The Truth about the Viscount (Whispers of the Ton #4)

Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

“ A re you nervous?”

Patience threw a glance at Christina.

“No, I am not nervous.”

That was nothing more than a lie, however, and from the way that Christina rolled her eyes, Patience knew that she did not believe her. The request from Lord Hastings to take a walk through the park so that he might explain all to her had come as something of a surprise, but a welcome surprise, all the same. Patience had been thrilled at the thought of being in his company again, seeing it as a promise that yes, he fully believed and had accepted all that she had told him about the drawing in The London Chronicle. And, at the same time, Patience had to admit a certain interest in the gentleman. The way that he had looked into her eyes as he had thanked her for what she had done – which, to her mind, had been nothing very significant – had made her heart lift and, within that, a gentle affection began to form. It had not been a feeling she had ever experienced before and yet, she had welcomed it. So, when he had asked her to take a walk in the park with him, she had nothing other than acceptance on her lips.

“There is no need for nervousness,” Christina said, interrupting her thoughts. “I can see that you are a little anxious, but there is nothing to be worried about! Lord Hastings has asked to see you, and that should make you feel more than contented.”

Patience nodded and looked out of the window, refusing to answer her sister’s remarks. She did not want to admit to Christina that yes, she was nervous, but also that her mind was filled with thoughts and questions about what this situation with Lord Newforth might be. It was very strange that this fellow appeared to be so angry with Lord Hastings, for what possible reason could there be for a gentleman to try to shame another in such an obvious manner? Patience did not understand it and yet, she was not only glad that she had been able to aid Lord Hastings on both occasions but was also a little overcome by how willing he was to trust her with the truth.

“There he is, waiting for you.”

Patience’s breath hitched as her eyes fell upon Lord Hastings, seeing him smile at her as the carriage came to a slow stop. He was, she had to admit, all the more handsome this afternoon, and that made her a little flustered.

“Good afternoon, Lady Patience. Lady Christina.” Lord Hastings inclined his head and then stepped forward to help them both down from the carriage, in lieu of the footman. “Thank you for joining me, Lady Patience. I must admit, I have been looking forward to our time together.”

“As have I.” Patience turned her head to see a second carriage coming to a stop, gesturing to it. “My mother, my aunt – Lady Pearson – and my cousin, Lady Eleanor, have come to join us. My mother wished to speak with her sister during our drive here, you understand.”

A broad smile split Lord Hastings’ face, making Patience blush. Did he think that her mother and Lady Pearson had been talking about him, and the walk he was to take with Patience? She could not deny that such a thing would, most likely, have been the conversation, but all the same, she did not want him to think such a thing though, she considered, he did not appear to be in the least bit embarrassed about it, given the way that he smiled.

How different he appears from the angry gentleman who threw such demands in my face only a few short days ago!

As though he knew what she was thinking, Lord Hastings turned to her and offered his arm.

“Shall we begin our walk, Lady Patience? And I will be able to explain to you all about what has been taking place and why I have been so… disinterested in society as a whole.”

With a glance to her sister and then to her mother, who gave her a small nod, Patience accepted Lord Hastings’ arm and began to walk alongside him through St James’ Park. They walked in silence for a short time, though there was no nervousness or anxiety within her heart over it. She felt rather contented to be so, she realized, smiling gently to herself as the sun shone brightly overhead.

“As I said last evening, I want to thank you for what you did, in preventing Lord Newforth from bringing shame to me and my family name.” Lord Hastings looked at her, then settled his free hand, upon her fingers for only a brief touch, though it was enough to convey his deep gratitude. “Yes, as you have noticed, Lord Newforth has been attempting to bring disgrace to my name and, as you witnessed at our first meeting, he is eager to cause me as much harm as he can.” He winced. “It appears that Lord Newforth is not a pleasant gentleman.”

