Mistaken for a Rake - Rose Pearson Page 0,29

more than brief conversations, Lord Richmond,” Lady Hayward said firmly. “Nothing that would bring any overt notice from the ton. I am sure you understand.”

Lord Richmond nodded. “But of course,” he replied, still looking very pleased indeed. “I am very grateful for your consideration, Lady Hayward.” His eyes turned towards Rebecca. “And to you, also, Lady Rebecca. It is not very often that one finds a young lady of quality, particularly one on her very first outing within society, so willing to believe a gentleman proclaimed guilty of such things.”

There was no reasonable way to explain why she felt such a way, and thus, Rebecca could only remain standing quietly, dropping her eyes to the floor as Lady Hayward cleared her throat gently.

“If you would excuse me for a moment,” Lady Hayward murmured, astonishing Rebecca by leaving her standing alone with Lord Richmond. “I must refresh my drink.” Giving Rebecca a somewhat firm look, which told her that she would only be a few minutes and that propriety was expected at all times, Lady Hayward took her leave, staying only a few steps away from them both.

Rebecca did not know what to say, allowing her gaze to rest on Lord Richmond and noting that he too appeared a little uncomfortable. His eyes were darting from one side of the room to the next, never quite looking at her as he clasped his hands behind his back and shuffled his feet. This was not as Rebecca had expected. She had hoped that the conversation between them would flow easily, but it seemed that he was just as uncertain as to what to say as she.

“When last we met, you were interested in a particular book,” she said, feeling a little foolish. “Tell me, Lord Richmond, are you a great reader?”

Blue eyes met hers, and Lord Richmond gave her a brief shrug. “I should like to be, Lady Rebecca, but I fear I am not,” he answered as she smiled up at him. “Unfortunately, I cannot even recall the name of the book I was interested in, Lady Rebecca, else I might have been able to discuss it with you!”

“That does not matter,” Rebecca replied quickly. “I am only relieved that we are able to converse again, Lord Richmond. I did not think that Lady Hayward would permit it.”

“Again,” he replied, his expression gentling as he finally allowed himself to look at her, “I am honored by your belief in me, Lady Rebecca. Particularly when it is entirely unmerited.”

She shook her head. “It is not unmerited, Lord Richmond. There are those in society who do not accept what has been said of you. You have friends who know you well. They do not believe the account of such scandalous events. Why should I trust the gossip mongers instead of those who know you better than they?”

Lord Richmond studied her carefully, his eyes searching her face as though seeking some sort of confirmation that she was speaking the truth. And then, after some moments, he sighed and passed one hand over his eyes.

“I am very blessed in your acquaintance, I think,” he said softly. “And for that, Lady Rebecca, I thank you. You are taking a risk to your own reputation in even conversing with me.”

“And one I am willing to take,” Rebecca replied quietly. “Perhaps we might speak again soon, Lord Richmond. Perhaps by then, you will have remembered the name of your book!” Her lips quirked, recalling that she herself was the one who had the book in her possession. This, in turn, made Lord Richmond chuckle, and he inclined his head.

“I should be very glad to do so, Lady Rebecca,” he replied with a grin. “But only at an appropriate time.” His smile faded a little. “I am sure that you will have a good many acquaintances to speak to otherwise.”

“But I shall make certain to seek you out, Lord Richmond,” Rebecca said, aware that there was a promise in her words that she would have to fulfill. “On that, I am quite determined.”

There was no time for them to say more, for Lady Hayward soon reappeared, and Rebecca was required to excuse herself from Lord Richmond’s presence. But she could not hide the smile on her face as she crossed the room, feeling happiness and contentment within her heart that had not been there for some time.

Chapter Seven

“You see? Not everyone is rejecting you.”

Jeffery gave Lord Swinton a sharp glance. “Yes, I am well aware that there are those