“Lord Woodsford?” Henry burst out laughing. “No, James! Of course not! What could have made you think such a thing?”
“Well…” James trailed off. “I’m sure I simply misunderstood.”
But there was an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of Henry’s stomach now. Had James seen something he hadn’t? Was there, in fact, something there to see?
“What gave you this idea about Lady Valeria and Lord Harlston?” he asked. “Speak.”
“Well, it was just the way he threw Lord Milton out of the Manor,” James said. “He seemed quite enraged. I know that’s the way I would feel if someone was attacking the woman I loved.”
“We were all enraged,” Henry said. “It was a dreadful thing.”
“Yes, My Lord,” James agreed. “But there was also the fact that she was sitting beside him at the table.”
“Well, she had to sit besidesomeone,” Henry said.
“And every time I came to clear dishes or bring new ones, the two of them were talking. They seemed quite taken with each other, actually,” James said. “By the end of the evening, I was in no doubt. I simplyassumedthey were a pair.”
“You assumed wrong,” Henry said. He felt relief—or at least, he thought it was relief. Certainlysomethinghad settled in the pit of his stomach.
It must be relief, mustn’t it? Because James is wrong in what he’s saying. There’s nothing between Lady Valeria and Thomas.
And yet—it occurred to him, suddenly, how disappointed he would be if therewassomething there.
He hadn’t realized that this business with Lady Valeria was something thatmatteredto him. He had flirted with her because that was fun. He had considered taking her on outings because she was lovely, and because he knew he would be able to show her a good time.
What if I’ve missed my chance? What if Thomas has gotten there first?
He would have to find a way to be happy for his friend. Surely he could do that.
Or perhaps… perhaps it wasn’t too late.
“Thank you, James,” he said. “That will be all.”
James nodded and withdrew, and Henry sat back down, though he did not take up his book again.
What did he actually know for certain here?
Lady Valeria and Thomas had not been involved in a courtship with one another as of last night. That much had been apparent.
It was unlikely, therefore, that anything had changed since then. The most that could have changed was Lady Valeria’s feelings toward Thomas—and if that was all it was, there was still plenty of time for Henry to insert himself into the conversation, to make a play for her heart.
After all, she was enjoying herself with me, too. Thomas wasn’t the only one she liked.
He nodded. The plan would remain the same, then. He would go to Earlington Manor and let Lady Earlington know of his wish to court her niece.
And in fact… yes, maybe it would be best to discuss the matter with Lady Earlington before bringing it up with Lady Valeria. Little though he liked to think of taking advantage of his title in a situation like this, he knew that any aunt would choose a Marquess for her niece instead of a Baron. Lady Earlington would surely prefer to see Lady Valeria with him instead of Thomas.
Yes, that was what he would do. And in the meantime, he would not waste any more time worrying about what might or might not exist between Thomas and Lady Valeria.
Tired of his mind running in circles, he decided that the best thing to do would be to get out of the house. He left the library, hurried down the stairs, grabbed his cloak, and rushed out onto the street without giving himself much time to second-guess the matter.
It was only once he was outside that he realized he didn’t really know where he intended to go.
The pub, he decided, and turned in that direction. It was only midday, and therefore very unlikely that any of his friends would be in the pub, but at least it would serve as a distraction. He couldn’t stand to sit around his home any longer.
It was a short walk to the pub, and sure enough, when he walked inside, the place was nearly empty. There were a few figures huddled in the back corner, but he could tell from here that none of them were his friends.
Just as well. I don’t think that seeing Thomas right now would be the best thing for my state of mind.
