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Lord Harrogate’s eyes flared in surprise.
“Indeed? But we have not long been in London and the Season has not yet properly begun! From where did you hear this? And from which young lady?”
Jonathan shook his head, waving his hands.
“No, no, I shall not give you the particulars! At present, I am attempting to push such thoughts from my mind and will not allow them to injure me further.”
“I think it a most unladylike practice, to inform you of such a thing,” Lord Harrogate retorted, sniffing as though the lady herself was present. “You will need to make certain that you stay far from this particular lady for she might then go on to say such things to one of her friends and then what would become of you? Rumors would spread and –”
“I do not think there is any need to concern myself in that regard, for the lady is quite discreet and only said so to a most trustworthy acquaintance. I overheard by mistake, that is all.”
Tutting, Lord Harrogate pinned Jonathan with a sharp gaze. “You must not allow such words to frustrate you. They are all quite untrue, I am sure. Set the lady aside and go on to another.” His lips quirked. “After all, I am certain that she meant very little to you. Perhaps only a fleeting interest?”
Something twisted in Jonathan’s heart. “What do you mean?”
Lord Harrogate laughed and shrugged one shoulder, just as the maid brought in the tray of refreshments, setting it down before them.
“You have never cared one whit about any particular lady!” he exclaimed, still chuckling. “I would bemostsurprised if you should begin to consider one of them now. That would be rather concerning, I should think. I might have to summon the doctor to make sure that you were quite well.”
This seemed to bring him a good deal of mirth and he laughed somewhat uproariously for a few minutes, whilst Jonathan could only summon the smallest of smiles. Lord Harrogate’s words were quite true but after what he had overheard from Miss Fullerton, they seemed to sting a little more than he had expected.
“And pray tell, will this particular lady be at the ball this evening?” Lord Harrogate asked, one eyebrow lifting. “I do hope you will not be so melancholy then also!”
Jonathan’s smile was fixed. “I am not certain, but I believe she may well be present,” he replied, having not shown any interest in his mother’s plans for the evening. “But it will not be difficult to avoid her. It is not as though society thinks particularly highly of her.”
Lord Harrogate’s smile faded and the triumph that had briefly flashed through Jonathan’s heart at such a spiteful remark drained away, leaving him feeling small even in his friend’s eyes. Again, he questioned silently why Miss Fullerton’s words had struck him so, but still, the answer would not come. It was most frustrating, and Jonathan could only hope that, with an evening of dancing and entertainment waiting for him, he would soon be able to forget about the lady entirely.
Chapter Four
“Good evening, my Lord.”
Deborah did not even try to smile as Lord Havisham walked into the drawing-room. In fact, she averted her eyes entirely and did not see the startled look which spread across his face, and was then swiftly followed by a flood of color to his cheeks.
She was less inclined to be in Lord Havisham’s company than ever before, now that she had spoken honestly to his mother about her opinion of him and found naught but understanding there. On top of which, this evening was to be the first ball she attended with Lady Havisham, and Deborah was already looking forward to being in amongst society. Now that she knew Lady Havisham was hopeful of securing another match for her, in the place of Lord Havisham, there was a little more excitement within her heart.
It is just as well that father does not know of my whereabouts.
Sighing inwardly, she turned away from Lord Havisham entirely, having no expectation of his responding to her. Her life as a companion had been a blessed one, thanks solely to the kindness of Lady Havisham’s heart and her eagerness to take Deborah on as her companion. Her father, determined that he should make some money from his daughter, was given a small sum each month, but Lady Havisham pressed a good deal more into Deborah’s hand. It kept her father at bay, and Deborah was more than grateful for Lady Havisham’s kindness.
“You are attending the ball this evening, then?”
Deborah glanced back at Lord Havisham, a little surprised at his conversation.
“Yes, I am.”
“Withmy mother?”
She blinked.
“Yes.”
“Even though I am to be in attendance?”
Heat tore through Deborah’s chest, spiraling up into her neck.
“That is so, Lord Havisham.”
She did not give any further explanation but neither did she turn her back to him again, lifting her chin just a little as she looked steadily into his eyes. Lord Havisham grimaced and then turned away, leaving Deborah to close her eyes in frustration, forcing back the sharp questions which sprang to her lips. Did he not wish her to attend? Or was he thinking that, once more, she did not know her place?
