There was only a whisper there, but it was enough for Lord Havisham to hear. He nodded stiffly, then turned away, as if to walk back into the house.
“I – I do hope that there will be no more awkwardness between us, Miss Fullerton. I should like to improve your consideration of me.”
Dragging her eyes to his, Deborah gave him a small, tight smile that flickered across her face and was gone at the very next moment.
“There is no need for such concern, my Lord. I am sure that –”
“Pray, refer to me as ‘Havisham’, if you would.” His face colored and he cleared his throat. “Forgive me, I have interrupted you. But I do not wish there to be any condescension nor deference. You are the daughter of a Viscount, Miss Fullerton, and will be treated as such, as you ought to have been from the very moment of your arrival.”
A little flummoxed at such a change in Lord Havisham’s behavior as well her lingering embarrassment over her previous outburst – which she now realized had not been merited, Deborah could only nod and attempt to smile. There was now a strange tension between them which she feared would take a long time to dissipate but she supposed that it was a little better than the resentment and frustration which she had felt towards him thus far.
“Good.” For a moment, it looked as though he wished to say something more, for he shuffled his feet and opened his mouth, only to snap it shut once more. Deborah licked her lips and struggled to find something more to say, her fingers tight together. “Good afternoon, Miss Fullerton.”
She tried to smile.
“Good afternoon.”
Lord Havisham nodded, straightened his shoulders, gave her a small bow, and then walked away, leaving Deborah with nothing more than the gentle rustling of leaves and sweet birdsong to accompany her whirling thoughts.
Chapter Seven
The realization that he had been behaving very poorly towards Miss Fullerton had brought with it the uncomfortable sensation that he had been rather selfish of late. Striding along the pavement, Jonathan’s brow furrowed as he considered his character, wondering just how it was that Miss Fullerton viewed him. He had attempted to apologize to her, and was quite certain that he had done a very poor job of it indeed. What she had said to him had been quite incorrect as regarded his reasons for pushing her away from Lord Harrogate but, after she had departed, it had taken his mother’s gentle questions to make him accept that Miss Fullerton had every reason to think such things of him.
And that, in turn, had given him cause to reconsider his standing in front of Miss Fullerton as it was at present, as well as to think of his own character.
She did look remarkably pretty
Giving himself a stern yet silent rebuke, Jonathan thrust aside all memories of Miss Fullerton sitting out on the garden bench and tried to focus his thoughts on other, more important things. Having just been to his solicitors to organize one or two important matters, Jonathan intended to stop at White’s for a short while before returning home. No doubt it would be quiet, but that was precisely what he required at this present moment. He could have a little peace at his own townhouse if he chose to hide away in his study or the library but, even then, the awareness that his mother and Miss Fullerton were present was still something of a distraction – particularly if they were to receive any visitors that afternoon.
Or gentleman callers.
That thought had a weight landing in the pit of his stomach, making him grimace.
You must stop being ridiculous,he told himself firmly.Miss Fullerton requires a husband and thus, gentleman callers are to be expected!
His grimace did not lift. Part of him feared that she would be courted by gentlemen of the same ilk as Lord Harrogate, and might eventually end up wed to such a despicable fellow, but then he comforted himself with the knowledge that both he and his mother would make certain that would never occur.
“And why should you take such an interest in her wellbeing?” he muttered to himself, narrowing his eyes as the sunlight blazed across the sky.
There was no reason for him to have any strong consideration for the lady. This Season was meant to be one of nothing but enjoyment on his part, and he did not need to burden himself with any cares or concerns as regarded the young companion. In fact, ought he not to be grateful that his mother was entirely caught up with Miss Fullerton’s future, rather than worrying about her son? With Miss Fullerton present, Jonathan had not heard a single word from his mother regarding his status as a bachelor, and that ought to bring him both relief and contentment.
So why were his thoughts still so caught up with the lady? They should be settled on his enjoyments rather than on someone so insignificant to him.
“Oh, Lord Havisham! Lord Havisham!”
It took Jonathan a moment to realize that someone was calling his name. Turning his head, he saw none other than Lady Vivian waving at him from where she sat on a large woolen blanket, with her skirts around her legs and only the very tips of her toes showing. Two other young ladies sat with her, but none of them were waving nor even looking at him. Their eyes were averted, and Jonathan was sure that he saw a flush of pink in one of the other ladies’ cheeks. It seemed that they were a little embarrassed by Lady Vivian’s loud display.
Sighing inwardly, for he would have much preferred to make his way through the park without interruption, Jonathan demanded silently that he smile before making his way towards her.
The lady did not rise.
“Would you like to join us, Lord Havisham?”
Lady Vivian’s eyes were bright, her smile dazzling, but Jonathan’s reluctance remained.
“Alas, I cannot. I am already engaged elsewhere.” The half-truth was easily spoken, for Jonathan had no intention of lingering for long. “It is a very pleasant day, however. I do hope that you are all enjoying the sunshine.”
He smiled at the other two ladies, recognizing them both but struggling to recall their names.