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

Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

“ H ave you seen the drawings in The London Chronicle?”

Daniel smiled at his mother.

“Yes, I have. I have seen every one of them, I think, for they are quite remarkable.”

His mother nodded, setting the paper down.

“Is Lady Patience not the one you took tea with yesterday?”

“And the one you took a walk in the park with only a few days ago?”

Daniel turned his head just as Isabella came into the dining room.

“Yes, my dear sister, the very same.”

“I did go to speak with her at the ball some two evenings ago.” Isabella sat down and gratefully accepted the cup of tea from her mother. “I think that she is very pleasing.”

She shared a look with their mother before turning her attention back to Daniel, who immediately began to scowl.

“Why ever do you look like that?” Lady Hastings threw up her hands. “All we are doing is enquiring about the young lady that you are spending time with, and this is the response that you give us? You think to scowl at us?”

She spoke with firmness in her voice but with a twinkle in her eye which told Daniel that she knew precisely what she was doing – and how it was making him feel.

“I think that Lady Patience is a young lady like no other,” Daniel admitted, deciding to be entirely honest. “I was most disagreeable, I confess it, but she has been forgiving, understanding, and more than willing to spend time with me, and assist me, even though I have not asked her to do so.” Again, his mother and Isabella shared a look and, a little exasperated, Daniel threw up his hands. “But that does not mean anything, of course. Might I remind you that I am concentrating solely on Isabella’s wedding at this juncture?”

And seeking to avoid all that Lord Newforth might seek to do.

“Very well, very well.” Lady Hastings waved one hand vaguely as Isabella giggled, turning her head away. “We shall not ask you any longer. Though, she does have something of a reputation now, given that her drawings are printed in The London Chronicle.”

“A good reputation, yes?”

Lady Hastings nodded in answer to Daniel’s question.

“Yes, of course. All of the ton think well of her, given her talent!”

Daniel smiled, the lady coming to the forefront of his mind.

And I want nothing whatsoever to damage that.

“Hastings.”

Daniel, picking up a glass of brandy, turned to his friend.

“Milthorpe, good evening.”

His friend grabbed his arm, his eyes wide.

“You must leave this soiree at once.”

Daniel frowned, his heart thudding suddenly.

“Why?”

“Because.” Lord Milthorpe closed his eyes and took a long breath. “Because you cannot be seen here. You must go elsewhere, and be found at another event.”

The frown on Daniel’s face grew all the heavier.

“I do not understand.”

Lord Milthorpe took another deep breath, his face white.

“Lady Winters has begun to inform everyone that you are courting her daughter. That your intention is to marry her and thus, she expects a betrothal announcement to be made very soon.”

Daniel’s stomach lurched.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Lady Madeline, yes.” Lord Milthorpe shook his head. “I have overheard it as I came into the drawing room and came immediately to find you.”

His head began to spin as Daniel fought to make sense of what he was hearing.

“I cannot understand what her intentions are.”

“Except that it will not be her,” Lord Milthorpe answered, coming closer to Daniel. “This must be Lord Newforth and, for whatever reason, Lady Winters has agreed to this new dark plan.”

This made very little sense to Daniel but, with a nod, he threw back the glass of brandy and then made his way to the door.

“I thank you. I will do what I can to make my way from the house without being seen. I do not know the motivations of the lady but–”

“Hurry.” Interrupting him, Lord Milthorpe gestured to the door. “Go, now before it is too late.”

His breath hitching, Daniel scurried around the side of the drawing room and, after a momentary pause, left the room. It took him a few minutes to make his way to the front door of the house – catching a few confused glances from some of the footmen as he passed – but with relief pouring into his chest, he made his way out of the house onto the street.

Whatever is the intention here? Wondering silently to himself, Daniel quickly found his carriage, surprising the driver who quickly opened the door for Daniel before hurrying to prepare the horses. Why would Lord Newforth and Lady Winters declare that I am courting Lady Madeline? Why would they do such a thing?

“Where am I to go, my Lord?”

Daniel closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the squabs. Searching his mind, he eventually recalled that he had been required to decline an invitation from Lord and Lady Worthington, given that he had already accepted an invitation to this soiree.

“To Lord Worthington’s townhouse,” he called and, with another fresh wave of relief overpowering him, felt the carriage begin to rock gently as it pulled away from the house. Yes, he had made his escape, but the difficulties still remained. Lord Newforth had plans to do whatever he could to bring what he considered to be consequences down upon Daniel and, with growing concern, Daniel realized that the fellow might never stop until he had succeeded. Just what was he to do? How could he put an end to Lord Newforth’s intentions and protect himself at the same time?

The carriage soon came to a stop and, his questions still unanswered, Daniel stepped down and hurried into the townhouse. The ball was already well underway, and no one saw him step inside - no one save for a few footmen. Letting out a slow breath, a trickle of sweat running down his back, Daniel picked up a glass from the table and sipped it, hoping that no one would see that he was flustered and upset.

“Lord Hastings, good evening.”

A flood of happiness ran through him as Lady Patience came to speak with him, her eyes and expression gentle.

“Lady Patience.” He inclined his head. “I am very glad to see you.” Seeing her eyes flare suddenly, he flushed hot and then tried to explain. “I have come from a soiree, one where I had intended to remain, but Lord Milthorpe gave me a warning and thus, I had to rush from that to this!”

“A warning?” Lady Patience’s hand caught his for just a moment. “What has happened?”

Daniel swallowed, the heat in his face only growing as he explained.

