“There is a little, yes.” Unwilling to go into further detail. Julia thought about how she might continue speaking of Lord Wiltsham. “That is why I have been most grateful to you for your introductions to various members of theton,Lord Wiltsham included. I was very grateful to him for coming to speak with me this evening, even though I have hidden myself away in the shadows.”
“Yes, you have rather.” Miss Lawrence looked at her a little askance. “Might I ask why you have done so? Is there any particular reason? I do not mean to pry, of course. If you have no wish to speak of such things with me, then–”
Julia shook her head.
“You need have no concern on my part. I confess that my brother has encouraged me towards one Lord Bullfield.” Seeing Miss Lawrence lift her eyebrows, Julia let out a bark of laughter. “I can see from your expression that you understand exactly who I am speaking of. I sought to escape not only him, but anyone else that my brother deems appropriate. I have long wished to find my own husband, at a time that is best for me, but I do not believe that my brother feels the same way. It must be this Season or none at all.”
“You do not mean to say that he would cast you out?”
The horror in Miss Lawrence’s voice matched the dread in Julia’s heart as she found herself speaking with more openness than she had intended.
“I confess I do not know. My heart quails at the thought of what my brother intends for me.”
“Then you must find yourself a suitable husband before he can force your hand. I am sure that there are plenty of gentlemen in London this year who are more than suitable.”
Julia laughed, but it was dry and coarse.
“That is precisely as my brother says. Alas, as yet, I have not found anyone suitable, but then again, that is mayhap because I have not been given opportunity. Perhaps Lord Wiltsham might be such a gentleman?”
Making sure to keep her tone light, she glanced towards Miss Lawrence, seeking her immediate reaction, and hoping that she might laugh off any awkwardness by stating only that she had been jesting in her suggestion.
Miss Lawrence immediately frowned, and Julia’s heart sank. Was there something improper about Lord Wiltsham? Had she misjudged him?
“I cannot tell you whether or not Lord Wiltsham has ever considered matrimony. For even though my husband-to-be is dear friends with him, it is not something that he has ever spoken of with me.”
“But do you think him an excellent gentleman? A man’s character is all that concerns me, particularly given the fact that my brother is not a gentleman of any kindness. Money has corrupted his heart, you see.”
“And for that I am sorry.” Miss Lawrence shook her head. “I speak the truth when I say that I cannot give you any real answers. I would advise you, however, that Lord Wiltsham is presently very taken up with a grave matter of the utmost seriousness. I would not think that he would ever consider matrimony at the present moment.”
“I see.”
Considering this carefully, Julia bit her lip, finding herself gazing around the ballroom as if she hoped desperately to be able to find Lord Wiltsham at any moment. Idly, she wondered what this great and pressing matter might be, which took so much of his attention, but could not come up with a single idea. A gentleman’s business matters were his own affair, she supposed.
“You do sound filled with grave concern.” Miss Lawrence touched her arm. “Is this situation with your brother truly that bad?”
I have something of a friend in Miss Lawrence, I think.Choosing to be honest. Julia nodded.
“I do not pretend that I wish it were not so, but I find myself in a great deal of difficulty. That is why I must consider every gentleman in London, wondering whether or not they are a suitable match for me, so that my brother does not carry out his threat to either force me into marriage or make me a spinster before my time.”
“Oh, my dear.” Putting one hand to her heart, Miss Lawrence’s eyes were suddenly a little glassy. “He will not consider anything other than this?” Julia shook her head, suddenly surprised to discover that there were tears forming in her eyes. “And you have no one to speak with about this? There is not a mother or a sister.” For what was the second time Julia shook her head, suddenly beginning to realize just how isolated she was. “Then you shall have a friend if you wish it.” Miss Lawrence smiled warmly as she grasped Julia’s hand. “That will make your difficult circumstances a little easier to bear, I hope, for it is all I can offer you.”
Julia nodded, a tightness in her throat telling her that she could not find any strength to speak. She had never been one to make friends particularly easily, but Miss Lawrence was offering her something which she had, she realized, long wished for.
“I should like that very much.”
Smiling, Miss Lawrence squeezed her fingers.
“Then we shall be great friends, and you shall tell me everything about your brother so that you do not have to carry your burden alone any longer.”
“I would be glad to.”
Chapter Nine
“Good gracious!” Benjamin strode across the room and shook his friend’s hand. “How very good to see you.”
“You are a little surprised, I think.”
“Indeed I am, but that does not mean that I am not glad that you are here,” Benjamin replied as Lord Stoneleigh came a little further into the room. “Please, tell me about your return to London. Is it for the Season?”
