Chapter Four
“Do you want me to introduce you?”
Rosalind glanced uneasily around the ballroom, quite sure that at any moment, someone from the ton would see her and begin to whisper about her presence. “I do not know. I am sure that there are many here who know all about my brother’s foolishness and will not be glad of my company.”
“Nonsense.” Lady Eleanor lifted her chin, as though daring any member of the ton to say anything unkind to Rosalind. “You are here, you are just as welcome as any other member of society, I am sure.”
“I do not know if that is true,” Rosalind answered, her shoulders heavy now. “Did you not see the look that our hosts gave us upon our arrival? There was a coldness there, a sneer almost on the face of Lord Helensburgh. Maybe they had forgotten our invitation and now regret our presence here!”
Lady Eleanor turned to face Rosalind, grasping her hands in her own, a steadiness there which chased some of Rosalind’s fears away. “You must remember that you have done nothing worthy of their disdain. Your brother has behaved poorly, indeed, but you yourself are entirely innocent! You cannot let fear of what they will say or do frighten you in any way. That will only give the ton more to whisper about, I am afraid.”
Rosalind swallowed hard, trying to find some sort of strength, some courage by which she could hold her head high as she walked around the ballroom. “Very well. You may introduce me to Lord Radcliffe.”
A squeal of excitement came from Lady Eleanor, surprising Rosalind though her friend instantly blushed, a smile spreading wide across her face.
“You – you are interested in Lord Radcliffe?” Rosalind asked, as Lady Eleanor waved one hand vaguely, looking away from her now. “Is he very handsome?”
Lady Eleanor’s face heated all the more. “I think he is very handsome,” she said, though her voice dropped low as she spoke, leaning in a little more towards Rosalind. “I think he is handsome, kind, well-spoken, an excellent dancer and wonderful in his conversation.” She took in a breath, giving herself a slight shake. “But I am being foolish in that, I know. I would very much like to introduce you to him, however. ”
“Because you can then spend more time in his company?” Rosalind asked, a teasing smile on her lips. “I am glad for you if you have found someone to interest you.”
Lady Eleanor giggled, her eyes alight. “Well, I will not pretend that I do not look forward to being with him again, indeed, but also recall that he has a friend with him which I thought might be of consideration?”
At this, all of the lightness in Rosalind’s spirits faded. “Yes. I recall that you said he had a friend who seemed to care very little for society.”
“That is quite so. I am sure that Lord Radcliffe will introduce you to him if he is present.”
Rosalind swallowed hard but then nodded, recognizing that she had no other course to take. If she wanted a husband, if she wanted to find someone who might be willing to consider her, then she had to take a hold of every opportunity. “Very well.”
“Excellent! Come then, take my arm and let us promenade around the room.”
Still reluctant, Rosalind did as she was asked, watching her friend for a moment and seeing the excitement and anticipation rippling across Lady Eleanor’s expression. This Lord Radcliffe, whoever he was, clearly had made an excellent impression upon her friend. Licking her lips and trying to push away her nervousness, Rosalind did her best to remain outwardly calm and composed despite the fluttering in her stomach.
“There!”
The word was breathed from Lady Eleanor’s lips and Rosalind, a little surprised, looked straight ahead. There, she took in a broad-shouldered fellow, with light brown hair and a bright, broad smile on his face. He laughed at something another said and instantly, Rosalind recognized what her friend had meant in describing him as kind. There was a softness to his eyes, a gentleness there which told her that he was a considerate sort.
“Look, there is his friend. I was not introduced to him so I cannot tell you his title nor his standing but he was in prolonged conversation with Lord Radcliffe the last time I saw them, so I am sure if you asked, Lord Radcliffe would be glad to introduce you.”
“And you also,” Rosalind answered, a little hurriedly. “I know that I am in need of a match now more than ever, but I would not want it to be so obvious.” Lady Eleanor agreed quickly as Rosalind took in the gentleman that her friend had indicated.
