AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Just so long as she is not some distant cousin of Lord Ingleby’s who has lied about her need for a position in order to gain the favor of your mother.”
A small needle of doubt stabbed itself into Jonathan’s mind.
“I am sure that –”
“Both you and your dear mother have the very kindest of hearts, I am sure,” Lady Vivian continued. “But mayhap you are unaware of Lord Ingleby’s family, nor the fact that he has never mentioned a daughter to any of his acquaintances.” Her hand squeezed his arm gently. “That is strange, is it not?”
Jonathan hesitated but then could not help but agree.
“It is. I am grateful for your concern, Lady Vivian, although I am quite certain there is nothing you need worry about. My mother is the most obliging creature, certainly, but she is diligent.”
Despite his own words to Lady Vivian, Jonathan was unable to remove the doubt from his own mind. Why did Viscount Ingleby never mention a daughter? If that was true, then there must be a reason behind it. Was there any chance that Lord Ingleby did not have a daughter, as Lady Vivian had suggested, and that, therefore, Miss Fullerton was simply trading on his name in order to gain herself a better position?
“Thank you for walking with me, Lord Havisham.”
Without realizing it, Jonathan had managed to accompany Lady Vivian back to her mother, suddenly aware of the other two young ladies now watching him with small, glimmering smiles. Frustrated that his thoughts had, once again, been caught up with Miss Fullerton, Jonathan gave Lady Vivian a warm smile, turning to bow over her hand.
“I should be glad of your company any time you wish to bestow it on me,” he found himself saying, regretting the words the very moment they were spoken. “I do hope you enjoy the rest of the evening, Lady Vivian.” Bowing, he released her hand and stepped away, heat rising in his face. He had not meant to give such a compliment to the lady and had only said as much to cover his own frustration at his considering of Miss Fullerton, yet again. The dazzling smile that Lady Vivian now offered him was confirmation of the fact that she had taken his remarks to heart and would now, no doubt, seek him out without any hesitation the next time they were in company together. Unable to find anything else to say, he bowed again – for what was now the second time – and then stepped away, his mortification complete.
“Lady Vivian is a lovely young lady, I must say.”
Jonathan rolled his eyes as Lord Harrogate came to fall into step beside him.
“Lady Vivian asked me to walk with her around the room,” he stated, as Lord Harrogate’s brows rose in surprise. “It was not my own choice, but I certainly could not refuse her either!”
“I suppose you could not.” Lord Harrogate nodded to his left. “I see that Lord Thornley appears to be greatly interested in Miss Fullerton. I do not believe that he has left her side ever since his introduction!”
Jonathan grimaced.
“Indeed.”
“I thought her only your mother’s companion, but I hear she is the daughter of a Viscount and could very well be out this Season!”
“That is so.”
“Then I think I ought to make myself known to her, given that she is so very lovely.”
Jonathan’s gut twisted.
“It is very kind of you to consider Miss Fullerton, I am sure, but she does not have any dowry to speak of. That must surely be a little disappointing.”
Lord Harrogate laughed and slapped Jonathan good-naturedly on the back.
“As if I should care about such a thing! You know very well that I have adequate wealth and, whilst a dowry would be beneficial, it is not necessary.”
Growing all the more frustrated, Jonathan shook his head firmly.
“You do not even wish to marry.”
“Ah, but that is not quite the truth of it!” Lord Harrogate exclaimed. “Yes, it is quite truthful that I do not wish to wed any lady of quality, but when I see Miss Fullerton, my mind begins to wonder what it would be like to wed such a lady as she.”
Jonathan turned and looked at his friend steadily. There was something in Lord Harrogate’s voice that he did not like although he could not quite place what it was.
“What do you mean?”
“Well….” Lord Harrogate tipped his head, his eyes darting away. “I have oft considered the fact that I must produce the heir and find the thought of a wife to be something of a bind. However,” his eyes darted towards Miss Fullerton. “Given that she has been acting as a companion to your mother, I think that she must be rather biddable, quiet, and subservient. And what more could I want from a wife?”
Jonathan’s stomach turned over, his jaw tightening.
