in society who are glad to have my company still,” he said a little doubtfully. “Although some, I am sure, relish the fact that the beau monde will talk about their event a little more due to my presence here.” This, he was certain, was the case this evening, for the evening assembly was hosted by Lord and Lady Crawford, who were both well known to enjoy speaking of and spreading as many rumors as they could.
Lord Swinton shrugged. “You did not have to attend.”
Jeffery knew that such a statement was true but did not allow himself to admit it to his friend. The only reason he had come this evening was the hope that Lady Rebecca might be present, that she might be willing to come and speak to him again. He had not, as yet, told Lord Swinton of what had occurred at the soiree a few evenings ago and, thus far, had no particular eagerness to do so. His friend would, no doubt, find it very interesting indeed and would want to discuss all manner of things before Jeffery himself could think of what such an interest meant.
Lady Rebecca was quite extraordinary in that way. She appeared to be eager to be in his company, even though it was quite clear that to do so could cause difficulties for her own reputation. On top of which, she was remarkably pretty, the daughter of a duke, and was present within society for the sole reason of finding a suitable husband.
But no, he was being foolish. A gentleman with a stained reputation such as he could not even think of pursuing a lady like that. Particularly when her chaperone had made it very clear indeed that there was only to be the briefest of conversations.”
“Lord Richmond?”
Jeffery turned, a little surprised to see a footman standing there. Was he about to be asked to leave the evening assembly? Had his hosts changed their minds about his presence here? “Yes?”
“If you might follow me, my lord,” the footman said, bowing and gesturing behind him. “There is someone who wishes to speak to you in private.”
Jeffery frowned and did not immediately move. “Might I ask who it is?”
The footman’s expression did not change. “Lord Merrick, I believe,” he said calmly. “There is something of particular urgency.”
Immediately, Jeffery excused himself from Lord Swinton. “I should go at once,” he said as Lord Swinton nodded understandingly. “I do hope he is all right.”
“I am sure it will be nothing of great importance,” Lord Swinton replied encouragingly. “Do come and join me again once your conversation is over.” A grin flickered across his face. “I should like to know who or what has been distracting you so greatly these last few minutes.”
Jeffery laughed and shook his head before quickly following after the footman. He was led to another door, far from the other guests in a dimly lit part of the house. The footman said nothing further but opened the door for him, standing ready to close it again the moment Jeffery stepped inside.
“Oh, Richmond!”
In an instant, Jeffery knew he had made a mistake. The familiar voice that reached him was not that of Lord Merrick. Instead, it was that of Lady Kensington, who had risen out of her chair and was now standing with her hands held out towards him, her eyes fixed to his.
Fear swam in his belly. If he was discovered, then his reputation as a rogue and a scoundrel would be solidified. He would have no choice but to leave London, unable to protest his innocence any longer. A vision of Lady Rebecca came into his mind, pain stabbing his heart as he realized he would have to forget about her entirely, aware of just how much pain he would cause her if caught. She would realize that everything he had said had been a falsehood. There would be no opportunity to explain himself further.
“I want nothing to do with this,” he growled, stepping back from her and towards the door again. “You should not have done this, Lady Kensington.”
“Oh, please, Lord Richmond!” Tears sparkled in her eyes, but Jeffery shook his head and pulled at the door handle.
It did not open.
He tried again but it remained fixed in place. Closing his eyes, he took in a steadying breath before turning back to Lady Kensington, anger ripping through him now.
“Have your man open this door at once!” he demanded as Lady Kensington remained precisely where she was, looking entirely woebegone. “I