord Townend offered, another broad smile settling over his face. “She appeared quite taken with you that evening.”
Dismissing this, Daniel rolled his eyes. “I hardly think you can suggest such a thing just because she and I danced together on two occasions that evening.”
“Oh, then you did not see her watching you with those intense blue eyes of hers,” Lord Townend replied with a quick chuckle. “You did not see how, in the middle of her conversation, she quite lost her thoughts for she was distracted by your nearness to us.” He lifted one eyebrow, sending Daniel into a whirlwind of confusion. “I know that you state you enjoy your life as it currently stands, but I do think that Miss Smallwood might merit a little more interest.”
“Or you just wish to see if Miss Martin will continue on her path to push me from her new charge,” Daniel replied dryly, not wanting to allow Lord Townend to convince him of something that was not truly there. He could not tell whether or not what Lord Townend had said about Miss Smallwood was true or whether he was simply saying it in order to convince Daniel to seek out Miss Smallwood again, perhaps to see how Miss Martin behaved thereafter. His friend was always seeking out something or other to occupy his mind, although some of the time it was not in Lord Townend’s best interests. This, Daniel suspected, was just another of Lord Townend’s schemes.
“You shall just have to wait and see, then, shall you not?” Lord Townend replied, not answering Daniel’s questions. “Miss Martin will attend, yes, although I do not think that she knows what to do with such a headstrong and determined young lady as Miss Smallwood!” He laughed and moved away, seeing the footman open the door for what was the first of his guests. “I do hope you have an enjoyable evening, Williamson.”
Two hours later and Daniel had still not gone to speak to Miss Smallwood, who was now conversing with Lord Montague. Lord Montague was showing Miss Smallwood a good deal of interest, Daniel thought, for the gentleman had been talking with her for almost half an hour and showed no sign of wanting to move away. Miss Martin was standing just behind Miss Smallwood, her eyes flickering back and forth across the room, as though she needed to prepare her charge should another gentleman approach.
The urge to approach Miss Smallwood and engage her in conversation grew steadily, despite Daniel’s insistence that he had no interest in the young lady. Whether it was because Lord Townend had made the suggestion that Miss Smallwood had been caught by his attentions during the evening of the ball, or because he himself found himself wondering what Miss Martin might do should he greet her charge, Daniel found it difficult to battle the increasing desire to draw near to her.
Allowing himself to study her from across the room, he took in Miss Smallwood’s fine form, seeing her sparkling blue eyes even from where he stood. She was laughing at something Lord Montague had said and, much to his surprise, Daniel felt a flicker of jealousy stir in his heart.
“Quite ridiculous,” he told himself sternly. “You have nothing whatsoever to be envious of!” However, he could not seem to drag his gaze away from Miss Smallwood, his hands clasping together tightly as he fought against the way she seemed to draw him near to her. It was quite absurd! He had never allowed his heart to become engaged to any young lady of distinction before, for there were far too many for him to consider, and even though he knew he would need to marry, he felt no particular urgency over it. But now, for whatever reason, he could not lift his gaze from Miss Smallwood and found himself recalling their prior conversation. He had been rather open with her, he had to admit, remembering how he had practically begged her not to listen to rumor but to allow herself to discover the truth about his character without influence from others. Why he had said that, he still was not quite certain. He knew full well that Miss Martin would be doing all she could to dissuade Miss Smallwood from furthering her acquaintance with him, but was that reason enough to practically beg the girl to seek out her own opinion of him?
Frowning, he turned his head away and rubbed at the lines that had formed on his forehead. He did not need to be so caught up with Miss Smallwood, he told himself firmly. There were plenty of young ladies here this evening whose company he might enjoy. Lady Vasquez and her daughter, Lady Esther, had arrived only a few minutes ago and there was certainly an increased interest in their arrival for the room had seemed to buzz with unhindered excitement.
“Lord Williamson, good evening.”
His head jerked up to see none other than the object of his thoughts coming towards him, a light smile on her face. Miss Martin was behind her, her face white and her eyes narrowed, but Daniel ignored her easily enough.
“Ah, Miss Smallwood,” he replied with a quick bow, wondering if she had caught the way he had been watching her and feeling a rush of heat climb up his spine. “Good evening.”
“You have been standing here alone for some time, Lord Williamson,” she said, her eyes flickering with good humor. “I thought you might appreciate some company.”