He was not smiling, nor was there any hint of delight or happiness in his eyes. In fact, it appeared to be that he had no joy at being present at this ball, given the way he had his arms folded across his chest and was practically glowering at anyone who dared to so much as even glance at him.
“I do not think him particularly handsome,” Rosalind murmured, seeing the dark hair that brushed across his forehead, the dark blue of his eyes and the jutting forward of his jaw. “He does not seem to be pleased with anyone or anything at this present moment!”
“I am sure that is because he has a dislike of society,” came the reply. “I observed the very same when I saw him at the soiree. To my mind, it shows that he is disinclined towards any gossip or the like, which is a good thing, yes?”
“But we do not know if he is looking for a bride,” Rosalind answered, keeping her voice as quiet as she could. “It may all come to nothing.”
“It may, but you cannot know unless you try and that begins with becoming acquainted with him,” came the reply, Lady Eleanor’s eyes twinkling at Rosalind’s reluctance. “He may not be as handsome as Lord Radcliffe but I am sure that when he smiles, you will think him a little improved at least!” She laughed as Rosalind blushed, catching her arm again and then walking forward before Rosalind had a chance to protest. Within a few minutes, she found herself in front of Lord Radcliffe, the others who had been speaking to him quickly dispersing – though, Rosalind told herself, that was not because of her presence.
At least, I hope it is not.
“Lord Radcliffe, how very good to see you again!” Lady Eleanor beamed at Lord Radcliffe, then gestured to Rosalind. “Might I introduce you to my dear friend?”
Rosalind waited as Lord Radcliffe settled his gaze on her, half afraid that he would reject her, would say that he had no interest in becoming acquainted with her given the rumors he had heard but, much to her relief, he quickly smiled warmly at her.
“I should be glad to know your friend, I am sure.” This was said with another look cast towards Lady Eleanor and Rosalind felt her heart warm as her friend quickly made the introductions. To her mind, it certainly seemed that Lady Eleanor had been correct in her judgements about Lord Radcliffe.
“I am delighted to meet you, Lord Radcliffe,” Rosalind murmured, once the introductions were over. Sweeping into a bow, Lord Radcliffe expressed the very same then glanced towards his friend. It was only then that Rosalind noticed the gentleman had been looking in their direction, watching the interplay and that in itself made Rosalind feel a little uncomfortable .
“Might you be willing to come and join me for a moment?” Lord Radcliffe asked, though his friend scowled immediately, making it appear that he had no interest in coming to join him, though, much to Rosalind’s surprise, he did make his way towards them directly. “Your Grace, might I present my new acquaintance, Lady Rosalind, daughter of the Earl of Fairmont. And this is the lovely Lady Eleanor, who has only just introduced her friend to me. I thought that I might do the same and introduce you!”
“I see.” The gentleman – who Rosalind now knew to be a Duke – inclined his head but he did not bow properly. “Lady Rosalind. Lady Eleanor.”
After this, he clasped his hands behind his back and looked away, leaving Rosalind somewhat nonplussed. There was no intention of conversation, then, no desire to speak with either of them or to become even a little more acquainted with Lady Eleanor or herself. Her eyes closed tightly for a moment, a rush of heat and shame as she wondered if the Duke of Strathmore had heard about her brother and now had no desire to speak with her at all.
“The Duke, as you can see, is less than inclined towards such social events.” Lord Radcliffe shot his friend a look, one that surprised Rosalind given the amount of irritation that she saw in his expression. “This is his cousin’s engagement ball, did you know that?”
Rosalind tried to smile. “I am sure that this conversation will be a good deal easier if I am not present,” she said, making to step back. “I am truly sorry if my presence here has made you uncomfortable, Your Grace. That was not my intention. Do excuse me.”
“Whatever are you talking about?”
The low, gruff voice of the Duke stopped Rosalind in her intention to step away, as did the hand on her arm from Lady Eleanor, who was clearly determined to keep Rosalind where she was.
