With a harsh clearing of his throat, Robert turned on his heel and made his way through the ballroom, leaving Miss Gregory and Lady Langdon behind him. One hand was beginning to clench into a tight fist, whilst the other reached out to grasp a glass of wine and he paused only to throw it back, hoping that it might remove some of his confusion. The best thing for him to do would be to forget about Miss Gregory entirely. That which had just passed between them should be their final conversation. He had no need to speak to her again, had no need even to allow his thoughts to dwell on her – but his heart and mind refused to let her free.
.
Chapter Four
“Ihave received an invitation, Nora!”
Honora looked up from her book as her aunt sailed into the room, a letter waving in her hand.
“An invitation to talk a walk in St James’ Park with Lady Rutherford and her daughter, Lady Albina!”
“That is very nice, aunt,” Honora replied, knowing that there would be no opportunity to read her book any further, given that she would now have to prepare to go for a walk. “It is good that the day is pleasant.”
Lady Langdon’s eyes were bright with excitement, as thoughshewere the one who was in London for the very first time.
“We must make certain that I look my best,” she said, coming across the room and tugging Honora’s hand so that she rose from her chair, being led immediately from the room. “Lady Rutherford has a brother who is in London at present – the Earl of Sedgwick – and he may well join us!”
Honora’s stomach twisted at this particular remark for it was a reminder that, once again, her time in London was here solely to focus on her aunt and her intention to marry again, should she be able to find another suitable gentleman for a husband. Honora sat down quietly on a chair as her aunt began to go through her various gowns and allowed her aunt’s ongoing remarks about this afternoon’s walk to drift over her.
She herself was sorrowful, Honora had to admit. There was also a growing awareness that she might soon find herself set up as a companion of another lady, should her aunt choose to marry, and that thought was not a pleasant one. If she allowed her mind to linger on it, Honora found herself so overcome with anxiety that she could not find even a flicker of hope or excitement. It was all much too overwhelming. To be in London ought to be exciting, even for a companion, but to know that she was to spend every moment making certain that she was doing things and speaking in the way that her aunt required was both exhausting and difficult. It did not help that her aunt was much too frank with those she met or was introduced to, for she always explained to them why Honora, despite being the daughter of a Viscount, was a companion rather than being a part of society herself. She had done it last evening in front of both their hosts and Lord Crampton, and each time it had driven pain directly into Honora’s heart.
It is unlikely that you will ever have a Season,she reminded herself, her brow furrowing.You must not forget that. Be grateful for this time in London.
“I think thatthiswould be the most suitable,” Lady Langdon said, bringing over a walking dress which Honora agreed with immediately. “There is no certainty that Lord Sedgwick will be present, but it will be important I make a good impression upon Lady Rutherford regardless. She might tell her brother about me!”
“I am sure she shall,” Honora murmured, giving in to her aunt’s conceit. “And what do you require of me?”
Lady Langdon tipped her head and looked at Honora steadily for some moments, quietly assessing her. Honora remained silent, ready, and willing to do whatever her aunt asked of her.
“Lady Albina is Lady Rutherford’s daughter,” Lady Langdon said slowly, after a few moments. “Even though you are my companion, it would be beneficial for you to speak to Lady Albina and converse with her in a genial manner. That will allow myself and Lady Rutherford to speak openly.”
A little surprised at her aunt’s consideration, albeit for her own benefit, Honora nodded quickly, finding her spirits lifting just a little.
“Of course, aunt.”
“You will be careful in what you say and what you reveal, Honora.” A sharpness came into Lady Langdon’s tone, her eyes a little narrowed. “There shall be none of the frankness that you shared with Lord Crampton last evening.”
Flushing, Honora dropped her head.
“I understand, aunt.”
“You have always had something of a sharp tongue and, whilst I am not at all in agreement with Lord Crampton’s behavior last evening, you ought not to have said anything to him. I will not have that behavior demonstrated again.”
Honora said nothing, her silence standing for agreement in her aunt’s eyes. Lady Langdon did not appear to be at all upset that Honora had not been warm and friendly towards Lord Crampton but clearly disliked her response to him, thinking it unfitting for a companion.
“The man was very rude indeed, however, and I do not think you need to make any effort to acquaint yourself with him further.”
“I have no intention of doing so,” Honora declared, raising her head and being entirely unaware that Lord Crampton had the opposite plan as regarded their acquaintance. “Lord Crampton, I think is also well aware of that feeling, aunt.”
The hard glint left Lady Langdon’s eyes.
“Good,” she said, crisply. “Come now, let us make certain we are both ready for this afternoon.”
Honora drew in a deep breath and rose from her chair.
“Of course, aunt,” she said, making her way to her dressing table. “At once.”
* * *