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“I thought you were interested in her.”
“I was, certainly, and still think her a very fine young lady, but there is a difficulty with continuing any such connection, given that she has no dowry and, quite frankly, I could do better than a mere companion who has been allowed a little more freedom than most.”
Jonathan’s stomach turned over as fire began to line his veins. These two gentlemen were not giving any thought to the young lady herself but were rather thinking only of all that they might gain from her. If one managed to obtain her affections, then the bet would be won, and they would win a significant sum from the other. What became of Miss Fullerton thereafter did not appear to be of their concern.
“And what happens if the young lady gives her affections to another entirely?” he managed to ask, aware of the darkness in his voice. “What say you then?”
Lord Thornley shrugged.
“Then the bet is at an end and we both must concede that we have failed.”
Jonathan nodded slowly, one hand curling up tightly. He wanted very much to go in search of Miss Fullerton and tell her the truth of the matter, but at the same time, he did not wish to do anything which would harm her – and that would harm her greatly, he was sure.
“I see.”
“This does not displease you, I hope?” Lord Thornley gave another laugh, but it was, this time, rather awkward. “It is only a small matter.”
“It will not be a small matter to her.”
Lord Thornley lifted one shoulder.
“Miss Fullerton will not be injured in any severe way. Society will not become aware of the bet and, given that her reputation will not be damaged, I cannot see any issue with our bet, as it stands.”
Jonathan bit his lip before he spoke.
“I am not pleased with such a bet. You must end it.” Lord Thornley’s eyes flared wide in surprise, but Jonathan stood his ground. “At once. She is my mother’s companion, and I will not have any hint of embarrassment brought to her for fear it will damage my mother’s reputation.”
It was not the truth, certainly, but it was enough of an explanation as to make his complaint reasonable.
“I hardly think that is fair.” Tilting his head to one side, Lord Thornley studied Jonathan as though he were seeing him for the first time. “A bet in White’s Betting Book cannot simply be destroyed, as you well know.”
Jonathan let his breath hiss out between his teeth, already frustrated. Given that he himself had, in the past, made a good many bets, it was foolish to have any expectation that it would simply be brought to an unfulfilled end.
“I have already attempted to dissuade Miss Fullerton from Lord Harrogate, however,” he said quickly, hoping that this might bring the matter to a close. “The bet is unfairly weighted towards your success because I have done so.”
Lord Thornley shrugged, although his lips curved in a triumphant smile. Jonathan scowled for it seemed the man was not to be moved from his position. The bet, to his mind, was utterly distasteful, for it attempted to toy with Miss Fullerton’s affections. However, to let Lord Thornley know of such particular concerns would, no doubt, have consequences for himself and for the lady. Lord Thornley would have no hesitation in telling others in society that Lord Havisham was attempting to defend his mother’s companion which, in turn, would bring various questions to the fore.
“You will not say anythingfurtherto Miss Fullerton, I hope?” Lord Thornley nudged Jonathan, a broad grin on his face which Jonathan found most unpleasant. “I have taken you into my confidence and, should it be discovered that you have informed Miss Fullerton of the particulars of our bet, then I think it only fair thatyoupay us both the required sum.”
Jonathan snorted.
“I hardly think that fair.”
“All the same, I do not expect anything to be betrayed,” Lord Thornley warned. “Come now, you are not a gentleman who has any concerns but his own. I cannot see how this would trouble you!”
The knife to his heart twisted as Jonathan realized that, had he been informed of this only a few weeks ago, he would have found nothing objectionable about the affair whatsoever. It was only because it concerned Miss Fullerton that he now took umbrage with the matter.
And it is only because Miss Fullerton has made you aware of your own selfishness with regard to your mother and, indeed, your attitude towards herself also.
“You are bound by a gentleman’s honor not to speak of this bet to Miss Fullerton,” Lord Thornley finished, sounding triumphant. “And I should not like you to become the subject of scorn within society. That would be most unpleasant.”
Jonathan’s heart lurched as a cold sheen ran over his skin.
“I do not understand –”
“Lord Harrogate is amostdisloyal fellow,” Lord Thornley sighed, although his lips curved into a grim smile. “When he is in his cups, he speaks of the most astonishing things – including one particular incident with a Lady Ensley.”
Jonathan’s blood turned to ice as he narrowed his gaze but Lord Thornley only grinned.