“Yes, I can see that.” Patience studied Lord Hastings before saying anything more, seeing the way that his jaw tightened and his lips pulled flat. “Why does he have such a disagreement with you?” A slight tightness came into her stomach as though she ought not to be asking such a thing, but the Viscount only nodded and then, after releasing a heavy sigh, finally answered.

“If I am to tell you the truth, Lady Patience, might you promise to keep secret what I tell you? I do not ask for myself, but for the sake of another.”

“But of course.” Patience put as much fervency into her words as she could. “I am already honored by your willingness to share this with me, whatever it is.”

The Viscount smiled again, and Patience’s heart lifted all the more, thinking him so very altered in both appearance and character now. He was not dismal nor dark-tempered, but smiling and speaking words of kindness and gentleness. His manner was calm and quiet, not morose nor poor in temper. Instead, he appeared to be more contented than she had ever seen him.

“It is I who am honored, given all that you have done for me.” Again, that soft, quiet smile was sent to her and Patience’s heart quickened inexplicably. She could not look anywhere but his eyes, struggling to understand the emotions that suddenly swamped her. “As regards Lord Newforth, it is a sorrowful tale,” the gentleman continued as Patience quietly demanded that she pay attention to everything that he said and not focus on what her thoughts and feelings were. “He came to me last Season and told me that he wished to court Isabella.”

Patience’s eyebrows lifted high as surprise spread out across her chest, but she kept silent, seeing the way that Lord Hastings scowled.

“I learned about his character and, given that my mother was already most insistent that my sister have a Season to enjoy herself rather than pursue a match, I refused him. This did not make him particularly happy, especially when I was forced to go into detail as to why I would not allow him to marry her.”

“I can imagine that he would not have been very pleased,” Patience murmured, as a mirthless laugh escaped from Lord Hastings’ lips.

“Indeed not. He was absolutely furious – I do not think that I have ever seen a gentleman so angry – and told me that I could not deny him.”

Patience blinked in astonishment.

“What arrogance!” She offered him another small glance, licking her lips before she asked her question, wondering if it was a little too forward. “Might I ask what the reason was for his determination to wed her? If it is not too bold to ask.”

“Not in the least.” Lord Hastings shook his head. “It appears that her dowry and yearly income were all that he desired.”

Closing her eyes for a moment, Patience blew out a long breath.

“You were wise to refuse him, Lord Hastings. It seems to me that he might have made your sister very miserable indeed. It is a kind, considerate gentleman who thinks of his sister’s happiness in such a way.”

Lord Hastings smiled but then shrugged.

“I could never have permitted her to marry such an arrogant, inconsiderate fellow.”

“And that is why he pursues you in such a relentless manner?” Patience frowned. “He wishes to shame you because you refused him Isabella’s hand?”

When Lord Hastings did not immediately answer, Patience’s heart slammed hard into her chest. Was there something more?

“Lord Newforth attempted to force my hand.” Coming to a stop, Lord Hastings turned to face Patience directly, though her hand was still tight on his arm. “This is where I must beg for your silence over what I am to share with you, Lady Patience, for no one else knows of it.” Patience nodded. Lord Hastings swallowed hard, then began to walk again though, this time, there was a good deal more slowness in his steps. “The night that my sister became betrothed to Lord Milthorpe was not a happy one, despite what you might think.”

“No?”

He shook his head.

“Lord Newforth stole my sister away, forcing her into the gardens without a chaperone. Unwittingly, I was brought to find them both there and, thus, Lord Newforth demanded that my sister be given to him, as his bride.”

Shock snatched away Patience’s breath, one hand flying to her mouth as Lord Hastings looked into her eyes and then nodded.

“It is just as dreadful as I have said,” he muttered. “Lord Newforth told me that if I did not do as he asked, then all of society would know of my sister’s presence with him in the gardens and thus, her reputation would be quite ruined.”

Patience shuddered.

“Oh, how dreadful.”

