character!”
“Ours is not to reason why,” Jeffery quipped before turning to face the crowd a little more. His stomach twisted as he remembered what Lady Kensington had said. “It appears that Lady Kensington has introduced herself to Lady Rebecca,” he told his friend, seeing the widening of Lord Swinton’s eyes and nodding gravely. “I do not know what I am to do, but I certainly do not like the thought of such an acquaintance.”
“Speaking of the lady…” Lord Swinton gestured just a little ahead of them, where Jeffery spotted Lady Rebecca dancing with another gentleman, her steps sure and certain. She was, he considered, the most elegant of dancers, a gentle smile on her face as she continued through the dance. A sigh slipped from his mouth as he realized it was a pleasure he would not be able to enjoy for some time, given that his reputation was still very much being questioned.
“You think very well of her.”
“I do,” Jeffery replied without hesitation. “There is no shame in that, I think. She is quite extraordinary, given that she has shown so much judgment and refuses to be pulled into the gossip of the ton. She does not believe what is said without question, refuses to accept something as truth when it might well not be so.” Glancing at Lord Swinton, he gave a small, wry smile. “I cannot help but think well of her. I cannot help but want to improve my acquaintance with her, even though I believe it would be best for her to remain far from me.”
Lord Swinton chuckled. “I doubt you would be able to do so, even if you wished to,” he replied as the dance came to a close. “Lady Rebecca has a firmness of mind and a sureness of spirit that I believe even you would not be able to stand against.”
Jeffery made to say more, only for Lady Rebecca’s eyes to alight on his, her lips instantly curving into a smile as she curtsied towards her partner, thanking him for the dance. Feeling the quickened beat of his heart, the awareness of his desire to draw close to her, Jeffery dropped his head and looked away, not wanting anyone in the ballroom to notice their connection.
“Might I ask,” Lord Swinton said slowly, clearly aware of all that Jeffery felt at present. “If you were not in such difficulties, would you consider courting Lady Rebecca?”
The answer came to Jeffery’s lips in an instant and without a modicum of hesitation. “Of course, I would do so,” he said. “I think her the most extraordinary lady. She is beautiful, wise in her considerations, intelligent in her speech, and, as you have said, quite determined.” Yet, even as he spoke, sorrow thrust through his heart, and he sighed heavily. “But it cannot be so, as you know.”
“Do not give up hope,” Lord Swinton replied calmly. “It may yet come to pass.”
“How could it ever occur?” Jeffery retorted, shaking his head. “Lord Kensington and Lady Kensington remain in society, yes, but Lady Kensington is now considered poorly in the eyes of the ton. I am caught up in that scandal, even though I have done nothing wrong. The duke would never consider me, given my reputation. It is quite impossible.”
Lord Swinton considered for a moment. “But if Lord Kensington were to admit that he knew full well you had not behaved improperly, then—”
“He will not do so,” Jeffery answered with a shake of his head. “It is an impossibility, Swinton, and I will not entertain it. Not when such hopes are quite foolish indeed.”
There was no opportunity to say more, however, for in the next moment, the very person they had been discussing was before them, with Lady Hayward, Lady Anna, and Lady Selina joining them. Lady Selina and Lady Anna immediately began to discuss something with Lord Swinton, something they had spoken of during the afternoon call, whilst Jeffery was left with Lady Rebecca and Lady Hayward’s company.
“Good evening,” he murmured, finding himself quite unable to remove his gaze from Lady Rebecca. She was all the more beautiful this evening, her red curls burning bronze in the candlelight. Her cheeks were a little pink from the exertion of dancing, her eyes warm and her smile seeming to soothe his own pains without her even being aware of it.
“We had a most unpleasant encounter, Lord Richmond.” Lady Hayward’s sharp voice took away some of Jeffery’s pleasure in seeing Lady Rebecca again, and he was forced to