“Whatever he has told you, that is naught more than a fabrication,” he stated, firmly. “To believe a gentleman so in his cups is ridiculously foolish.”
Lord Thornley shrugged.
“I am certain that there issometruth to be acknowledged there. And whether or not it is true, you must know that thetonwill be very glad to hear of any such rumor. You will be unable to escape it.” His hands curling tight into fists, Jonathan took a step forward, but Lord Thornley only laughed, knowing that Jonathan was bound by the threats he had just now set before him. There was nothing for him to do but accept that he could not tell Miss Fullerton about this particular bet, even though every single part of him wanted to do so at once. “Ah now, we are to be interrupted – and just at the right time too.” Lord Thornley turned away from Jonathan and bowed low. “Good evening, Lady Vivian, Lady Catherine. I do hope that you are both well this evening?”
Jonathan wanted to groan aloud but he forced his hands to relax. He did not want to be in Lady Vivian’s company, but now that she was here, he would, no doubt, have to ask her if she wished to dance and thereafter, sign her dance card. He had made that promise to her, after all, and it was only reasonable that she should expect such a thing from him.
“Very well.” Lady Vivian turned to Jonathan with an expectant smile, one eyebrow lifting gently. “And you, Lord Havisham?”
“I have had a pleasant evening thus far,” Jonathan replied, giving both the ladies a small bow whilst sending a sharp glance towards Lord Thornley, who simply ignored him. “I do hope you are well also, Lady Catherine?”
His vague attempt to pull the conversation away from Lady Vivian failed, for the lady touched his arm with the very same bold manner he had seen so often before.
“I do recall, Lord Havisham, that you were eager to dance with me the next time we were in company at a ball.” Her smile brightened all the more. “And see, here is my dance card ready for you.”
She held it up, dangling it in front of his eyes and Jonathan had no other recourse but to accept it.
“You have not had any other gentlemen eager to dance with you this evening?” he queried, a little surprised at the blank dance card. “That is most astonishing, Lady Vivian. I was certain that I should have very few dances left to choose from.”
The lady laughed and again, her hand caught his arm.
“Ah, but you see, I have refused them all so thatyoumight have the very first choice.” A gleam came into her eyes and Jonathan’s stomach began to churn, fearing now that the lady thought he held her in some sort of affection. “Am I not kind andmostconsiderate?”
“Indeed.”
There was nothing else for him to say, and he quickly scribbled his name down for the quadrille. Handing it back to her, Jonathan caught the flare of disappointment in her eyes as she saw his name written there. Given the shattering of her smile, it was clear that Lady Vivian had expected a great deal more from him – perhaps the waltz or supper dance. But he would not give her more than a single dance.
I cannot encourage any false impression,Jonathan told himself, as he then turned to Lady Catherine.I must make her aware that I hold her in no greater regard than any other.
“I was a little surprised to see Miss Fullerton present.” Jonathan threw a quick glance towards Lady Vivian before perusing Lady Catherine’s dance card. Hers held only three spaces and Jonathan wrote down his name for one of them, so that Lady Vivian would not think herself to be singled out in any way. “I believe she is even going to dance!”
“I believe so,” Jonathan murmured, not wishing to be drawn on the subject. He had enough to think about as regarded Miss Fullerton and did not want to contend with more.
“But you are aware that she –”
“Miss Fullerton is my mother’s responsibility, Lady Vivian.” Turning back towards her, he gave her a quick smile which he hoped would prevent her from any further conversation. “I am quite sure that you will be able to have the rest of your dance card filled very soon, now that I have been fortunate enough to write my name down.” Lord Thornley cleared his throat and Jonathan grinned despite his lack of respect for the fellow. Here, at least, Lord Thornley was going to be of some benefit. “Lord Thornley, I believe, is looking rather eager indeed!”
Lady Vivian’s smile was less than convincing but she had no other choice but to hand her dance card to the waiting gentleman, who grasped at it eagerly. Having no wish to linger near to Lady Vivian, Jonathan bowed and excused himself, promising that he was looking forward to dancing with both the ladies later on in the evening.
Turning, he walked without purpose through the ballroom, his duty as regarded Lord Thornley unable to be completed. He did not like at all what he had heard from the fellow, for Lord Thornley appeared quite eager just to use Miss Fullerton’s gentle heart to win a bet, rather than showing any real care for the lady herself. And then to threaten Jonathan, simply to make safe his bet, added to that picture of complete inconsideration. Grimacing, Jonathan shook his head, not quite certain what he ought to do. He could not tell her the truth about the bet. That would then lead to his having to pay both Lord ThornleyandLord Harrogate a significant sum but, more importantly, would have thetonall too aware of his involvement in the affair with Lady Ensley, which would cause significant whisperings and rumor if not complete scandal. It would not matter what he said, nor how he defended himself – if thetonthought him guilty, then he would be guilty indeed. His brow furrowed. His sole purpose was to protect Miss Fullerton, but he was no longer sure of the best way to go about the matter whilst making certain that his own reputation remained unchanged.
“You have returned to us, I see.”
Jonathan’s thoughts fled as he lifted his eyes and, to his surprise, saw that he had been wandering towards his mother.
“Given that I have not seen either yourself or Miss Fullerton this evening, I hardly think I havereturned,mother.”
Lady Havisham rolled her eyes.
“You need not be so pedantic.” Her eyes narrowed gently. “Are you come to inform me that Miss Fullerton should not be dancing? I should remind you that –”
“You already informed me that you had every intention of encouraging Miss Fullerton to dance this evening and I have no objection,” Jonathan reassured her before she could begin to pile burning coals onto his head and shoulders. “I do hope that all is well?” Much to his surprise, his mother did not smile in response as he had expected. Instead, her frown grew, and she shook her head. “Mother?”
Letting out a heavy sigh, she spread her hands.
“There are only one or two gentlemen seeking Miss Fullerton out for a dance, but I am not at all convinced that either would be suitable. If Lord Thornley might only make his way over, then…”
Trailing off, she looked away and Jonathan followed the very same direction of her gaze – only for his breath to catch in his chest.