Robert could not immediately reply. His shock was much too great, his astonishment overwhelming him like a tight hand pulling him down backwards into a deep flood. He had not known that she had seen him watching, had not thought her even aware of his presence, and yet now, it seemed, she had been watchinghimin return!
He swallowed hard, a little surprised at the flush of heat which began to creep up his chest with the knowledge that Miss Gregory had been studying him. Blinking, he found himself looking down into her eyes and realized that they were green, as he had thought.Green with a little hint of gold at the edges.
“Ah, Lord Crampton.”
Robert blinked quickly, bringing his attention to the older lady who now turned towards them, forcing a smile which he did not really feel and silently wondering why he had found himself so caught up with Miss Gregory in such a strange fashion
“Good evening, Lady….”
He winced inwardly, not able to recall the lady’s title.
“Lady Langdon.” The lady’s brow furrowed as her lips flattened, pulling to one side. Evidently, Robert had upset her for what was now the second time. “Is there something you wished to say?” Robert cleared his throat, seeing both ladies looking at him steadily and finding his purposes suddenly thwarted. “You cannot have come to talk to my niece, surely?” the lady continued, as Miss Gregory’s cheeks suddenly flushed red, and she looked away. “You are aware that she is my companion.”
Robert nodded, his frame a little stiff.
“But of course, I do recall you saying so,” he replied, finding himself a little flummoxed. For whatever reason, noticing the color of Miss Gregory’s eyes had thrown all sensible thought from him and left him lost in confusion, as though he were groping around in the dark for a light. “Might I enquire as to who your father is, Miss Gregory?”
The question came to his lips unbidden and, despite having had no intention of asking it, Robert now turned back to the lady and looked at her questioningly, one brow lifting slightly as he struggled to hide his confusion from her. There was no particular reason for him to ask such a thing, unless it was that, for whatever reason, a part of him wished to know her true standing in society.
The lady did not smile, and in fact, there was a shadow in her eyes which made it apparent to him that her opinion of him was all the lower, given such a question. Robert tried to tell himself that such a thing did not matter and that, after this interaction, they need never speak to each other again, but still, her manner towards him had his toes curling in embarrassment at his own foolishness. Silently, he cursed himself for even coming over to speak to her in the first place. It had been unwise of him to allow her to capture his attention for so long, and ridiculous to allow it to fester in his mind. He ought to have simply set it aside and enjoyed the adulation of others, rather than think on the one young lady who had not responded to him in that manner. He did not need to converse with her ever again – so why was he here? Why had he found himself asking her such a question about her father? And why was it that he now found her eyes to be so very beautiful?
“My father is Viscount Greene, Lord Crampton,” she said stiffly, her eyes glinting with steel as though daring him to make any remark on it whatsoever. “Although I cannot understand why such a thing would be of any importance to you.”
His lips twisted and he opened his mouth to tell her his reasons, even though he could think of nothing to say.
“Viscount Greene is a good man and an excellent brother,” Lady Langdon said, a little more sharply, as though she were afraid that he would make some disparaging remark about him. “If you have any further questions,Ishould be glad to answer them. My niece is here as my companion only.”
“I did not mean any insult.” He spoke hastily, finding that he was being quite honest. The desire to injure Miss Gregory was quite absent. It was as if she stirred an interest in him that he had only just discovered – an interest which he could not permit to grow any further. “Pray, forgive my question. It was not harshly meant.”
Allowing his eyes to stray back to Miss Gregory, Robert held his breath, expecting her to be embarrassed at her aunt’s bold remark, only to see a smile playing about her lips.
“Indeed, I think it would be best if my aunt continued your conversation, Lord Crampton,” Miss Gregory murmured, tilting her head as her smile lingered. “Do forgive me, but I think I shall step back and permit you to continue your conversation in private.”
Robert’s dissatisfaction billowed like a flame caught by the wind. . It was clear from her smile, and the delight dancing in her eyes, that she had no wish to converse with him and was glad that her aunt would take over any further conversation. Her coldness towards him did not bring out either anger or the irritation that he had felt at the first, but rather a strange, unsettling frustration that begged him to resolve things between them. It was as if he did not want Miss Gregory to remove herself, as though he wanted her to continue to speak with him so that he might know her a little better.
Do not be so foolish. Your standing in society is excellent and you have managed to keep all whispers, gossip, and rumor about your previous situation in life far from you. Do you wish the ton to see your interest in a mere companion? They will say that your previous standing is coming to the fore, even though you are now an Earl! There will be whispers and mutterings about you. You must be careful.
Trying to smile, Robert cleared his throat and inclined his head.
“But of course, as you wish.”
He waited for the desire for Miss Gregory’s company to fade, but it only grew to the point that he could not ignore it - it was an itch which could not be scratched, could not be relieved.
He wouldhaveto do something about this strange madness. Perhaps it would be best if he simply ignored Miss Gregory entirely. After all, her aunt was clear in her desire for him to speak only with her rather than with her niece, so therefore it would be wise to do as was requested.
There is no need for me to speak with her again. I will converse with Lady Langdon and thereafter, take my leave.
Opening his mouth, Robert made to say something more, only for the music to begin to swirl around them, reminding him of his next dance. Startled, Robert looked towards the orchestra, seeing them play the few notes and finding himself a little panicked that he would not find his next young lady in time.
“Miss Gregory. I fear you must excuse me now. I am promised for this dance.”
“Good evening, Lord Crampton.”
Miss Gregory’s smile was, much to his surprise, rather warm and, as he looked into her eyes, he saw them sparkle. Something twisted in his heart, and he found himself mute, unable to form any sort of reply. It was clear that Miss Gregory was relieved that he was to leave her company and that was the very opposite of what he desired.
Closing his eyes, Robert pressed his lips together furiously, feeling his opportunity slip away. He could not stay here and insist on lingering in Miss Gregory’s company, but nor did he want to depart when there was clear animosity and apathy in her heart towards him. He wanted the latter to change but did not know how to go about such a thing, nor why he felt such a strength of feeling after only a few minutes in her company. It was as if he had looked into her eyes and lost all of his sense in one, overwhelming, moment.
“Good evening, Lord Crampton,” Lady Langdon put in, as Robert found himself bowing, the battle in his mind finally choosing one side. “I hope that you enjoy the rest of the evening.”