“Lord Milthorpe overheard Lady Winters informing those present that I am now courting her daughter, Lady Madeline. I do not know why she seeks to do such a thing, and mayhap you will not understand given that you are unaware of her connection to Lord Newforth but–”

“She is his aunt, yes?” Lady Patience smiled tightly. “She came to warn me to stay away from you, Lord Hastings.”

A strand of fear wrapped around Daniel’s heart.

“When did she say this?”

“Recently.” Lady Patience shrugged lightly. “Not that I have any intention of listening to a word that she says, of course.”

Daniel swallowed, hard.

“I think that you must be careful, Lady Patience. When it comes to Lady Winters and Lord Newforth, there is severe danger there. If she has come to warn you, then it will be because you have been noticed by him. You should stay away from me.”

“I can make such a decision for myself, and I am not about to be intimidated into changing my mind on what I have already decided.” She tossed her head, her eyes flashing suddenly. “I do not appreciate what was said to me.”

Admiration rose like a fountain in Daniel’s chest as he gazed at her, his struggles seeming now to fade away.

“So long as you are sure, Lady Patience.”

“I am.” Her smile returned, though it disappeared shortly thereafter. “Why, do you think, did Lady Winters do such a thing? Why would she push her daughter into such a connection when it is false?”

Daniel shook his head.

“I do not know. But I did as Lord Milthorpe suggested and made my way from the soiree just as soon as I could.”

Lady Patience’s eyes suddenly rounded.

“What if she intends to use her daughter to bring shame to you? What if they have decided to work together to make the ton turn against you? She declares that you are courting Lady Madeline and that she expects a betrothal very soon – and what choice is left for you but to deny it? You will say that you are not courting the lady, that you have no intention of offering for her hand and, thereafter, Lady Winters will declare her daughter to be utterly heartbroken, telling us all that you have been both ungentlemanly and cruel.”

A cold sweat broke out across Daniel’s forehead as he saw the truth in Lady Patience’s suggestions.

“What is worse, she might declare that I have treated Lady Madeline in a… less than suitable manner.” He closed his eyes, wincing. “Lady Winters could say anything she wishes, and the ton will, no doubt, believe her, for, if the injured party is a young lady, then they are inclined to trust her. ” He ran one hand through his hair, panic gripping him. “What am I to do?”

Lady Patience took his hand again, squeezing it gently until he looked at her. Her smile wobbled a little, and there was hesitancy in her voice as she spoke.

“Then, Lord Hastings, the only thing you can do is pre-empt her.”

He blinked, confused.

“You must declare yourself to be courting another young lady – and you must do so now,” Lady Patience continued, her voice hitching as her hand trembled lightly in his. “That way, Lady Winters will appear to be either confused or deceitful, seeking to push her daughter into your path, rather than accepting the news that you are courting another.”

Daniel’s throat constricted.

“All the same, if I am only courting someone, she might then state that I ended my courtship of Lady Madeline to pursue another – and could, also, state that I had been cruel and demeaning to Lady Madeline beforehand.” Rubbing one hand over his eyes, his chest tightened as he forced himself to look into Lady Patience’s eyes. “I would have to declare myself betrothed.” A silence followed his statement and Daniel withered inwardly, his gaze tugging away from her. He had asked too much of her, even though he had not been explicit in his words. It was clear to him that she understood what he meant by such a statement, given the pink now in her cheeks but, as the quiet grew, Daniel dropped his head to his chest. “This is not your concern, Lady Patience.” Mumbling now, he shook his head to himself. “I will find another way, I will–”

“I would accept if you asked it of me.”

Daniel’s head lifted sharply, astonishment catching him.

“It is not the way that matches are usually made, I know, but if this will save you then I will accept.” Lady Patience’s gaze was steady, though her fingers twisted together in front of her. “It will come as a surprise to my family, but they will not object. You have fortune enough to satisfy them.”

This was said with a wry smile, and Daniel’s heart squeezed painfully. He was aware of just what it was that she was offering him – and how much their lives might change if he moved forward with it – and took lots of small, sharp breaths as he came to understand what would happen should he do this.

“I can end our betrothal later, should you wish to make your own choice,” he said, a trifle hoarsely, coughing to clear his throat. “I will take the blame, should you decide such a thing. I understand how significant this will be, and I do not want to force you to do this. You have said that you will aid me in my difficulties with Lord Newforth, for which I am very grateful, but nor do I want you to give up your freedom because of me. That is not required.”

She tilted her head just a little.

“And what if I wish to?” Daniel lowered his head, overcome. He had found such a jewel in Lady Patience’s company and in recognizing that, he felt himself utterly unworthy. “If you realize now that you do not want to pursue this, however, then I understand.”

“No, it is not that.” Lifting his head, Daniel looked into Lady Patience’s eyes and then, seeing her hand still in his, set his other one atop their joined hands. “It is because I feel myself to be so unworthy of you, Lady Patience. We have only just begun our acquaintance, and yet I have found a true friend in you. You are selfless, considerate, and with a kinder heart within you than I have ever met in anyone else. So, while I am willing to make this announcement and to step forward into society with you as my betrothed, know that my heart is aware of just how great a gift I am being offered – and how much I will cherish it.”

Lady Patience’s eyes glistened, though she smiled with it, making him want to pull her tight against his heart. He did not, however, and they remained standing quietly again for only a few moments.

Then, Lady Patience took a breath.

“Then shall we go?” she asked, a slight tremor in her voice. “Perhaps to my mother, first?”

Daniel nodded, setting her hand on his arm, and ignoring the ball of nervousness and doubt which coiled within him, made his way into the crowd, ready to declare himself betrothed to Lady Patience.