Chapter 34
Your Grace,
I hope you will pardon the liberty I take in addressing you. We have not had the honour of a formal introduction, though I have heard a great deal of you from a common acquaintance—Miss Fiona Hart.
Christian’s heart stuttered.
I write first to express my thanks for the kindness you extended to Miss Hart following her unfortunate accident earlier this year.
She speaks of her stay at Thornwick Castle with the greatest gratitude, and I understand that you took considerable care to ensure her comfort and safety during her recovery.
Such attentions are not easily forgotten, and I thought it only proper that you should know they are sincerely appreciated.
I also wished to assure you that Miss Hart is in good health.
She is presently residing with your aunt, Lady Ashworth, and has been received in society with all the grace and composure that one might expect of a lady of her character.
While there has been some unkind speculation regarding the circumstances of her stay in Yorkshire, the matter has not proved so damaging as many feared, and there is every reason to believe that she will make an excellent match before the Season concludes.
Christian’s blood ran cold.
Indeed, it is partly on that account that I venture to write to you today.
Lord Weston, the third son of the Marquess of Hartington, has of late shown Miss Hart a marked degree of attention.
He is a gentleman of excellent character and comfortable fortune, and it is widely believed that he intends to make a formal declaration of his intentions within the fortnight.
Miss Hart has not yet accepted him, of course, though I see little reason she should refuse.
Lord Weston possesses every quality that might recommend a man to a prudent young lady—kindness of disposition, respectable connections, and a future of undeniable security.
A match between them would, I imagine, do much to quiet whatever unfortunate rumours have arisen.
I thought it right that you should hear of these developments. Miss Hart speaks of you with such warmth that I cannot but suppose you hold her in some esteem, and I would be sorry if news of her engagement were to reach you first through the gossip of society rather than by a more direct hand.
I remain, Your Grace,
Your obedient servant,
A Friend