visiting Chatwick Hall and seeing all that Ashington had to offer her, why wouldn’t she set her sights on being his wife? However, I knew Miss Bathurst and no amount of material wealth would draw her in. There had to be something more that happened.
“Am I to believe a wedding is to be announced soon then?” I asked, trying not to sound as bitter and jealous as I felt. There was time to turn this around, but at the expense of her happiness would be difficult for me. When had I become a man who cared for others feelings? Why now?
“Oh, no, I do not believe so. I haven’t seen Lord Ashington since our return. I am sure he has been busy.” She stopped then and I could see the flicker of pain in her eyes before she turned her face to gaze off down the garden path and away from me.
This scenario was one I could work with more easily.
“The Earl of Ashington does have much weighing on him. I wouldn’t give it too much thought. He will come around once his load lightens,” I assured her then motioned a hand toward the ballroom. “For now, would you return with me to the ballroom? I believe I am next on your dance card.”
That brought a smile to her face and I felt like a hero of sorts. Hugh might find he needed time to think over his decision and while he did that, I would move forward with my own. Miriam Bathurst was unique and I found getting her out of my thoughts was impossible. Her beauty alone was a fierce weapon, but yet one she did not wield. Her choice not to use such a power only made her more desirable. I was willing to admit that she had changed my plans.
“I thought perhaps he may attend tonight,” Miriam said as we walked back to the ballroom.
“Ashington is often late. He may perhaps be there when we arrive,” I replied. Another lie so easily spoken. Guilt gnawed at my gut. Ashington was, in fact, inside the ballroom. I did not know whom he would be speaking to or if he would be dancing, but he hadn’t gone looking for Miriam. Someone else was occupying his time.
“Perhaps,” she agreed as we stepped onto the veranda and back into the warmth of the crowed room.
“Do you require a refreshment before we dance?” I asked her, not allowing myself to search for Hugh.
Miriam, however, was already doing so and I watched as she scanned the room. She glanced up at me and shook her head. “No, I am fine,” she replied.
Taking her hand and placing it on my arm, I led her toward the floor just as my eyes found Hugh. He was speaking to none other than Lydia Ramsbury and her mother. They were both openly delighted with the attention. All of London knew of his trip to the country with Miriam and her family. His speaking with Lydia made it appear as if that hadn’t been quite as important as the gossip papers thought it was.
Miriam stiffened beside me and I knew she too had found my arse of a brother. Although his stupidity helped me, it also infuriated me. I knew this was difficult for Miriam to see and I wanted to see her smile. I preferred to see her happy. A life with my brother would never make her happy. It was best she learned that now. Before it was much too late.
“She pales in comparison to you,” I whispered in her ear, before taking her arm and turning her toward me as the music began again.
Miriam was the one who was pale, however, and the pain in her face was so clear I realized she had truly come to care for my brother. She had been expecting more with their return to London than she had received. Yet, once again, he had turned his back on someone who thought he cared. I understood that more than she knew. Trusting the Earl of Ashington was a slippery slope and I feared I was too late to save Miriam from the fall. I would, however, be there to lighten the impact.
“I believe she is lovely,” Miriam whispered, looking stricken.
“Lydia is lovely but when compared to you, one fails to notice,” I clarified.
Miriam looked up at me then and forced the smallest of smiles. “You don’t have to make this better.”
“I know. However seeing the pain that is very