Mistaken for a Rake - Rose Pearson Page 0,34

was very wrong indeed.

“Perhaps to Whites.”

“I will go with you, of course,” Lord Swinton said slowly, reaching out to put one hand on Jeffery’s arm as though he feared he might suddenly faint. “Whatever has been said, it is clearly of great consequence.”

“Good evening, Lord Richmond!”

Before he could prevent it, a loud groan escaped from Jeffery’s lips as he turned his head, seeing the shock immediately jump onto the features of Lady Rebecca and Lady Hayward. Lady Rebecca’s face went from white to crimson in only a few moments, leaving Jeffery struggling to explain himself, noting out of the corner of his eye Lady Rebecca’s two sisters, who stood talking together whilst watching him with suspicious eyes.

“There has been some severe news,” he heard Lord Swinton express as he himself struggled to find what he might say to Lady Rebecca. “Lord Richmond has only just heard it.”

“I see,” Lady Hayward replied, a tightness about her lips that had not been there only moments before. “I do hope all is well, Lord Richmond.”

Jeffery took in a long breath and forced himself to speak calmly. “You are very kind, Lady Hayward,” he said slowly, suddenly wondering which of Lady Kensington’s friends would be watching such an interaction so that she might then tell the lady thereafter. “It has been something of a shock.”

“I am sorry to hear it,” Lady Rebecca replied, her eyes searching his face as he glanced at her. “I had thought to come and converse with you this evening for a short while, but perhaps now is not the best time to do so.”

Jeffery did not answer, only for Lord Swinton to clear his throat and elbow him hard in the ribs, shifting his stance just a little so as to cover his actions. Jeffery gave himself a slight shake, looking into the concerned eyes of Lady Rebecca and trying his best to speak with both consideration and appreciation.

“Your concern is appreciated, Lady Rebecca,” he said, inclining his head. “What was it you wished to speak of?”

She looked thoroughly confused. “Whatever came to mind,” she replied as Lady Hayward and Lord Swinton began to speak quietly. “But if you are troubled, then I must make certain not to disturb you.”

Jeffery closed his eyes again, remembering the harsh words of Lady Kensington and finding himself drawing close to despair. He wanted desperately to linger in Lady Rebecca’s presence, wanted urgently to converse with her, to see her smile and to speak with an openness of heart that he had not yet had with any young lady of his acquaintance. And yet to do so would be to put her in a little more danger, given just what Lady Kensington had threatened.

“I think, Lady Rebecca, that for the moment, it might be best for you to step away from me,” he said bluntly. “I do not mean to cause you ill nor to appear ungrateful for your willingness to befriend me and to speak to me when within society, but there are matters at hand that could endanger your reputation all the more.”

“And I have told you that I am willing to take such a risk,” Lady Rebecca said firmly, but Jeffery shook his head.

“I am not,” he replied as her eyes flared for a moment, spots of color lingering on her cheeks. “Your reputation, your character, and your sweetness of heart are all much too important, of too much consequence for me to allow them to be trampled for my sake, Lady Rebecca.”

He watched as her color heightened, clearly caught between appreciation of his remark and frustration at being told she could no longer be so acquainted with him. He could not blame her for her confusion, given that only two days prior, he had been thankful and eager for her continued acquaintance and now was telling her that, instead, there ought to be nothing further between them. One moment he had been pulling her towards him, the next, pushing her away.

“Lord Richmond,” Lady Rebecca said softly, moving just a little closer and looking up into his eyes. “Something has happened, has it not?”

He looked away. “Please, Lady Rebecca.”

“Something that is deeply troubling, no doubt,” she continued, ignoring him. “You are not alone in this, Lord Richmond. You need not push me away. You know very well that I am glad to be acquainted with you.” Her eyes flickered. “Are we never to have the opportunity to know each other a little better?”

He took a deep breath, remembering with horror