A Christmas Match (Landon House #4) - Rose Pearson Page 0,24
some way, in recompense for both of the times that Lord Hosmer has assisted me with Lord Amundsen. If Lord Hosmer is truly contented, as he has said, then then I am more than willing to accept such a thing.”
Ramsbury chuckled, a broad smile spreading across his face. Benedict willed him not to say a word, silently begged him to remain quiet, but it was of little use. Ramsbury was already speaking.
“Lady Charity, I will tell you quite openly that Hosmer is not at all contented,” he said, one eyebrow lifting in an almost superior manner. “I will not state why, but I am quite certain that, with your own awareness of Hosmer’s behavior, you must struggle to accept such a statement from him!”
Benedict glowered at his friend, now praying that Lady Hayward would step in and state that such a suggestion, whilst well meant by Lady Charity, was not required and that they might as well leave the matter alone. However, one look towards Lady Hayward, and Benedict realized that she was quite enjoying the conversation, seemingly just as interested in what Ramsbury was saying as Lady Charity herself!
“I – I do not know what to think, Lord Ramsbury,” Lady Charity replied, clearly a little awkward now as she folded her hands in her lap and dared another glance towards him. “But I should not pry, of course.”
Lady Ramsbury held up both hands.
“Of course, of course you should not pry, and it is clear that you are not doing so either,” she replied, a twinkle in her eye. “But Lord Hosmer ought to be very careful indeed of speaking such untruths amongst friends!” She laughed at Benedict’s hard gaze, ignoring the clear frustration in his expression. “I am certain that Lord Hosmer is not at all contented, Lady Charity, and I am all the more certain that anything you can do to improve his time here in London will be gladly accepted.” Her eyes turned back to Benedict, as though daring him to disagree. “Although, Lady Charity, I think that you have a very difficult task ahead of you!”
Benedict did not know what to say. He wanted to throw up his hands, to demand that Lord and Lady Ramsbury stop their nonsense and leave him to himself, just as he had asked Ramsbury to do, so many times. But yet, something restrained him. Lady Charity was, Benedict realized, attempting to be generous in both spirit and in action and she was doing so solely in an attempt to show gratitude for his kindness. Try as he might, he could not see any clear way for him to refuse such a thing, not when Lord and Lady Ramsbury were clearly so eager and when Lady Hayward was present also. To do so would appear to be churlish and a little rude – something he did not want to display towards Lady Charity.
“Truly, Lady Charity, there is no particular need,” he found himself saying, as Lady Charity turned to look at him. “You are very kind indeed to wish to repay me in such a way but I am being very truthful indeed when I state that I am quite contented as I am.” His lips curved in a rueful smile. “Contented in my melancholy.”
“Which, I must say, is growing a little tiresome,” Ramsbury chuckled, making Lady Charity flush – although whether from humor or embarrassment, Benedict did not know. “Lady Charity, I shall be very pleased indeed if you can manage to improve Hosmer’s demeanor although, as my wife has said, I think it will prove to be very difficult indeed!”
“Then I shall be glad to try,” Lady Charity replied, no longer looking towards Benedict who, feeling rather defeated, flopped down into a chair and looked about to see if there was any brandy to hand. “So long as you have no objections, Lord Hosmer?”
Benedict turned his head to look at Lady Charity. There was a slight hesitation in her expression, her hazel eyes swirling with clouds that sparkled with browns and greens. Lady Hayward was not making any particular protest, Benedict noted, for she sat quietly and waited for his response, clearly quite contented with the discussion that was taking place at present. He drew in a long breath, resigned to the fact that he would not be able to protest or refuse in these current circumstances. His only hope would be to very quickly ensure that Lady Charity realized just how much he was disinclined towards the idea