Jonathan closed his eyes. The silence he sought was hiding from him.
“Well, if you do not want my company, then you need only say so!” Lord Harrogate slapped him hard on the back and Jonathan jolted forward, throwing a scowl at his friend. “Goodness, you are in something of a temper!”
“I am not in a temper,” Jonathan declared, ignoring the jibe. “I came merely for a little respite.”
Lord Harrogate’s brow lifted.
“Respite?”
“I have my mother and Miss Fullerton residing with me at present and have only just now found myself in Lady Vivian’s presence for a short while. I thought to have a little time to sit alone.”
“Then you donotwish for my company.” Lord Harrogate grinned but did not appear to be in any way put out. “Pray do not concern yourself withmyfeelings!”
Jonathan rolled his eyes and made to walk away from Lord Harrogate, but his friend stepped a little more in front of him.
“Indeed, I was myself speaking to Lady Vivian only a little earlier this morning,” he continued, as Jonathan battled against his frustration. “She is remarkably pretty and, if I might speak openly, quite besotted.”
Despite his frustration, Jonathan lifted one eyebrow.
“Besotted?”
“With you!” Lord Harrogate laughed at Jonathan’s shocked expression. “She was most concerned about an eligible young lady residing in your house, but I assured her that it would not be for long.”
Jonathan raked one hand through his hair, an exasperated breath billowing out between his clenched teeth.
“Is that so?”
“It is. I have even made a bet with Lord Thornley that I shall be the one to capture Miss Fullerton’s attentions.”
A heavy weight dropped into his stomach.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Only a few minutes ago,” Lord Harrogate declared, sounding quite proud of himself. “Lord Thornley is also interested in Miss Fullerton and both he and I argued about who we believed to be the most suitable. Since we could not come to an agreement, a bet was made and now I simplymustgain Miss Fullerton’s affections so that I do not lose! That would be disgraceful, although I can well afford to pay, as you know.”
Nausea rolled through Jonathan’s stomach and for a few moments, he could not speak. To bet on a young lady’s future was more than a little distasteful, and Jonathan could not think well of the idea.
“She will not know of it if that is your concern,” his friend said as if he could see Jonathan’s thoughts. “And besides which, she is the disgraced daughter of a Viscount, why should she concern herself with being the subject of a bet?”
Jonathan frowned.
“Disgraced?”
Lord Harrogate shrugged.
“I do not know the reasons behind such a thing, but Lady Vivian is quite certain of it. After all, why would a gentleman refuse to acknowledge his daughter if such was not the case?”
“I should be very careful indeed of what Lady Vivian has to say,” Jonathan warned, his heart beating a little faster as he realized just how quickly Lady Vivian could ruin Miss Fullerton, should she choose to. “Besides which, thetonwould not think well of you should you marry Miss Fullerton if such rumors were allowed to spread.” With relief, he saw the flicker of concern in Lord Harrogate’s eyes. For the moment, at least, Miss Fullerton was protected. “Whatever her father might say or, in this case, refuse to say, that does not detract from Miss Fullerton’s status, nor her commendable character. If I were you, I should ignore Lady Vivian entirely.”
Lord Harrogate nodded, rubbing his chin.
“You are right,” he murmured, as Jonathan snapped his fingers to one of the footmen, ordering a brandy for himself. “I shall be careful. Lady Vivian has something of a dislike for the lady, I think.” He grinned and elbowed Jonathan in the side. “A little jealousy, no?”
Jonathan, wearied by his many conversations, merely nodded, and then attempted to move past Lord Harrogate.
“I intend to sit alone for a short while, Harrogate,” he said pointedly. “I shall see you this evening.”
“But of course.” Lord Harrogate grinned and stepped aside, letting Jonathan walk directly past him. “This evening where I am sure, Lady Vivian will be very happy to see you again, also.”