Sitting in the vehicle behind a long line of other carriages gave him time to think with no distractions. He could not claim the time was particularly welcome—he had found recently that his thoughts had got in the habit of going in only one direction. He had found it convenient to blame it on laudanum, but he took so little of the stuff now that it was less convincing.
He was certain Miss Farnsworth would attend the ball. He was also certain, as his thoughts had gone round and round on the subject, that he did not wish Miss Farnsworth to marry another. Especially not Grayson. He was not worthy of the lady.
He had tried to avoid the truth—that he minded what Miss Farnsworth did. However, hedidmind. He minded very much.
But what did that mean in real terms? Was he to throw over all his ideas and pursue the lady?
He was very glad Dalton could not read his thoughts at this moment. His friend would jail him, just as he’d attempted to do with Lockwood.
And then, he’d been so disparaging of both Hampton and Lockwood for marrying. They’d both let their friends down. They had all sworn they would take at least two more years as bachelors. They would come and go as they pleased with nobody inquiring when they might be expected back. They could set off for Salt Hill with only a moment’s notice. They could go to a play, find it tedious, and leave for a gambling hell with no thought of transporting wives back to houses.
Over the years, all of them had kept a keen eye on their parents. All of them had seen what power a wife really yielded. The idea that the man was to go unquestioned was nonsense. Wives generally had nothing but questions. In the country, his father spent half his time hiding from his duchess. It was only bachelors who went on unquestioned. They had been agreed—they would be free for now, though not forever. The six of them were meant to stand united against their fathers—was he to be the third traitor to their cause?
As if a veil lifted from his eyes, Hayes suddenly saw the truth of it. What business had he to join in this foolish game they all played? Was he really to throw over any future happiness for the satisfaction of a few of his spoiled friends? Or, more stupidly, for a run to Salt Hill?
Andwouldhe be throwing over his future happiness?
Yes, he knew he would. There would not be another Miss Farnsworth. There would be an endless parade of pleasant females happy enough to become a duchess. There would not, however, be another Miss Farnsworth.
His friends would rail against him once his attitude was known. Dalton might go so far as to beat him about the head.
Hayes began to laugh. It occurred to him that he had very much decided that they could rail themselves to hell and back for all he cared about it. As for Grayson, he could rail himself to hell and stay there.
His carriage had finally reached the front of the house. He leapt down before Freddy could open the door. He had a lady to see and a future to plan.
*
Lily sometimes thoughtit was unfair that a female must wait to be chosen, rather than make the choice herself. Had she been able to make her choice, she might have passed over Lord Grayson. She had not had the luxury though and was just now attempting to pay attention to the demonstration of the pavane by Lord and Lady Lockwood, while trying to ignore the overblown compliments Lord Grayson saw fit to whisper.Eyes like the night sky, indeed.
Suddenly, she felt Lord Grayson’s fingers remove themselves from her own. Behind her, Lord Ashworth said, “Shove off, Grayson.”
Lord Grayson said, “My good fellow, do not be cross because you were delayed. I had the good fortune of arriving first and securing Miss Farnsworth for the pavane.”
“The pavane is a Tudor dance in which the lady chooses the partner,” Lord Ashworth said, as Lily slowly turned toward him.
“Is that so, Lord Scholar?” Lord Grayson said, with faint irritation in his voice. Lily got the idea that the lord had never heard such a thing, and neither had she.
“Yes. It is so,” Lord Ashworth said.
“Well, Miss Farnsworth,” Lord Grayson said smoothly, “it seems you must choose between a gentleman who admires you greatly, or the sullen figure just arrived.”
Lily felt her cheeks burn. What should she do? She had vowed she would convince Lord Ashworth that she held him in no particular regard. But why would he put himself forward in such a manner? Why push in when he might have asked another lady?
She did not know, but she was inclined to follow her heart and find out.
“Sullen and just arrived will suit, I think,” Lily said gaily, attempting to pass it all off as a joke.
Now, it was Lord Grayson who took on the mien of sullenness. He stepped aside, though not with particular good grace.
Lord Ashworth gently took her fingers and they turned to Lord and Lady Lockwood.
As they attempted to copy the steps, Lord Ashworth said, “I highly doubt ladies chose their partners in the Tudor court. Though, perhaps they did—I wouldn’t know.”
Lily could feel her heart beat a little faster. The lord had completely invented the idea.
“Lord Grayson,” Lord Ashworth went on, “is a friend to me, such as he is. But I do not view him a friend to any innocent lady.”
Lily’s heart clutched in her chest. Did he mean to say that he only stepped in because he thought Lord Grayson a bit of a villain? Was it only his perceived duty to shield her?
