Mistaken for a Rake - Rose Pearson Page 0,37

Swinton and Lord Richmond and invited them to call. In fact, Rebecca considered, the less they were aware of, the better.

“I am not certain I would be glad to share company with Lord Richmond, Rebecca,” Lady Anna said slowly, her brow suddenly furrowing. “What if he—”

A scratch at the door interrupted them, and Rebecca rose to her feet at once, her heart hammering furiously as the butler came in. Had he come? Had he agreed to see her once more, even though he had spoken with such evident determination last evening?

“Lord Swinton, my lady,” the butler said, glancing at Lady Anna and Lady Selina as though making certain she was not alone. “And Lord Richmond.”

Rebecca swallowed hard, her nervousness beginning to climb up within her. “But of course,” she said quickly. “Some tea trays, if you please.”

The butler nodded, and, in a moment, both Lord Swinton and Lord Richmond were bowing towards the three ladies, with Lord Richmond looking all about the room as though he had expected Lady Hayward to be present.

“My father has had to return to his business affairs,” Rebecca said, by way of explanation. “Please, do be seated.” She gestured to two chairs, and, much to her relief, Lord Swinton stepped forward at once and took the seat closest to her two sisters. They both blushed furiously at his warm and charming smile, engaging him quickly in conversation and leaving Rebecca free to speak to Lord Richmond.

“Lord Richmond,” Rebecca murmured, seeing the way that he sat down almost gingerly in a chair, as if uncertain as to whether or not he would be welcome. “You were willing to call.”

Blue eyes reached hers. “I am still uncertain about my visit, Lady Rebecca,” he said gruffly. “But I find that the thought of refusing such an invitation is much too painful.”

Rebecca’s heart quickened. Was he trying to tell her that he too was drawn to her much in the way that she felt drawn to him? It was such an inexplicable feeling, and Rebecca could not even find the words to truly express it, but a flicker of hope burned within her heart as she looked into his eyes, seeing both misery and happiness there.

“And what of your troubles, Lord Richmond?” she asked softly. “Are they still as great as last evening?”

He nodded. “Worse, in fact,” he told her. “But I shall not bring them to your attention, Lady Rebecca. What I will say is that I do not feel I can be in your company in such a way as this very often, even if I find myself all the more eager to do so.”

Her lips curved into an immediate smile as Lord Richmond looked away, seeming a little self-conscious. “You mean to say that you wish to further our acquaintance?”

Lord Richmond sighed and raised one hand to his eyes before dropping it again. “I—I do, Lady Rebecca,” he admitted. “I find myself thinking of you often, and, even though we are not particularly well acquainted, I cannot help but...” Trailing off, he gave her a small, rueful smile. “I try my best to protect you, Lady Rebecca, and then the next moment, I do the very opposite of what I know would be best.”

“I am glad you do,” Rebecca told him, quietly, so that her sisters would not overhear—although, given the laughter that came from them, she did not think that they were even paying attention to her. “Are you able to tell me what troubles you so? I would be glad to do what I can to help.”

Immediately, Lord Richmond held up both hands. “I cannot,” he said firmly. “I will not. My troubles are not for your ears, Lady Rebecca. All I wish to do at present is converse with you as any other gentleman might.” His expression softened, and he dropped his hands. “To pretend that I have no other difficulties at present.”

Rebecca smiled back at him, for whilst this was not the resolve she had wanted, it was satisfactory to her. “Very well,” she agreed quietly. “Then let us converse, Lord Richmond. What is it you would like to speak of?”

He chuckled. “Books,” he said with a grin. “I have recalled the name of the novel I found so interesting the first day we met, Lady Rebecca.”

“Oh?” Her hand reached for something tucked down the side of her chair, finding it and then quickly pulling it free. “Might it be this?” A laugh escaped her at the astonishment in his face, the