For a moment, he actually considered skipping the dinner party entirely.
But then he remembered the look on Lady Valeria’s face when Lord Milton had criticized her at Earlington Manor. She had been so distraught—and no one had stood up to tell Lord Milton and the assembled company that his accusations were untrue.
If I hadn’t been there, she would have been forced to endure what he had to say.
Perhaps her feelings for him were less than what he felt for her. In fact, perhaps she felt nothing for him at all apart from a wish that he would go away and leave her alone.
But he could hardly claim to love her and then leave her to the cruelty of Lord Milton.
He would be there. It would be difficult, but he knew he would be there, and he would do whatever was necessary to keep Lord Milton away from Lady Valeria.
He took the mug of ale that Henry passed him and took a long swallow. He would feel no guilt, at least, about allowing Henry to buy his drinks tonight.
After all, he’s going to be courting the lady I had hoped to make my own.
He tried not to dwell on it. He didn’tknowthat Lady Valeria and Henry would be entering into a courtship.
But he had never known Henry to give up on something—or someone—that he wanted. And with his wit and charm, he usually found his attempts successful. It had been obvious, the other night at Earlington Manor, that Lady Valeria already liked him. It probably wouldn’t take much convincing for him to bring her around to the idea of a courtship. And Thomas knew that Lady Earlington would be in favor of it.
The only question that remained was whether Thomas himself would give up.
Chapter 11
Harlston Manor was relatively small, but it was brightly lit, and even standing outside, Valeria could hear the sounds of laughter emanating from within and knew the party had already started.
Still, she lingered on the walk leading up to the front door. She ought to go inside, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to do it.
It won’t be like last time. This time, I’ll be prepared.
She steeled herself and approached the door.
Lord Harlston appeared in the doorway. “Why, Lady Valeria! I was beginning to think you hadn’t come! Your aunt and cousin are already inside—everyone is waiting for you!”
“I apologize for having kept you waiting,” Valeria said, keeping her eyes firmly on the wall in front of her as she stepped through the door. She was afraid that if she allowed herself to look into his dark, handsome eyes, she would be swept away.
He took her arm and pulled her off to one side. “I regret to tell you, that oaf Lord Milton is here tonight,” he said, and he did sound as though he genuinely regretted it. “I did not wish to invite him, I assure you. He overheard me discussing the evening with some friends.”
“You don’t owe me an explanation,” she said, though she felt a lump rising in her throat at the thought of the unpleasant gentleman. “You’re free to invite whomever you would like to your dinner party.”
But Lord Milton? How could he?
She forced herself to look at Lord Harlston. His expression was soft.
“I knew it,” he said gently. “I’ve ruined the evening for you, haven’t I? I’m so sorry, Lady Valeria.”
She shook her head. “You haven’t ruined anything,” she said. “Please, don’t give it another thought. If I’m going to live here in this town, I’m going to have to grow used to the people who live here with me. I’m sure Lord Milton will be at plenty of Society functions, and I’ll want to attend them as well.”
“Do you mean it?” Lord Harlston asked, a grin spreading across his face. “You’re not angry?”
“No,” she said, and found she couldn’t help smiling back. “I’m not angry. It’s kind of you to care about my comfort as much as you do.”
“Well, I’ve arranged for Lord Woodsford to keep Lord Milton occupied tonight,” Lord Harlston said. “He’ll be sitting beside him at dinner and talking to him whenever he can. Lord Milton shouldn’t have time to bother you at all.”
“Lord Woodsford was willing to do that?” Valeria glanced across the room and caught sight of his pale face and his light brown curls. His lips were pressed together in a hard line, and a moment later she saw why—Lord Milton was already there, engaging him in conversation.
“Lord Woodsford is a very compliant fellow, as you’ll no doubt discover for yourself soon enough,” Lord Harlston said. “He’s a very good friend to have. The kind of gentleman who always does what he must for the sake of his friends and loved ones. Really, it would be impossible to say a word against him.”
“Do you think so?”
