Mistaken for a Rake - Rose Pearson Page 0,21
She waited for Rebecca to respond and, aware of the truth of what was said, Rebecca could only sigh, nod, and look away.
“I do not know what it is about Lord Richmond that has caught your attention so, but I can assure you that there will be plenty of other gentlemen who are eager to make your acquaintance,” Lady Hayward finished, putting a hand on Rebecca’s arm. “Come now, let us go in search of your sisters. And perhaps you might like to find something to purchase also?”
On instinct, Rebecca reached for the book that Lord Richmond had put down, picking it up and studying it for a moment. “Yes,” she said slowly, knowing that Lady Hayward would have no knowledge of why she had chosen this particular book and yet feeling a small stab of guilt in doing so. “I should like to purchase this one, I think. And perhaps another also.”
“You enjoy reading?”
Lady Hayward was smiling now, clearly glad that their discussion about Lord Richmond was at an end.
“I do,” Rebecca replied honestly. “My sisters are not at all inclined to do so, however, so I shall be very surprised indeed if they have found anything of interest!”
This made Lady Hayward laugh, and the remaining tension that had lingered ever since Lord Richmond had left their company quickly dissipated.
“Then let us go and see what they have discovered,” Lady Hayward said as Rebecca nodded and followed after her. “And I thank you for your understanding, Lady Rebecca. Society can be a very difficult thing to traverse, and you are doing very well thus far. I should not like you to injure yourself in any way.”
“You are doing your very best to protect and guide me, and for that, I am truly appreciative,” Rebecca replied, trying not to look down at the book in her hand as a fresh wave of guilt thrust itself, hard at her soul. “It must be very difficult for Lord Richmond, but I ought not to think of his difficulties at present but look entirely to my own situation.”
Lady Hayward glanced over her shoulder, a small smile on her face. “That is it precisely, Lady Rebecca,” she stated, clearly satisfied. “And tonight’s ball will be another opportunity for you to further your own situation. I am sure that, by this evening, you will have forgotten about Lord Richmond entirely.”
Rebecca said nothing and waited as Lady Hayward went to speak to her sisters. Despite her awareness of the situation, despite her knowledge that she ought not to be thinking of the gentleman any longer, the way he had spoken to Lady Hayward and the way he had drawn himself up in defense, would not leave her mind. Whilst Lady Hayward might be quite certain that Rebecca would be able to forget him, Rebecca herself did not think it would be as simple as she expected. Lord Richmond had captured her attention in a single moment and, for whatever reason, Rebecca found she did not want to remove him from her thoughts, even if it might be the best thing for her.
Chapter Five
“Are you certain you should be here?”
Jeffery drew himself up, looking hard at Lord Swinton as he prepared to make his defense, but his friend quickly held up both hands in a defensive gesture.
“What I mean to say is, whilst you have been invited and whilst you are, of course, welcome to attend, do you believe that it is in your best interest to be here?” He studied Jeffery carefully. “The rumors have only just begun.”
“I am aware of that,” Jeffery replied tightly. “But I am determined to prove to the ton that I am not about to hide away as though I am guilty.”
Lord Swinton drew in a breath and then shrugged. “I suppose that is one way to go about things,” he replied, a trifle begrudgingly. “However, what if you are thoroughly rejected by the ton? That will not make for a pleasant Season.”
“It is better than hiding away, knowing that such rumors are being whispered,” Jeffery remarked, hiding the true extent of his frustration from his friend. “There is no truth in what they say of me. I am not the sort of gentleman to steal another man’s wife!”
An expression of sympathy appeared on Lord Swinton’s face. “I am aware of that,” he replied, a little more kindly. “As are, I am sure, many within the beau monde. But not everyone will accept such a thing. I am, of course, attempting