Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
M uttering to himself, Daniel made his way into White’s and, snapping his fingers at one of the footmen, sat down heavily in a chair near a fireplace which, much to his relief, had glowing embers within it. He had not attended any occasion this evening, having chosen to step away from society entirely. Last evening’s ball had been the most dreadful of the Season, for he had learned that he had not only his likeness published in The London Chronicle, but also a statement about his character which, he now knew, everyone in the ton had read. Quite what had possessed Lady Patience to write such things about him, he did not know, but he felt more than a little foolish because of it.
The truth was, he had thought well of the lady. He had considered her a fine young woman who had interrupted his conversation with Lord Newforth to save embarrassment to both himself and, thereafter, to Isabella. There had been a spark of interest within him also, appreciating her warm smile and the way that the candlelight had danced across her golden curls. Yes, even when they had been forced into dancing the waltz together, he had taken note of her beauty, even though he had been coldly furious about all that she had done.
Foolish.
Accepting the glass of brandy from the footman with a nod, Daniel did not lift it to his lips right away, but watched it swirl around the glass. The more he learned about society, the less he valued it. It was an enemy, something to be careful of, to guard against. It was a lesson learned much too late, he considered, though now, of course, he was faced with a dilemma.
How am I to find a bride if I reject society, as I had intended?
Rubbing one hand down his face, Daniel let out a sigh, and then finally took a sip of his brandy. Lord Milthorpe’s questions had been a trifle irritating, but he had made Daniel consider some things in a way that he had not before. Yes, there was a responsibility for him to find a bride and continue the family line, and yes, he might be unable to do that if he pushed himself away from society with the determination that he had intended.
“But what am I to do?”
Muttering to himself again, Daniel closed his eyes and rested his head back against the chair. How could he find a bride while, at the same time, making sure that he did not involve himself in society as he wanted?
“You have decided not to join society this evening, I see.”
Daniel’s eyes flew open, his whole body tensing as he turned his head, only to see Lord Newforth grinning darkly down at him. His jaw set and he turned his head away, choosing not to answer. As far as he was concerned, Lord Newforth was not a gentleman he had any interest in speaking with, and he wanted to make that very clear indeed.
“You are not going to ignore me, are you?” Lord Newforth chuckled, but the sound did not bring any lightness to Daniel’s spirit. “I thought that we might speak together, Lord Hastings.”
“I have nothing that I wish to say to you.” Daniel kept his head turned, his gaze steady and fixed. “Good evening, Lord Newforth.”
The gentleman only laughed again, and Daniel gritted his teeth, refusing to permit himself to say anything more to him. Lord Newforth seemed quite determined to be in Daniel’s company, though Daniel was quite certain that this would not be for any good reason.
“You know that I have every intention of bringing down dark consequences upon your head for what you did in keeping your sister from me.” Lord Newforth set one hand on Daniel’s shoulder and squeezed, hard. “Are you afraid, Lord Hastings? Are you always watching for me, wondering what it is that I will do?” He lifted his hand from Daniel’s shoulder and then came around to face him. “Is that why you have pulled away from all of society?”
Daniel snorted.
“My actions have nothing whatsoever to do with you, Lord Newforth.”
“Are you sure?”
The melodious, mocking manner in which Lord Newforth spoke made Daniel’s anger flare all the hotter and he turned his head away, his free hand curled tightly into a fist though, again, he chose to remain silent. It was better for him to say nothing, to let Lord Newforth say whatever it was that he wished, before going on his way - for to react in fury and upset would only give Lord Newforth what he so clearly desired.
“You must be aware that I have every intention of injuring you as much as I possibly can.” Lord Newforth tipped his head. “You are afraid, are you not?” He laughed and Daniel closed his eyes for a moment in an attempt to hold himself back from saying the furious, dark things he wished to spit back at Lord Newforth. “I am glad of it, Lord Hastings, for there is much that I can, and will, do to you. I may not have been able to take Isabella as my bride, as I wished, but there are other means by which I can injure you, and improve my own standing at the very same time.” With a chuckle, he tilted his head. “In fact, I have already begun.”
“What do you mean by that?” Unable to hold back the question from his lips, Daniel slammed the brandy glass down on the table next to him and threw himself to his feet. “If you are intending to threaten me, then I can assure you that nothing you say will make any difference whatsoever. I have already pulled my sister away from you and her happiness is all that matters to me.”
“Ah, but what of your own happiness?” Lord Newforth answered, a sly smile still curving his lips. “And what if her happiness can be tainted in some way? Yes, she might well be betrothed, and I presume the marriage will go ahead as it ought, but that does not mean that all will be well. There is still a great deal that can go wrong. A great deal that can injure both you and your sister, Lord Hastings. And if I were you, then I should be a good deal more careful about every step you take.”
