His mouth hitched into a half-smile.
“It has taken a great deal of inward determination to even speak to you of my past, Miss Gregory. It is not that I am ashamed of it but rather that I fear I will be shamed because of it.” His lips pinched but his heart softened, as though relieved he was finally able to speak openly to another. “You are right that I have been arrogant and filled with pride, and I recognize that I have sought those two aspects of my character out so that I will not give way to my own deeply hidden fears. I sought the assurance and the accolades of others in thetonas a silent promise that they would not speak ill of me. I made certain to show myself in as good a light as possible so that no one would eventhinkto enquire into my past situation – for those of thetonlook down on those who engage in commerce. I have behaved poorly, Miss Gregory, and it is only thanks to your blunt frankness and that of Lord Venables that I have come to see myself so. As I have said, I am grateful for your opinion and shall make endeavors not to behave so any longer, if it will be an improvement to my character.” A gentle smile lingered on his lips as he turned to look at her, seeing the astonishment in her wide eyes. “You speak very well and without restraint, although you are kind in your manner. I do appreciate that.”
The lady blinked quickly, seeming surprised, only to then smile back at him with just the very hint of a blush in her cheeks.
“That is kind of you to say. I – I am a little honored that you have spoken to me with such honesty.”
“It is the very least of what you deserve, although I pray that you would not think that any explanation is to be used as an excuse. It is certainly not my intention.”
Her hand squeezed his arm lightly and Robert’s heart lifted.
“I certainly do not think so.”
He took in a great gulp of air, feeling as though a tight band had loosened from his chest.
“Forgive me for changing the subject so abruptly but I must ask,” he continued, “what was the reason that you knocked the glass from my hand? How did you know that there was something in it?”
Miss Gregory’s eyes widened and, for just a few moments, she stopped walking altogether, staring up at him with evident horror.
“Oh, but of course!” she breathed, as Robert looked back at her carefully, not certain as to why she seemed so surprised. “You could not knowwhyI did such a thing!”
“No,” he replied, truthfully, “I do not – although I am grateful for it.”
She closed her eyes, then laughed a little ruefully.
“I did not think of that,” she said softly, as they began to walk together again. “I saw a footman.”
He frowned.
“A footman? There were many, were there not?”
“Yes, of course, but this one was standing to one side of the room, holding a tray with a single glass resting upon it. He did not appear at all deferential, for he was gazing across the room, looking at each and every person as though he were the master of the house and wanted to see how his guests were enjoying the evening!”
“That is a little strange, certainly,” Robert agreed, his brows pulling together. “And then this footman was the one who came to me with said glass?”
“Precisely,” came the reply. “And I felt nothing but alarm and thus, attempted to pull the glass from your hand but, in doing so, splashed it everywhere and greatly upset you in the process!”
Robert shook his head, his free hand reaching across to pat Miss Gregory’s hand as it rested on his other arm.
“You do not know how grateful I am, Miss Gregory,” he replied, fervently. “Despite what I said, despite my first, poor reaction, I am truly grateful for all that you have done.” Warmth began to spread up his arm from where his fingers met hers and Robert quickly pulled his hand away, suddenly unable to look down into her eyes. Clearing his throat so that he would no longer feel such a strange awkwardness, Robert tried to smile, tried to make light of what he had said. “I do not think I would be alive had you not done so!” He had meant the sentence to be lightly jesting but the gasp from Miss Gregory’s lips said otherwise. Robert winced inwardly, opening his mouth to say something more by way of explanation, only for Miss Gregory to shake her head.
“You wereveryill, I know,” she said, quietly, her cheeks now a little pale as she recalled what had taken place. “Do you think you might have….?”
She did not finish the sentence, but Robert knew what she meant, giving her a small, wry smile.
“It may have been a good deal worse, certainly,” he replied, honestly. “That is the second time you have been of such great assistance to me, Miss Gregory. I should keep you close for fear that I will succumb the next time!”
“You fear there will be a next time?”
Robert hesitated, turning to her, and looking down into her eyes.
“I do not know what to think,” he said, softly. “I believe that someone is attempting to injure me severely, yes. I do not know who it is nor why they are doing so.” A tight hand squeezed his heart, a swirl of nervousness in his stomach. “But I shall have to find them out.”
“I will help you where I can.”
Again, a pink had come into her cheeks but the fervency in her eyes was unmistakable. Robert felt a surge of relief combined with gratitude bubble up within him, chasing away his nervousness. He did not deserve this kindness from her, not after how he had treated her.
“You are much too kind, Miss Gregory,” he said, seeing her eyes fixed to his, clearly eager to hear what his response would be. “I do not think that I deserve such compassion from you. Nor do I understand why you would be so eager to assist me.”