Robert’s brow lifted as he looked back at Lord Burnley, who was studying him with mild interest.
“I have just come to a realization,” he answered, not wanting to go into a detailed explanation but at the same time, wanting to answer Lord Burnley’s question. “I had hoped that I might have been greeted a little more warmly but, given my history, I realize now that I ought not to have expected it from a group of gentlemen.”
Lord Burnley frowned.
“Your history?”
Robert’s jaw tightened, wondering if it was truly that Lord Burnley did not know of what he spoke, or if he was saying such a thing simply to be a little irritating.
“You do not know?” he asked, his own brows drawing low over his eyes as he studied Lord Burnley’s open expression. The man shook his head, his head tipping gently to one side in a questioning manner. “I am surprised. It was the talk of London!”
“Then I am certain you will be keen to inform me of it,” Lord Burnley replied, his tone neither dull nor excited, making Robert’s brow furrow all the more. “Was it something of significance?”
Robert gritted his teeth, finding it hard to believe that Lord Burnley, clearly present at last year’s Season, did not know of what he spoke. For a moment, he thought he would not inform the fellow about it, given that he did not appear to be truly interested in what they spoke of, but then his pride won out and he began to explain.
“Are you acquainted with Lady Charlotte Fortescue?” he asked, seeing Lord Burnley shake his head. “She is the daughter of the Duke of Strathaven. Last Season, when I had only just stepped into the title of the Earl of Crampton, I discovered her being pulled away through Lord Kingsley’s gardens by a most uncouth gentleman and, of course, in coming to her rescue, I struck the fellow a blow that had him knocked unconscious.” His chin lifted slightly as he recalled that moment, remembering how Lady Charlotte had practically collapsed into his arms in the moments after he had struck the despicable Viscount Forthside and knocked him to the ground. Her father, the Duke of Strathaven, had been in search of his daughter and had found them both only a few minutes later, quickly followed by the Duchess of Strathaven. In fact, a small group of gentlemen and ladies had appeared in the gardens and had applauded him for his rescue – and news of it had quickly spread through London society. The Duke of Strathaven had been effusive in his appreciation and thankfulness for Robert’s actions and Robert had reveled in it, finding that his newfound status within thetonwas something to be enjoyed. He had assumed that it would continue into this Season and had told himself that, once he was at a ball or soiree with the ladies of theton, his exaltation would continue. “The Duke and Duchess were, of course, very grateful,” he finished, as Lord Burnley nodded slowly, although there was no exclamation of surprise on his lips nor a gasp of astonishment. “The gentlemen of London are likely a little envious of me, of course, but that is to be expected.”
Much to his astonishment, Lord Burnley broke out into laughter at this statement, his eyes crinkling and his hand lifting his still-full glass towards Robert.
“Indeed, I am certain they are,” he replied, his words filled with a sarcasm that could not be missed. “Good evening, Lord Crampton. I shall go now and tell the other gentlemen here in White’s precisely who you are and what you have done. No doubt they shall come to speak to you at once, given your great and esteemed situation.”
Robert set his jaw, his eyes a little narrowed as he watched Lord Burnley step away, all too aware of the man’s cynicism.It does not matter,he told himself, firmly.Lord Burnley, too, will be a little jealous of your success, and your standing in theton. What else should you expect other than sarcasm and rebuttal?
Rising to his feet, Robert set his shoulders and, with his head held high, made his way from White’s, trying to ignore the niggle of doubt that entered his mind. Tomorrow, he told himself, he would find things much more improved. He would go to whatever occasion he wished and would find himself, of course, just as he had been last Season – practically revered by all those around him.
He could hardly wait.
Chapter Two
Stepping out of the carriage, her gown swishing gently around her ankles, Honora felt as though she were in an entirely different world to the one which she had known back at her father’s estate. Being in London was overwhelming. Everything was so rushed, for there were always carriages trundling along the road, horses and their riders going past and people milling about along the street. Honora had been barely able to take her eyes from the view at the window for the first two days, as she and her aunt had rested from their journey to London. Her aunt, she had learned – for the lady had not stopped talking save to sleep and eat during their travel – had chosen to come to London to find herself a husband.
This had come as a great shock to Honora. Her aunt had been widowed these last few years, but Honora had never expected her to seek out another match. Lady Langdon had always appeared to be very contented with the situation her late husband had left her in, but now it appeared that she sought a little more for herself.
“Our first ball this evening, my dear Nora.”
Honora turned her head and looked back at her aunt, who had only just stepped into the room.
“Good afternoon, aunt,” she replied, turning to face her. “Is there something that you require?”
Lady Langdon laughed, shook her head, and dropped lightly into a chair.
“My dear, I have servants for anything that I should require,” she said, pointing to a chair next to her, clearly expecting Honora to sit down in it. “Come, we have much to discuss.”
Honora sat down quickly, looking at her aunt with slightly widened eyes, her hands clasping together tightly in her lap.
“As you may know, Honora, my late husband left me with a small house and a meager income,” she began, to which Honora immediately frowned given that she knew all too well that the lady had a rather roomy townhouse in Bath - which Honora had visited only once but found to be more than satisfactory. “Therefore, I have decided to seek out a match for myself with a gentleman who can provide for me at the standard I require. The ball this eveningmustgo well.”
“I understand, aunt.”
Honora searched her aunt’s face for even a hint of compassion or consideration for Honora herself, but saw nothing but blankness in the lady’s blue eyes. Her aunt was not at all in her dotage, although older than Honora herself by some margin, and given her beautiful, pale skin, thick, dark, glossy hair, and bright smile would attract the attention of some of the older gentlemen in London, Honora was sure.
Whilst I remain at the side of it all, watching and longing and yet knowing that I will never be able to do as so many of the young ladies do.
“I do not know many here in London any longer, given that I am quite a bit older than those making their first entry into society – although their mothers may well be close in age to myself – but none will be seeking a match. I will require you, Honora, to be my companion so that I am never alone.” She tossed her head, her curls bouncing, and gave Honora a warm smile. “It is a slightly unusual situation, I know, for most companions go to those who are well into their dotage, but since you could never find a suitable match, I thought this to be the best of things for us both.”
A cold hand grasped Honora’s heart.
“I could never find a match, aunt?” she asked, hearing her aunt’s trilled laugh, and finding herself tensing at the sound. Anger and frustration swirled through her, but Lady Langdon appeared to have no awareness of this whatsoever.