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A snort of disbelief came from the lady, sending such an astonishment over Jonathan that, for a moment, the fire of anger in his heart dissipated.
“You need not defend your mother’s companion to me! I am well aware of what was said for, whilst you may not have been aware of it, I was standing nearby when you instructed her to remain by your mother’s side rather than out on the dance floor.” Tutting, Lady Vivian made her opinion of Miss Fullerton known, and the spike of anger began to burrow into Jonathan’s heart once more. “Your mother was most considerate to allow her such a thing as dancing, but it is right that she should not do so any longer. Not when she is a companion.”
Jonathan shook his head.
“There is nothing wrong with Miss Fullerton’s actions, I assure you. I spoke only to Lord Thornley.”
“A gentleman of the highest regard, of course!” Lady Vivian exclaimed. “It is only right that you should not wish for him to demean himself by standing up with Miss Fullerton. Thetonare already aware that he has shown more interest in her than would be expected.”
“Miss Fullerton is able to make a match, however,” Jonathan replied sharply, aware that he was coming to the lady’s defense but having no qualms about doing so. “If Lord Thornley should choose –”
“I should hope that you, who are his friend, would discourage him from such a path!” Lady Vivian exclaimed, as though Jonathan was a very poor friend indeed if he didnotdo such a thing. “Good gracious, could you imagine a gentleman of quality betrothing themselves to a mere companion? That would be most embarrassing.”
Jonathan blinked rapidly and gritted his teeth in an attempt to keep back the sharp, angry retort that he wanted to give to Lady Vivian. Yet, despite his best efforts, he could not hold himself back completely. Miss Fullerton did not deserve such shame and, whilst he himself had caused her pain – albeit unintentionally by attempting to do the right thing – he had every urge to protect her.
“Miss Fullerton is a genteel, quiet young lady whose circumstances have forced her into her present situation. I do not think that makes anything less of her, Lady Vivian. It is compassion and understanding which we ought to grant her and, for my part, I believe her to be quite a suitable young lady for any gentleman to consider.”
Lady Vivian stopped walking just as they came to the door of the library. Turning, she looked up into his face with wide eyes, a dot of red coming into each cheek. Jonathan said nothing more but maintained his severe expression, looking back at her with steadiness and determination. He could not allow Lady Vivian to speak so cruelly of Miss Fullerton, not when she did not deserve such humiliation and cruelty.
“You surprise me, Lord Havisham.” Lady Vivian’s voice was soft although her lips were flat, her eyes sharp. “I would never have expected you to speak so.”
“I speak as I see.”
“And you see Miss Fullerton to be a genteel young lady who is worthy of making a match with any gentleman of thetonwho might choose her?”
Lady Vivian tilted her head, but Jonathan was ready with his answer.
“Of course I do.”
“Which may well include you?”
Jonathan opened his mouth to answer, ready with a confident reply, only for his heart to twist furiously in his chest and leave him a little powerless. Stammering somewhat, he cleared his throat gruffly but saw Lady Vivian’s curled lip. She already had her answer.
“I think, Lady Vivian, that any gentleman who mightchooseMiss Fullerton should be considered beyond reproach. Miss Fullerton will bring him a good deal of happiness and joy, I am sure, and I am not inclined towards mockery nor considering her lower than I.”
Lady Vivian’s eyes narrowed.
“It appears as though you would be willing to consider Miss Fullerton over any other, Lord Havisham.”
“That is a ridiculous statement,” Jonathan replied, firmly. “I have no particular considerations at present.” He looked back steadily into Lady Vivian’s eyes and saw her eyes round suddenly, as if she had only just become aware of what he meant. A small, satisfied smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but he did not say anything more, relieved now that Lady Vivian understood what he had been trying to convey for some time now.
“I see.” Lady Vivian’s hand slowly crept away from his arm before she clasped both hands tightly in front of her. “You have no intentions towards any young lady at present?”
“None.” Jonathan lifted his chin a notch, making himself as clear as he could. “I am, at present, a very contented bachelor, Lady Vivian.”
Her eyes shifted away from his face for a few moments and Jonathan feared that she might break down in tears. However, that fear was soon removed for when Lady Vivian looked back at him, her eyes were clear, although there was a tightness about her lips which was unmistakable.
“I am not certain that I believe you, Lord Havisham.”
A little surprised, Jonathan let out a small chuckle.
“I do not think that it matters whether or not you do so, Lady Vivian.”
She did not seem to hear him, stepping closer and speaking in hushed tones.
“I believe that Miss Fullerton has more of a hold on you than you wish to admit. I am convinced that you feel something significant for her, given how much you have sought to defend her.”
“You are being ridiculous.”
