Graham offered his arm. “Pray, let us proceed to the house.”
“Thank you.” I accepted his aid. With each step, I leaned upon his arm to favour my smarting knee. Rory, rather than explore the area as he usually did, stayed at my side. I remained unnerved, both from my fall and my unsettled speculation about Fitzwilliam and his hostile aunt.
My brow arched as I regarded Graham. “So, you have been to Lambton again. I take it you and Mrs. Mead are good…friends.”
“Yes, we are.” His stare tarried on me. “Do you disapprove of my alliance with Mrs. Mead?” He posed his query in a peculiar tone—as though he invited me to state an objection.
I struggled for a decorous response, my pulse quickening under his scrutiny. Then a new thought sent a chill through me: Did he attempt to see into my mind? “Well…it is not my place to judge.”
“Many people would take exception to our association since we are not married.”
My lips pressed into a flat line. Yes, and these same individuals could damage Mrs. Mead’s reputation. “You brought up a valid consideration. How can you ensure that no one will spread gossip?”
“I have the situation under control. You must trust me on this.”
Is this the only answer I am to receive?Yet his bearing evinced an assuredness that silenced any further protest I mighthave put forth. Then another, more delicate, concern came to mind. “While you are both adults and I do not condemn you for finding comfort in each other’s company, I do wonder—”
“You want to know what will happen if she becomes with child.” Graham fixed upon me, and a searing heat rose from my neck.
“Yes.”
“Your concern is logical, but I am unable to father children.”
My line of sight dipped towards the ground ahead. “I apologize. I did not intend to pry.”
He patted my hand. “Pray be easy. You could not have known, and I volunteered the information. I should not want you to fret for Sarah’s well-being.”
How could Graham be so certain he could not have children? Although the question hovered on the tip of my tongue, I did not dare to utter it.
“You are a gentle and caring soul. Sarah has nothing but praise for you. I hope Darcy knows how fortunate he is to have you.”
My chin lowered. “I suspect he does not feel so lucky at this moment.”
“Why should that be?”
I hesitated. It would not do to reveal details of our argument, yet the notion of confiding the reason for my current anguish to a compassionate friend held immense appeal. “I instigated a quarrel with him last night—one we have yet to resolve.”
“Hmm.” He stroked his chin. “You chose an…interesting time to do this.”
My posture tensed. “Why do you say that?”
“Well, whilst Lady Catherine contrives to place a beautiful and all-too-willing lady in Darcy’s proximity, you initiate a fight with him.” After a beat, Graham blinked at me. “Oh, perhaps the disagreement concerned Lady Rebecca.”
“No, and I should rather not discuss the subject any further.”
“Of course, I understand.” His tone softened. “However, should you ever change your mind, I am at your service.”
“I appreciate your offer.”
When we entered the vestibule, Fitzwilliam strode towards us.
At his unexpected appearance, I halted in a stiff attitude. I had not yet readied myself to confront him.
He disregarded Graham and stopped in front of me, his gaze tarrying on the tear in my dress. “Elizabeth, what happened? Are you injured?”
A brief glance at the dark eyes probing my features revealed an earnestness I could not yet acknowledge, so I lowered my sight to his chest. “I took a fall, but my dress sustained most of the damage. I received no more than a couple of scratches.”
“I am relieved to hear it. Still, make sure Gibbs puts a salve on them.”