“My… my presence here,” Rosalind replied, stammering a little as the Duke’s sharp gaze narrowed. “I am sure that you are aware of what has been said of my family and thus, if it is that which keeps you from conversing, then I am more than contented to step away.”
The Duke frowned, a shadow flickering across his expression. “Lady Rosalind, I have no knowledge of what you speak. You may believe that my silence is because of your presence here but I can assure you, it is not.”
“No, certainly it is not,” Lord Radcliffe insisted, smiling gently at her. “I confess to knowing what it is that has taken place and I must say, I am sorry to hear that there are those in the ton who would brand you with the same shame as has been put on your brother, for that is dreadfully unfair! You will find good company here, however, Lady Rosalind. I shall not turn away from you and nor, I am sure, will the Duke of Strathmore.”
This warmth and understanding made Rosalind let out a long breath of relief though, at the very same time, tears began to burn in her eyes. She hastily blinked them away. “I am very grateful to hear you say such things,” she answered, seeing a look exchanged between the Duke of Strathmore and Lord Radcliffe, though she did not know what that look might mean. “It has been rather difficult.”
“I do not know what your brother has done. What is it?”
The harsh words from the Duke’s mouth startled Rosalind and she blinked in surprise, only to see Lord Radcliffe frown heavily, turning to the Duke. He murmured something but the Duke only shrugged and then returned his gaze to Rosalind, one eyebrow lifted in question.
“I hardly think that Lady Rosalind needs to discuss this, Your Grace.” Lady Eleanor, her voice a little higher pitched than usual, put her arm through Rosalind’s. “It has been most distressing and –”
“And yet, all the same, I desire to know. I must be careful as regards my standing in society.”
Rosalind closed her eyes, a breath shuddering out of her as the pain the Duke’s words brought ran cold over her skin. This, she realized, was precisely what she feared. The Duke of Strathmore, as ill-tempered as he appeared, might well step back from her once he learned the truth from her about her brother and that made Rosalind’s heart ache.
“I do not think that now is either the time to speak of such things or the place to do it.”
Rosalind opened her eyes, hearing Lord Radcliffe’s angered tones.
“I must apologise for my friend’s inconsideration, Lady Rosalind,” he continued, shooting an angry look towards the Duke of Strathmore before returning his gaze to Rosalind. “Now, might you wish to dance, Lady Rosalind, Lady Eleanor? I would be glad to stand up with both of you, I am sure.”
Seeing the kindness in his actions, Rosalind took the dance card from her wrist and handed it to the gentleman, now steadfastly avoiding the eye of the Duke of Strathmore. The gentleman was, she considered, the rudest, most inconsiderate gentleman she had ever had the opportunity to meet, for what sort of fellow would ask her such prying questions when they had only just become acquainted? A gentleman who thought nothing of anyone or anything else, save for his own standing and the like .
And I thought Lady Eleanor said that he was not at all inclined towards such things! Or, at least, gave the appearance that he was not interested in society and gossip.
“Might I ask you one more thing, Lady Rosalind?” A slight twist of the Duke’s lips made Rosalind wonder if he was trying to smile, though she was in no mood to tolerate anything more from him.
“If you must, Your Grace,” she replied, her voice wobbling a little though she lifted her chin in what she hoped appeared to be a defensive manner. “Though I must inform you that I may well refuse to answer, if it is as prying and as harsh as the last.”
The Duke’s lips untwisted, settling into a straight line. “Might I ask, Lady Rosalind, if you are seeking a match this Season?”
Rosalind took a step back, such was her astonishment and shock at hearing the question from his lips. She stared at the Duke, unable to take her eyes from him even if she had wished to do so. What sort of fellow was he? The sort that seemed to think that asking such questions to a lady he had only just become acquainted with was quite proper, and correct? Or was it because of his standing as a Duke that he thought to speak to her with such impropriety?
