“Might I ask what is the name of Miss Carshaw’s brother? What is his title?”
Unfortunately, the conversation had already turned to something new, and no one was left to answer Benjamin’s question. He tried to ask again on two separate occasions, but the gentlemen were far too busy discussing a diamond of the first water – a young lady by the name of Lady Sophia. Their eager discussion about her, and who might be able to steal her hand, was so great that they did not seem to hear Benjamin’s question, and thus he was forced to leave it for the present moment
He lapsed into silence, thinking that what was all the more astonishing was his sudden urge to find out more about Miss Carshaw, and the situation her brother had placed her in. That was far more intriguing than any diamond of the first water! Quite what he intended to do about it, he had very little idea, but as yet that was the only thought in his mind - to the point that he had even forgotten about the other gentlemen he was to be considering. Completely ignoring the rest of the conversation, he let thoughts of Miss Carshaw take him away. The lady was most extraordinary, but even now, guilt tore at him for his response to her cry for help on the day that he had discovered her. He ought to have given a little more credence to what she had said of her brother. The situation was a good deal more serious, and deserved more consideration than he had thought - and to his increasing astonishment, Benjamin found his heart eager to do all that he could to help her.
Chapter Ten
“You were walking around the drawing room with a gentleman yesterday.” Julia shot sharp eyes towards her brother, who immediately came to a sudden stop, taking in the fact that she was now sitting opposite the very same gentleman who had walked with her at the previous day’s soiree. “Pardon me.”
He did not even apologize nor come to introduce himself but turned at once and exited the room, leaving Julia all the more embarrassed.
“My brother is often a little…” Finding the correct word impossible to choose, she simply shrugged and spread out both hands. “Forgive me, Lord Wiltsham. My brother ought to have stayed and introduced himself to you, given that you are not yet acquainted. I can only apologize that he has not done so.”
Lord Wiltsham gave her an easy smile.
“Pray have no concern on my part, my dear lady, I have come to seeyou, not your brother.”
A little relieved, Julia’s shoulders dropped.
“In fact, I have come with a specific purpose, Miss Carshaw.” Julia’s heart burst with a brilliant and furious hope, which she could fought to contain, her tongue suddenly too big for her mouth, rendering her unable to speak in response. Could there be a genuine desire within him to court her? If he was to offer her such a thing, then it would mean that she need not consider other ways of making him her husband, should it come to it… and even that desire was becoming lesser and lesser with each day. “I am come to apologize to you.”
Her hope died away.
“Apologize, Lord Wiltsham?”
“Yes, Miss Carshaw. I was speaking with a few gentlemen yesterday and they informed me that your brother may be –” Something seemed to stick in his throat, and he looked away. “May be someone with a few unlikeable traits, although pray forgive me if I am speaking words which you do not wish to hear. I do not intend to harm you.”
Julia shook her head, a little surprised at the conversation.
“You are saying nothing I do not know already.”
“And I am sorry for that.” Lord Wiltsham leaned forward, his hands clasped and his elbows on his knees. “I should have given your words more credence. I do not know what it was you were intending by hiding, but I ought not to have laughed at you. I ought not to have told you that matrimony was something that every young woman should be glad of. I do not think I completely understood what it was you were struggling with, and I certainly should not have spoken so flippantly. I have come to apologize for that, Miss Carshaw.”
That is kindness indeed.
Julia opened her mouth to tell Lord Wiltsham that she was grateful for his apology, only for the door to open and the butler to step inside before she could speak.
“Forgive the interruption. My Lady, the master wishes you to join him in his study at this very moment.”
Heat began to pour into Julia’s chest.
“I have a guest.”
Gesturing to Lord Wiltsham, she lifted an eyebrow as though the butler had any say in what orders her brother had given.
“I am aware, my Lady. But the master was very clear and stated that I was to fetch you at this very moment.”
“I can take my leave.”
Lord Wiltsham made to rise, but Julia quickly shook her head.
“I am very much enjoying your company. I should not like you to go - that is, if you would be willing to stay and wait for a short while? I am sure that whatever my brother wishes to say to me will not take long, and I can only apologize for the interruption.”
Lord Wiltsham nodded and sat back in his chair. Requesting that the butler send up some refreshments for them both, Julia quickly took her leave, hurrying along the hallway with cheeks that were burning with the heat of embarrassment. Whatever was her brother doing?
Making her way to the study, she stepped inside without so much as a knock. Her brother lifted his eyes to her, narrowing them in obvious frustration.
“Julia. You have no respect. I–”
