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“Ah, there we are!” Lady Havisham sailed into the room, her eyes bright with excitement. “And Miss Fullerton, you look quite lovely.”
Deborah smoothed her gown, aware that this was yet again, another evidence of Lady Havisham’s kindness. She had insisted that she buy a few new gowns for Deborah and, upon doing so, had instructed Deborah to don the very best one for this evening. Deborah had done so with delight and was now clad in a gentle lilac dress with hints of grey running through it. There was even a little lace at the neckline, making her feel as if she were worthy of stepping out into society.
“Miss Fullerton tells me that she is to accompany you this evening, mother.”
Lord Havisham’s voice lifted in a question even though he did not speak one. Lady Havisham’s smile flickered.
“Yes, of course she is to attend.”
“But there is no need,” Lord Havisham continued, gesturing towards Deborah as if she were not able to hear him. “Iam going to be in attendance.”
Lady Havisham’s lip curled gently.
“And you intend to make certain that I am never without good company, is that so?”
“No, it is only to say that you would have good company regardless of whether or not Miss Fullerton attends,” came the reply, as Deborah dropped her head and looked down at the floor, her hands clasping tightly together. “Yourcompaniondoes not need to join us.”
The way that he emphasized that particular word had heat searing Deborah’s cheeks with such force that she caught her breath, hating the fact that tears were burning behind her eyes. Blinking rapidly, she saw her evening curl up into a ball and then shatter before her. She would have to remain here, and the ball would go on without her. If Lord Havisham did not wish her to attend, then she could not go against his wishes.
“Deborah.” Her throat tight, she forced herself to look up to where Lady Havisham was standing. The lady did not often use her forename, but the significance of it was not lost on her. Lady Havisham’s cheeks held two red spots and her eyes were blazing. “Deborah, I wish you to ignore everything my son has said and make your way to the carriage.”
Swallowing, Deborah dared a glance towards Lord Havisham. He had closed his eyes and was in the process of letting out a long and frustrated breath – which Deborah presumed she was meant to hear.
“If you are quite certain,” she began, but Lady Havisham astonished her still further by stamping her foot and jabbing one finger into Lord Havisham’s chest.
“How dare you speak in such a way in front of Miss Fullerton? Have you no consideration at all?”
Deborah began to walk quickly past them, not wishing to embarrass either herself or Lord Havisham, even though he had been so cruel as to speak of her in such a way.
“Miss Fullerton has been with me whenyouwere not. She has done a great deal for me, provided me with more companionship and friendship than I have enjoyed in years. In the absence of my son, I gained someone so very kind and sweet-natured that it took some of my pain and sorrow away.” Deborah reached the door, but Lady Havisham held out one hand, palm outwards. “Wait a moment. I will make one thing clear to my son and in your presence also, Miss Fullerton.”
Nodding, Deborah clasped her hands behind her, uncertain as to where to look. Lord Havisham was glaring fixedly at the wall just behind his mother’s shoulder, whilst Lady Havisham had planted both hands on her hips, her chin jutting forward.
“Miss Fullerton may be my companion, but I have every intention of finding her a suitable match this Season.” Deborah flushed hot, her eyes closing as she kept her head low. She could only pray that Lady Havisham would not think to mention that she had once thought her son to be the right husband for Deborah, else she might have to turn and flee, such would be her mortification. “I am certain that I have already spoken to you of Miss Fullerton’s situation, but if you do not recall, permit me to remind you. Miss Fullerton is the daughter of Viscount Ingleby and thus has every right to be in amongst society, just as you do. She is attending this evening as an equal and you should treat her as such.”
Lord Havisham sniffed.
“If that is so, then why does not Viscount Ingleby accompany his daughter into town?” His eyes darted towards Deborah, catching her gaze for a moment before spiraling away again. “Is it an issue of wealth?”
I do not think I could feel more ashamed.
Hearing Lady Havisham’s swift intake of breath, Deborah waited for the response. She knew that Lady Havisham would never give away any confidences for, whilst she was fully aware of Deborah’s situation, there had always been an unspoken promise that it would not be made well known.
“I believe that in the three years we have been apart from each other, you have become thoughtless.” Lady Havisham’s voice had softened but Deborah could hear the pain in her words. “I did not think that my son would ever speak with such bluntness in front of the lady herself.” One hand gestured towards Deborah but she herself could not so much as look at Lord Havisham. “For what it is worth, Lord Ingleby has more than enough wealth to bring his daughter out into society.” Deborah held her breath, her eyes squeezing closed as her heart began to hammer furiously. Silently, she pleaded with Lady Havisham not to say more. The lady did not fail her. “But not all gentlemen are kindhearted, Havisham.” Lady Havisham’s words appeared now to be directed solely towards her son, as though she feared that the very gentleman she described was now standing before her. “Some are inconsiderate, bearing grudges, holding resentments, and punishing those who do not deserve it. They think only of themselves and oftheirstanding, making certain that not even a single kindness is shown to anyone they deem unworthy. And that, my dear son, is why Miss Fullerton has beenforcedto become my companion. It is only by God’s grace that I heard of her father’s intentions for her and was able to make the arrangements to have her come and live with me.”
Lord Havisham did not react other than to clear his throat and return his gaze to his mother. Deborah could only glance at him before dropping her eyes to the floor again.
“Then I take it her father –” Stopping abruptly, he coughed for a moment. “I mean to say,yourfather, Miss Fullerton, is unaware of my mother’s intentions at present?”
No matter how much she tried, Deborah could not find the courage to look into his face. He had made her feel so very insignificant that she could only drag her gaze to his shoulder.
“My father believes me to be simply a companion to Lady Havisham.”
“And therefore, he should not be informed of such intentions?”
“No!”
Deborah’s exclamation was matched by that of Lady Havisham.