“Your Grace, I hardly think that such a question is either proper or right for you to be asking!” Lady Eleanor exclaimed, giving Rosalind a gentle tug as though to take her away from the Duke and his questions. “Goodness, I must say that I am astonished to hear such a thing from you! It is not clear to you that Lady Rosalind is already in a little distress such as it is? And you, for whatever reason, wish to add to that distress?”
The Duke shrugged, his hands still clasped behind his back. “It was only a question, my lady. I did not mean any offence by it.”
Rosalind blinked and looked away from the man, finally able to tear her gaze from his. Her heart was thundering, her mind whirling with a thousand thoughts – none of which she was able to answer. Why was the Duke asking her such things? Why was he seemingly so intent on mortifying her with his questions?
“Come, Lady Rosalind, Lady Eleanor.” Lord Radcliffe shot another hard, angry look towards the Duke, who only shrugged his shoulders again, as though suggesting he had very little to do with the matter. “Let me take you for a turn around the room.”
Rosalind nodded, her throat constricting. Lady Eleanor began to take her away from the Duke, following after Lord Radcliffe, but Rosalind suddenly paused, a sudden burst of upset and frustration burning through her chest.
She turned to the Duke .
“In answer to your question, Your Grace, yes, I do seek a match.” Her chin lifted a notch. “Though I expect now that to be a good deal more difficult, given that my brother has been nothing but foolish and has brought his family name into disrepute.” Pressing her lips together tightly in order to keep a hold of her emotions, she let her gaze narrow just a little. “There now, are you satisfied? You have not only mortified me in asking such pressing questions when we have only just been introduced, you show no consideration whatsoever for my own feelings. I do hope that you will not ask me anything more for, truth be told, I have nothing more to say to you. In fact, might I suggest that our acquaintance be now at an end? We have been introduced, indeed, but I have no desire to continue our acquaintance. Good evening, Your Grace.”
She did not give him a moment to answer, not even a second to respond before turning on her heel and making her way from his company. Refusing to even glance over her shoulder towards him, she took Lady Eleanor’s arm again and walked alongside her, with Lord Radcliffe taking Lady Eleanor’s other arm.
“Goodness, I did not know you had such spirit in you, Rosalind!”
A flush touched Rosalind’s cheeks as she looked at her friend. “You do not think me cruel, I hope?”
“No, of course not! I think you spoke very well,” came the reply, as Lady Eleanor smiled reassuringly. “You had every right to speak as you did.”
“And I can only apologise profusely.” Lord Radcliffe’s face was red, his eyes darting this way and that, his jaw tight. “I would never have taken it upon myself to introduce you to him had I known that he would have asked you such questions. Truly, I apologise.” He offered Rosalind a small, wry smile. “You had every right to speak to him as you did and I am glad that you felt bold enough to do so. I would like to say that this will encourage him not to be so bold again but I fear it will not be so.”
Rosalind returned Lord Radcliffe’s smile, feeling a little calmer now that she was away from the Duke. “You have nothing to apologise for, Lord Radcliffe, though I do appreciate your concern. I am quite all right, I assure you.” She hesitated, then asked the question which had come to her mind. “Might I ask you if there is some reason for the Duke’s manner? I thought that, as highly titled as he is, he might be…”
“A little more polite?” Lady Eleanor asked, one eyebrow lifting. “I quite agree.”
Lord Radcliffe sighed and looked away. “I will not tell you all, for it is not my place to do so. However, what I can tell you is that the Duke of Strathmore has been living in near solitude for the last few years, holding onto a guilt that is not his own.” He sighed again, his shoulders lifting slightly. “But even that is not an excuse for his behaviour and I apologise for it.”
“Thank you for your graciousness and your kind explanation,” Rosalind answered, quietly. “It is appreciated though, as I said to him, I do not think that I will ever again be in his company.” She took in a long breath, then let it out slowly, blowing away the tension which filled her. “I fully intend never to have a single conversation with the Duke of Strathmore again.”