“Lord Milthorpe offered for Isabella at that very moment,” Lord Hastings continued, speaking quietly now. “I accepted and Lord Newforth’s plan came to ruination. Milthorpe then made the announcement immediately, before the entire ton, of their betrothal, so that Lord Newforth had no chance to do anything to prevent it. But had it not been for Milthorpe, then I am sure that I would not have known what to do! That is why Lord Newforth wishes to injure me in any way that he can, you understand.”

Nodding slowly, Patience let out a sigh.

“And it is also the reason that you appear a good deal more distant from the ton, is it not? You recognize that the shame they can bring upon a person, even when they do not deserve it, is severe indeed.” She winced. “Society can be something of a beast, sometimes.” Lord Hastings looked at her, surprise sparkling in his eyes, and Patience flushed. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No, no, not at all.” Lord Hastings blinked, then turned his head back so that his gaze was on the path. “It is only that you surprise me, Lady Patience. I did not think that you would be able to understand my reluctance to be a part of the ton, but it seems that you understand completely.”

“I do.” Patience smiled but then shook her head. “Though you are in a dreadful situation, Lord Hastings. Lord Newforth is a wicked man, and determined to do what he can to bring down your reputation within society, despite the fact that you have pulled back from the ton in such a way.”

Lord Hastings shook his head.

“I care only for Isabella, not for myself.”

“But if Lord Newforth succeeds, then will he not injure your sister because of what happens to your reputation?” When Lord Hastings turned his gaze to hers again, Patience ducked her head. “Forgive me, I do not mean to speak out of turn but–”

“You are not.” Lord Hastings pressed her hand with his free one for just a moment, but he did not smile. “I suppose that he might, but my sister is soon to marry, and her reputation will then be tied to that of her husband.”

“And what of yourself?”

At these words, a tiny flicker of color came into Lord Hastings’ cheeks, just as Patience realized what she had said. She turned her head away directly, her heart clamoring within her chest as embarrassment ran hot from the top of her head to her toes. She had been speaking of the Viscount’s prospects for marriage, without really thinking about what she was saying. Did he think that she was interested in that matter solely for herself?

“You are not the first who has made such a remark, Lady Patience.” Lord Hastings cleared his throat and then smiled, though as Patience glanced back at him, she thought it a little forced. “Lord Newforth has made it quite clear to me what it is that he intends to do but, at the same time, has been entirely unspecific as to what that might be.”

“And the Baron accusing you of such despicable deeds was Lord Newforth’s first attempt,” Patience murmured, a line forming between her eyebrows. “It appears to me, Lord Hastings, that you might require a little assistance in this situation.”

Lord Hastings chuckled darkly.

“Yes, Lady Patience, I believe that I need as much help as I can find, for I am quite at a loss as to what to do to prepare for Lord Newforth’s next attack upon me!”

Patience took a small breath, then set her shoulders and lifted her chin.

“Might I offer my assistance, then? I am not quite certain what I could do, but I would be glad to help you in any way I can.”

“You?” Lord Hastings stopped walking again and then turned his head to look straight into her eyes as though he could not quite believe what it was that she had said. “You wish to help me, even though you have done more than enough already?”

“I do, yes.” Her toes curled in her shoes as she spread out her hands. “I am not certain what it is that I could do, as I have said, but I do not think that you should face this matter alone. Lord Milthorpe and Miss Spearton will be busy planning their wedding, I suppose, and though I am sure you have other friends who can stand alongside you, I should also like to offer my help.”

For some moments, Lord Hastings said nothing. Instead, he simply looked back into her face, his eyes rounding just a little as though he was slowly beginning to realize what it was that she had offered. Patience, glancing to her right and seeing her mother and aunt standing a little away from them, watching them both, felt another flush of heat flow through her. Perhaps she had been foolish to offer this, perhaps she had been a little too forward. It was not her affair to worry about and yet, all the same, her heart had yearned to do what she could to be of aid.

“My dear Lady Patience, I do not think that I have ever met a creature such as you.”

Patience did not know what to make of this, seeing that either he might go on to state that she was so very extraordinary, he could not bring himself to be in her company any longer or to accept her offer of assistance with gratitude. To her utter relief, it was the latter.

