in society, indeed,” she said, a little sharply. “She has made an excellent first impression and will continue to do so.”
Rebecca swallowed hard, a little uncertain as to why Lady Kensington had spoken so. Had Rebecca done something to upset her in some way, even though they had not been introduced until this moment? Or was there a warning there? A warning for Rebecca to be careful as she mixed with the ton, even though she was safe and secure with the guidance of Lady Hayward?
“A single word whispered by one to another can start something truly terrible,” Lady Kensington said with a shake of her head as another sigh left her lips. “A single action can affect the rest of your life, Lady Rebecca. It can steal your future, your happiness, and your reputation, plunging you into great misery.” Another shake of her head accompanied this, although Rebecca felt nothing more than fright, completely unable to understand why Lady Kensington should speak so. “I should be very upset indeed if such a thing should happen to you.”
“It will not,” Lady Hayward said decisively, taking a small step in front of Rebecca so that Lady Kensington was forced to look at her rather than keep her gaze fixed to Rebecca. “Now, if you will excuse us, Lady Kensington, there are others we must greet.”
With a sweep of her skirts, Lady Kensington stepped aside and lowered her head as though she were some sort of subject and Lady Hayward a great noble. With a tight nod, Lady Hayward moved away from Lady Kensington, taking Rebecca, Anna, and Selina with her.
“Have you ever spoken to her before, Lady Rebecca?” Lady Hayward asked, keeping her voice low as they walked across the park, her eyes serious as she looked at Rebecca. “I must know.”
“No,” Rebecca said, shaking her head. “No, I have never met the lady before, Lady Hayward. I can assure you of that.”
Lady Hayward bit her lip then gave herself a slight shake. “I do not like Lady Kensington,” she said bluntly. “But what she said to you was very strange indeed. I do not know what she means, nor do I understand why it was directed at you.”
Rebecca let out a slow breath, aware that she had been frightened by Lady Kensington’s warning words. She had no knowledge of what the lady had meant nor why she had been spoken to in such a direct manner. Swallowing hard, she took in a steadying breath before speaking again.
“There is nothing to fear, surely,” she said softly as Lady Hayward looked at her. “If I am with you as my chaperone, or with my father, then there is nothing I need to be anxious about.”
This seemed to buoy Lady Hayward’s spirits a little, for the coldness left her eyes, and she nodded.
“Yes, of course,” she said a little more firmly. “You have, as I have said, made an excellent impression upon society thus far. I trust that you will not be tempted to ever step away from your chaperone by a gentleman’s pleas.” Her eyes narrowed just a fraction. “Not even if it is one that you are inclined towards.”
Knowing that she spoke of Lord Richmond, Rebecca flushed but held Lady Hayward’s gaze. “Never,” she promised, having every intention of doing so. “I shall never do so, Lady Hayward. And on that, you have my word.”
Chapter Nine
Walking into the ballroom, Jeffery let out a long breath and set his shoulders, keeping his head high and refusing to allow any whispers to affect him in any way. He had been invited here this evening and had accepted, glad to know that Lady Rebecca, as well as a few other friends, would be present to greet him. Not that he had any intention of dancing with Lady Rebecca, even though he desperately wished to. To speak to her was one thing, but to take her in his arms was quite another, even if it would be just to dance. The beau monde would take note of it, especially if it were just Lady Rebecca that he danced with.
Keeping to the side, Jeffery continued further into the room but remained in the shadows. There was no need for him to step out into the crowd yet. Most of the ton wanted to be seen this evening, whilst he wanted to make certain that his presence was not so obvious. Yes, he had some friends here this evening, but most of the ton would watch him