“And what are your thoughts, my lord? I understand the novel is a particular favourite of yours.”
He straightened as if rising to the challenge. “But for a little kindness and compassion, we might have read an entirely different story. All men, even those Society deem hideous, want to be loved, Miss Kendall. All men seek that one person who brings meaning to their lives.”
The room fell silent.
There was sadness behind his words, a deep sorrow she had never heard expressed. It roused a need to offer comfort. It roused a warm affection in her chest that had been slowly simmering since their first meeting.
She wanted to kiss him.
She wanted to hear the passion in his voice when he told her one kiss was not enough.
Ava cleared her throat. “Then it is the one thing upon which we all agree. Be it, man or woman, we are all seeking the same.”
After another period of silence, Honora came to her feet and rang for refreshments.
Lord Valentine remained lost in thoughtful contemplation while a conversation about Madame Roscoe’s operatic performance as Almirena in Rinaldo took place around him.
While tea was served, Lord Valentine stood and moved to stare out of the window. Numerous times, an apprehensive Honora glanced at her son and sighed.
Ava poured Valentine a cup of tea and carried it over to him. “You should drink this if only to please your mother. She does worry.”
Valentine accepted the offer of refreshment with good grace. “She has no need to worry about me.”
“Does she not?” Ava observed his slightly slumped shoulders and the doleful expression still marring his handsome features. “I know we have not known each other long, but I consider us friends.”
“I should hope extremely good friends after what happened between us last night.”
Her cheeks burned at the memory, but she did not avert her gaze. “Then as we are accustomed to a certain intimacy, let me say that you may speak to me regarding any matter you find troubling.”
Valentine glanced briefly at his mother who instantly turned away from whatever interesting titbit had given Lady Cartwright a fit of the giggles, to smile affectionately at her son.
“Likewise,” the viscount stated, “you may call upon me as your confidant, day or night.”
The last word sent Ava’s stomach roiling again.
“I know that your brother’s problems rob you of sleep,” he added.
Was he making a logical assumption, or had he witnessed her pace the landing with her candle at three in the morning? And if it was the latter why did he care?
“I’m sure a gentleman of your intellect can piece together the facts,” she said, deciding that anyone who had her interests at heart was worth trusting. “My brother has a problem saying no to those intent on fleecing him of everything he owns. Some of the items pawned to pay his gambling debts are sentimental. Hence the reason you found me at a broker’s in Grafton Street.”
“Hence the reason he sold your mother’s ring to Lady Durrant.”
“Indeed.” Though why the widow wanted such an item when she might purchase anything her heart desired from a jeweller proved a mystery. “I will not rest until I have recovered my father’s watch and signet ring.”
She had more pressing problems than that.
A note meant for Jonathan, delivered to the house by a boy in ragged trousers and a beaten top hat, confirmed there was to be another monkey-baiting spectacle at the Westminster Pit tonight. One did not need Socrates’ insight to know he would attend. Until Ava knew what had happened to the birthday gift from her mother, she would hound her brother to the ends of the earth.
Then another thought struck her.
Was Lord Valentine in similar dire straits? Yesterday, he had walked across town instead of taking his carriage. He, too, had been visiting a pawnbroker though now she came to think about it, he neither deposited nor reclaimed a thing. No. Lord Valentine’s estate was amongst the wealthiest in the land. And he had happily paid the twenty pounds at the broker’s and refused repeated offers of repayment.
“May I ask you something?” Ava said after noting the other ladies were still deep in conversation.
“Have I not just expressed my desire to act as your confidant?”
“Then please consider my line of questioning more inquisitive than intrusive.”