“I am overwhelmed by your generous spirit, Lady Patience.” Lord Hastings dropped Patience’s hand from his arm, only to catch it with his hand and then, much to Patience’s surprise, reaching for the other one also. He stood for another long moment, looking at her with a gentleness in his eyes and a soft smile on his face which made Patience’s heart squeeze. “I should be grateful for anything you have to offer… so long as it does not distract you from your own activities this Season.”

Patience looked away just as Lord Hastings dropped her hands from his, making to walk along the path again, though he did quickly offer her his arm.

“I am sure that I will not have any difficulty,” was all she could say, not quite able to look at him. He was aware that she would be seeking out a match this Season, and his concern for her in that way again demonstrated his considerate nature. “Though what do you think we ought to do to stop Lord Newforth?”

Lord Hastings tilted his head, considering, though he did not look at her.

“I cannot be sure. At the present moment, I think that it might well be wise for me to stay often in company so that Lord Newforth cannot bring another situation to me as he did with Baron Stillforth.” One eyebrow lifted just a little as he looked at her, sidelong. “Might I ask if that is something you might wish to assist me with?”

“I would, very much.”

The words left her lips before Patience had a chance to truly consider her answer, her heart betraying her. She looked back at Lord Hastings all the same, however, and saw him smile just as her own lips lifted.

“Capital.” Lord Hastings let out a long breath as his smile grew all the wider. “That brings me a good deal of relief, Lady Patience and, as for whatever else he might be scheming, I shall simply have to be on my guard.”

“And I can be watchful,” Patience suggested, as Lord Hastings nodded. “I am certain that, in time, Lord Newforth will see that he will be nothing but unsuccessful, and will give up his pursuit of your shame.”

At this, Lord Hastings’ expression darkened, and he shook his head, clearly disagreeing with her.

“As much as I might wish it, Lady Patience, I cannot have the same assurance as you. I very much fear that Lord Newforth will try and try and try again until, in some way, he finds his success.”

“What is it you are looking at?”

Patience hushed Lady Eleanor, watching Lord Newforth out of the corner of her eye.

“Hush, Eleanor. Do not draw attention to me in such a way.”

Eleanor frowned.

“Patience, what is troubling you? I have never seen you so serious at any soiree before!”

“It is not the soiree but rather Lord Newforth,” Patience answered, quietly, seeing Lord Newforth laughing aloud at something another gentleman had said. “I must watch him, Eleanor, that is all. He is not a good man and has, I fear, already sought to injure someone I am acquainted with.”

“And by that, you mean Lord Hastings.”

Patience threw a look at her cousin that said that she would not say either yes or no to that statement.

“Lord Newforth is not a gentleman to be trifled with.” Eleanor’s expression darkened. “He is a gentleman full of pride, with a determination to do all that he wants in whatever way he wishes. I would advise you to avoid him if you can.”

“He knows my name, however,” Patience answered, quietly. “He knows that I was the one standing with Lord Hastings in the shop, making it quite clear to all that what Lord Hastings had been accused of was false. So yes, I shall do my best to avoid him, but I also must be watchful of his actions for fear that he can hurt others.”

“Lady Patience?”

A young lady approached them, and Patience nodded, recognizing her face, but aware that they had not been introduced. Eleanor stepped back, clearly aware that this young lady had every intention of speaking solely to Patience.

“My brother told me about your recent conversation.” Miss Spearton reached out and took Patience’s hand, tears in her eyes. “Thank you for your discretion, and for your willingness to help us. I know that he has been carrying a heavy burden of late, though he has not told me much of it.”

“But of course.” Patience smiled and pressed the young lady’s hand, trying to encourage her. “You must have a great deal to plan for your upcoming wedding, however! That is a wonderful thing, and very exciting too, I am sure. You must not worry too much about your brother, for that is not at all what he wants for you.”

