Mistaken for a Rake - Rose Pearson Page 0,38

way his eyes widened as she handed him the very book he had been about to mention. The conversation to her right lapsed for a moment, only to resume quickly as Lord Swinton continued the discussion with her sisters. Rebecca’s smile remained as Lord Richmond stared down at the book before lifting his eyes to hers.

“I have read it,” she confessed as Lord Richmond shook his head in evident astonishment. “I thought, mayhap, once you also have done so, we might then be able to discuss it together.”

“I see,” Lord Richmond murmured, still clearly astonished by what she had done. “That is very kind of you, Lady Rebecca. I am touched by your thoughtfulness.”

Her heart lifted. “Something to pull you from your current troubles, mayhap?” she asked gently. “A way to escape.”

Lord Richmond let out a long breath, nodded, and smiled at her again. “Indeed,” he agreed softly. “Thank you, Lady Rebecca. I am very grateful, indeed.”

The visit was over much too quickly, and Rebecca rose to her feet as the two gentlemen came to take their leave.

“Good afternoon, Lord Richmond,” she said, bobbing a quick curtsy. “I hope it will not be too long before we can speak so again.”

Lord Richmond opened his mouth as though he wanted to agree with her, only to lapse quickly into silence. Behind her, Lord Swinton was taking his leave of her sisters, and Rebecca knew she only had a few moments left with Lord Richmond.

“Perhaps you might call again,” she suggested, knowing that she was speaking much more boldly than any young lady ought. “Or we shall meet at the ball tomorrow evening?”

Sighing heavily, Lord Richmond dropped his head and then lifted it, looking back towards her. “We must be cautious, Lady Rebecca,” he said quietly. “I can make no promises to you. Society is still against me, and I fear what will happen to you should you be seen too often in my company.” A small smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “But yes, I should be glad to see you again at the ball tomorrow evening.”

“And might you be bold enough to dance with me?” she asked, aware of the heat that rushed into her face as she spoke. “If Lady Hayward permits, of course.”

He hesitated, clear concern written in his features. “I will consider it, Lady Rebecca,” he promised, eventually, as Lord Swinton came to take his leave from her. “Good afternoon.”

A swirl of both disappointment and hope rose within her as she bid farewell to both gentlemen. Watching them as they left, her breath hitched as Lord Richmond glanced over his shoulder towards her, a smile spreading across his face for a moment before he turned his head away and finally left the room.

“Rebecca!”

She turned quickly to see both sisters looking at her with wide eyes.

“Yes?” she asked, trying to keep her voice calm. “Whatever is the matter?”

Lady Anna laughed as Lady Selina rolled her eyes.

“We are not blind, Rebecca!” she exclaimed as Rebecca blushed. “Lord Richmond was clearly quite taken with you.”

“Nonsense,” Rebecca replied with a wave of her hand. “It is only that he and I did not wish to interrupt the conversation that both of you were having with Lord Swinton.” She arched one eyebrow. “He appeared to be very taken with the both of you, in fact!”

Pink rose in Lady Selina’s cheeks, but Rebecca’s words did not seem to influence Lady Anna in any way.

“Now you are being ridiculous,” she declared stoutly. “And you will have to inform Lady Hayward of his interest, Rebecca. She must know of such things.”

Panic began to surge in Rebecca’s chest. “I hardly think that is necessary,” she said quickly. “Unless you wish to inform her of every gentleman that has called this afternoon?”

Lady Anna frowned but said nothing more, looking to her sister for support but, much to Rebecca’s relief, Lady Selina merely rose to her feet and then made her way to the door.

“We should prepare for the fashionable hour,” she said mildly, looking back over her shoulder. “Lady Hayward will be here very soon.”

Rebecca smiled and followed after her. “Yes, of course,” she agreed, leaving Lady Anna to trail after them both, her expression one of frustration that the discussion had come to an end. “I should not like to be tardy.”

Hurrying back to her room, Rebecca felt her heart lift as she remembered all that she had discussed with Lord Richmond. It had felt quite effortless, as though there had been no difficulties with