Daniel wanted to reach out and grasp Lord Newforth’s collar, to shake him, hard, until his teeth rattled and all of his secrets came pouring out. His determination to stay back and remain silent was beginning to fail, and he let out a low growl and then took a step forward – but Lord Newforth only laughed and spun on his heel before striding away from him. Seething inwardly, Daniel watched the man with narrowed eyes, wondering what it was that Lord Newforth had been threatening and, at the same time, fearing for both himself and Isabella. What was it that Newforth intended to do? Surely it would not be to break apart the betrothal in some dreadful way? Panic gripped him hard for a moment and, sitting down, he picked up his brandy glass and drained it in one swallow.
He cannot break their betrothal, he told himself, shutting his eyes as he took in slow breaths to counter his racing heart. And both Lord Milthorpe and I are watching Isabella carefully. She is quite safe.
His eyes opened.
So then it is I who must be wary. Who must be ready for whatever he intends.
Swallowing, Daniel shook his head and then snapped his fingers at another footman. Lord Newforth was quite clear in his intentions, which was extraordinary in itself! To have a fellow state, quite plainly, that his only thought was to injure him was extraordinary though, also, in its own way, a little frightening. With a knot in his throat, he ordered another brandy before sinking back down into his chair, his eyes on the glowing embers in the fire as a good many heavy thoughts pulled at his mind.
Daniel scowled and quickly turned his gaze away from the group of young ladies who had been drawing near. Having spent the previous evening at White’s and then the rest of the night tossing and turning in his bed, Daniel had woken with a fresh determination. He was not about to let Lord Newforth frighten him, nor deter him from doing whatever he wished. No, he would not hide himself away in his townhouse for fear of what Lord Newforth would do, and nor would he say anything to Isabella. Daniel was now determined to believe that all that Lord Newforth had said was nothing but lies, said to upset Daniel and fill his mind with concern – but he was not going to let the man succeed.
Thus, he had stepped out and had chosen to wander through the streets of London, thinking mayhap to choose a new book from the bookshop or perhaps stop at Gunter’s for an ice. Yes, Lord Newforth might be present and yes, he might very well see him, but if he did, then what of it? It would only prove to Lord Newforth that what he had tried to do had, yet again, failed utterly. Now, however, it was not Lord Newforth’s face that concerned Daniel. Instead, it was that of Lady Patience, the young lady who had not only drawn him in such a recognizable fashion, but had also chosen to write about him and state, to all who read the paper, just what she thought of his character. If he was not mistaken, she was amongst that group of young ladies who were approaching. The urge to turn away directly so that she would neither see him nor wish to speak with him was severe and, after a moment or two, Daniel gave into it. One swift movement later, and he was in a small establishment which, to his eyes, appeared to sell nothing but buttons and ribbons.
He groaned inwardly, though he kept his head high all the same. He had chosen poorly when it came to where he was to hide himself, for this shop held nothing for him.
“Good afternoon, my Lord.” The shopkeeper came towards him, a slightly older lady with a warm smile. “Might I be of any assistance? Are you purchasing something for perhaps your mother, sister, or wife?”
Daniel blinked quickly, then cast a glance over his shoulder. Much to his frustration, the group of young ladies had come to a stop directly outside the shop which meant he could not hurry back outside. Clearing his throat, he put his hands behind his back and attempted a smile. “My sister is recently betrothed.”
The shopkeeper’s eyes flared, her smile wide.
“How wonderful! Might I enquire as to her name?”
“Miss Spearton.” Daniel frowned as the lady’s smile slipped. “I have recently sent out invitations to her betrothal ball, and I thought I ought to purchase her a little gift for it.”
“I see.” The shopkeeper gestured to all of the various items within her shop. “If you wish to peruse all that I have here, Lord Hastings, then I would be glad to assist you, should you have any questions.”
Daniel blinked quickly, recognizing that the shopkeeper had spoken his name without him once introducing himself. A slow flush crept into his face as he realized that she must have read The London Chronicle, and recognized him from that. With a sharp nod, he turned away at once, only for the bell to ring as the door behind him opened.
“Good afternoon, my lady.” The shopkeeper’s welcoming words were spoken to the new customer. “Is there anything you might wish to look for today? I would be glad to help you.”
“I thank you.”
Daniel heard nothing more that was said, cringing inwardly as he recognized the voice. It was none other than the very lady he had sought to escape – and now would have to face.
Lady Patience had, seemingly inadvertently, followed him into the shop, and now he would have to speak with her, whether he wished it or not.