“You are most kind.” Miss Spearton released Patience’s hand and then took a steadying breath. “Now, I must return to my betrothed. He is waiting for me.”

“But of course.”

Patience watched as the lady took her leave, looking to then speak to Eleanor again, only for someone else to approach.

“Lady Patience, is it not?”

Patience nodded slowly.

“Yes, I am. Though I do not think that we are acquainted, however.”

The lady smiled, lines forming around her eyes.

“We are not, but I am acquainted with your mother.” She put one hand to her heart. “Lady Winters.”

“Lady Winters, good evening.” Patience looked at Eleanor, though her cousin had decided to stand back from this conversation also, clearly desirous not to interrupt. “I hope that you are enjoying the ball.”

The lady chuckled.

“My dancing days are far behind me, Lady Patience, though my daughter, Lady Madeline, is here for the Season this year. She is soon to make a very happy match, however.”

“I am very glad for her,” Patience answered, throwing another glance towards Eleanor, given that she found the conversation a little awkward, but her cousin was now in deep conversation with another. “I do hope that she will be very happy.”

All of a sudden, Lady Winters stepped closer to Patience, grabbed her arm, and pulled her face close.

“Listen to me, Lady Patience,” she hissed, as Patience, cold with shock, could only stare into the lady’s eyes. “If you draw near Lord Hastings, if you so much as dare to be in company with him, then it will be all the worse for you. Do you understand me?”

Patience blinked rapidly, her eyes flaring wide.

“I – I beg your pardon?”

“I have seen you in the park, at the ball, in deep conversation,” the lady continued, her harsh whispers sending streaks of fright down Patience’s spine. “I do not know what you mean by it, but you are to stay away from him, do you hear me?”

“I – I do not know what you mean. We are acquainted, that is all.” Patience pulled herself back forcibly, yanking her arm from the older lady’s grip. “I have no intention of stepping away from him.”

Lady Winters glowered angrily at Patience, though Patience gazed back without flinching, although her heart was hammering furiously.

“Then you will find yourself caught up in the consequences that are soon to befall him,” Lady Winters threw out at her, her face scrunched up into an expression of fury. “You have been warned, Lady Patience. And you will not be given another one.”

“I think it is time for you to take your leave, Lady Winters.” Patience lifted her chin and pulled her gaze away just as Eleanor came to join her. “Good evening.”

Lady Winters said nothing, turning on her heel and storming away from Patience without so much as a backward look.

“Whatever was that about?” Eleanor looked at Patience, worry in her eyes. “I did not think that you were acquainted with Lady Winters.”

“I am not.”

Eleanor frowned.

“Then why did she come to seek you out in such a way?”

Patience shook her head, swallowing her words. It would be better not to explain all to Eleanor, for her cousin would only worry.

“It does not matter.”

“You need to be careful.” Eleanor clicked her tongue. “Lady Winters is aunt to Lord Newforth.”

Snatching in a gasp of surprise, Patience closed her eyes briefly, anxiety beginning to curl in her stomach. Now, it all made sense.

“Thank you for telling me, Eleanor. I was unaware of that.”

Eleanor took Patience’s hand, coming around to face her with a serious expression on her face – one that was most unusual for her.

“Patience, I must ask you. Are you sure that your connection with Lord Hastings is worth this difficulty? And you need not deny it, or pretend that it is not to do with Lord Hastings, for I am very well aware that it is him that you have been speaking with. And that, somehow, there is a connection to Lord Newforth who, from what I have heard, was clearly desirous to injure him in some way.”

Considering all that her friend had said, Patience hesitated for a few moments before answering.

“Yes, I am sure that it is,” she said, calmly. “Lord Hastings has done nothing wrong and there is no reason for me not to be as connected with him as I desire to be. Lord Newforth and Lady Winters will neither frighten me nor chase me away.”

Besides which, she thought silently, I think that my heart would ache should I step away from him. Slowly but with great certainty, Lord Hastings has begun to take hold of my heart.