was the look of embarrassment that was now etched across his face, his cheeks warm and his eyes darting from one place to the next, or perhaps it was simply that she was, in fact, a little interested to know what it was that had caught his attention with such fervor.
“It is...a novel,” he replied, clearly still a little embarrassed. “Nothing of particular interest, but I found myself drawn in.” He cleared his throat and set the book down. “It is not the sort of book I usually engage with, but on this occasion...” He shrugged, and then, his gaze shifting to something over Rebecca’s shoulder, cleared his throat abruptly and inclined his head. “Good afternoon, Lady Hayward.”
Rebecca turned at once, surprised at the expression on Lady Hayward’s face. She was not smiling but was looking at the gentleman with sharp eyes, her lips thin and her brows furrowed.
“Good afternoon, Lord Richmond,” she said, a coldness in her voice that Rebecca had not heard before. “I see that you are acquainting yourself with my charge.”
Lord Richmond’s face lost all color as he looked back at Lady Hayward, making Rebecca wonder what had been implied by such a remark. Looking from one to the next, she was forced to make a small murmur towards Lady Hayward, clearly requesting an introduction that, as yet, had not been made.
Lady Hayward did not look pleased.
“Might I present Lady Rebecca, daughter to the Duke of Landon,” she said tightly. “Lady Rebecca, this is the Marquess of Richmond.”
A little surprised at Lady Hayward’s fierce reaction to a gentleman that was of such a good title, Rebecca curtsied quickly and hoped that her astonishment did not show in her expression. “How very good to meet you, Lord Richmond,” she said, as he bowed formally towards her. “You are in town for the Season, then?”
“I am,” Lord Richmond replied as Lady Hayward took a small step closer to Rebecca as though attempting to stand directly between her and Lord Richmond. Rebecca did not understand what was occurring and thus merely looked at Lady Hayward for a long moment, only for the lady to turn her gaze back towards Lord Richmond.
“You intend to remain in London, then?” Lady Hayward asked, her voice still tight, her words clipped. “You will stay for the rest of the Season?”
Lord Richmond drew himself up. His shoulders rose, his chin lifted, and he gazed back at Lady Hayward with something akin to frustration flickering in his eyes.
“I will remain in London, Lady Hayward, for there is no reason for me to depart,” he said, coolly. “You may wish to believe the rumors, but I will stand before you now and state unequivocally that I am innocent of any wrongdoing.”
Rebecca shifted uncomfortably, aware of the tension that was now growing between both Lord Richmond and Lady Hayward. She had no knowledge as to what they spoke of, but it was clear that Lady Hayward’s apparent dislike of Lord Richmond came from something he had evidently done. Something that he, it seemed, was now vehemently denying.
“You will hardly wish to believe me, of course,” Lord Richmond continued, “but surely you know, Lady Hayward, that rumors and gossip can often come from something that is entirely different from what is being spoken of. Whispers grow into all manner of stories until the person involved in such a tale has no other choice but to hide away from society until it passes from the beau monde’s sphere. And that might well take many months, if not years, in some cases. Therefore, I have decided I shall not return to my estate, for in doing so, I believe that I would make it quite plain that I have something to hide from, that there is some truth in these rumors. Therefore, I am not doing so. I shall remain here without fear and without reservation.”
Lady Hayward did not reply for some moments. She considered Lord Richmond, looking at him steadily, although her expression did not change. Rebecca said nothing, wondering what it was that Lord Richmond had apparently done yet knowing that she could not ask outright.
“Regardless of whether or not you are innocent or guilty of such rumors, Lord Richmond, you must be aware that you cannot linger by the side of a lady such as this,” Lady Hayward remarked, gesturing to Rebecca. “A daughter of a duke, who is in London for the very first time?” She shook her head at him, clearly all the more displeased.