The way she smiled up at him had Daniel’s heart quickening, although he could give no explanation as to why that might be.
“That is most considerate of you,” he answered, inclining his head again and thinking that Miss Smallwood was, in fact, a most thoughtful creature. “I was merely thinking on some matters that had captured my attention of late.”
“Oh?” The curiosity in her eyes and her voice had Daniel flushing hot, realizing quickly that he could not exactly say what it was he had been thinking of. She leaned in, conspiratorially. “Is it to do with Lady Vasquez’s arrival?”
Surprised, he looked down at her, seeing how she grinned and finding his own lips curving upwards also. “It is the talk of the evening, I know,” he replied, his unease beginning to fade away. “Are you acquainted with either of them?”
Miss Smallwood surprised him by the sharp exclamation that came from her mouth, her cheeks flushing at his astonished look.
“No, of course I am not,” she replied, trying to cover her obvious embarrassment with a shrug of nonchalance. “I am the daughter of a mere baron, Lord Williamson. I do not think that the daughter of a marquess would be particularly interested in greeting someone such as myself, who has such a lowly position within society compared to their own.”
Daniel frowned, tilting his head just a little. “I do not think that one’s title or fortune should matter when it comes to acquaintances and the like, Miss Smallwood. I rather think that one’s character should speak for itself.”
“I quite agree,” she replied, her cheeks still a little flushed which, Daniel thought, gave her quite a charming appearance. “And yet that is not the way of society, is it?”
He chewed on this for a moment or two, aware of how the sparkle seemed to have gone from Miss Smallwood’s gaze. Did she truly think so little of herself, based only on her father’s title? There were many within society in a similar situation, for did not he feel such a thing himself, given that he was a viscount and Lady Esther the daughter of a marquess?
“I do not believe, Miss Smallwood, that we should allow our own consideration of ourselves and our standing within society to prevent us from greeting Lady Vasquez and seeking an introduction to her daughter,” he replied with a sudden firmness of mind and heart. “Here, come now.” Offering her his arm, he saw how she hesitated, glancing towards Miss Martin for just a moment. He himself did not look at Miss Martin, fully aware that the lady would be strongly discouraging Miss Smallwood to accept his arm, but thankfully, the lady ignored her companion entirely and, eventually, placed her hand on his arm.
A flurry of warmth rushed into his heart, but Daniel merely cleared his throat, seeing how Lord Townend was, at this very moment, talking to Lady Vasquez and her daughter. If they were to be introduced, then this would be the perfect opportunity.
“Come, then, Miss Smallwood,” he said, beginning to walk towards his friend. “Let us be bold and seek an introduction from Lord Townend. Who knows? We may find ourselves quite surprised at the rec
eption.”
“I find myself a little surprised already,” Miss Smallwood murmured, her cheeks flaring with color as he glanced at her. “But I thank you for your consideration, Lord Williamson. It is most kind of you.”
“Not at all,” Daniel answered, feeling quite satisfied with himself. “I am glad to be in your company again, Miss Smallwood, and shall do all I can to ensure you have a wonderful evening.”
Quite where such a sentiment had come from, Daniel could not say, but he accepted it without hesitation or inner reproach to himself. There was something quite satisfying about having Miss Smallwood on his arm, Daniel thought to himself, seeing how Lord Townend turned towards them, his eyes flickering with interest. Perhaps he should consider seeking her out again so that they would not have to meet by chance at the next social occasion. Mayhap he ought to be a little more purposeful in his intentions—although quite what those attentions were, he was not at all certain.
“Good evening, Lord Townend,” he said, bowing as though he had not seen his friend all evening.
“Good evening,” Miss Smallwood murmured, looking demurely towards their host. “Thank you for a lovely evening thus far, Lord Townend. It has been most enjoyable.”
“I am glad you have had such a pleasant time,” Lord Townend replied, throwing a knowing look towards Daniel, who ignored it completely. “And do let me introduce you to my acquaintances, Miss Smallwood, if you would.”
Daniel felt his satisfaction grow as the introductions were made and both he and Miss Smallwood greeted Lady Vasquez and Lady Esther. For whatever reason, he felt almost proud that he had ensured Miss Smallwood had furthered her acquaintance and could now boast that she had conversed with the daughter of a marquess and the marchioness herself.
“You have been enjoying Miss Smallwood’s company again, I see.”
