“Through all of these difficulties, you have found a happiness with Miss Carshaw that we both pray will bring you a great deal of contentment in the years to come. Whether these difficulties are ever resolved or not, might you both step into your future with joy in your heart that no circumstances can tear from you. May you be as one together, moving along the path of your lives and building a bond so strong that none will be able to break it.”
Benjamin smiled and thought of Miss Carshaw. From the very strange moment when he had found her in his house, there had grown something so very strong between them that he could not bear to think of ever parting from her. It was everything that Lord Stoneleigh had said, and Benjamin recognized himself fortunate that he had gained something so wonderful in the midst of what was a great struggle.
“To Lord Wiltsham and Miss Carshaw.”
Lord Foster grinned, lifted his glass, and took a long sip, just as Lord Stoneleigh did the same. Benjamin lifted his glass aloft for a moment longer, looking at the amber liquid and smiling softly to himself as his heart filled with a great and overwhelming love for the young lady.
“To the incomparable Miss Carshaw,” he murmured, before draining the glass.
* * *
It wasstrange how much his heart shot upwards when he caught sight of Miss Carshaw. She was not even looking at him, and yet he found himself inexplicably excited to be in her company once more. He took her in, his gaze going from the crown of dark hair to the way her fingers curled up into her palms when she caught his gaze. His eyes went to hers and he smiled, waiting until her lips curled back in response.
I do not like having to ask her about her brother.
Making his way towards her, he smiled and reached out with one hand. She took it quickly enough, but then dropped it, and curtsied instead.
“Good evening, Lord Wiltsham.”
A quick shift of her eyes to her left told Benjamin that her brother was nearby and, of course, would be expecting nothing but decorum. Given all that he had still to discover about the fellow, Benjamin did not wish to cause any difficulties or make more of an enemy of him than he already had.
Bowing, he gave her a warm smile.
“I am very glad to see you. You look well. I am glad of that.”
“I amverywell, I assure you.”
Benjamin assumed that this was said so that he might be encouraged that what they had spoken of, with regard to her brother, had not caused her any prolonged distress. His shoulders relaxed as a relief he had not known he required spread through his chest, warming him.
“I am very well aware, Miss Carshaw, that as yet we have never stepped out together to the dance floor. I do hope this evening that you would be willing to dance with me.”
Her bright smile was enough of an answer.
“I should be very glad to, Lord Wiltsham.”
“Excellent. And what is more, no one will think anything of it if I steal more than one dance from you.”
A light flush licked her cheeks.
“I cannot think of anything I would want more than to spend the entirety of the evening in your company.”
“I am glad to hear it. There are some things I should like to speak with you about, but perhaps this evening is not the right moment.”
Miss Carshaw shook her head.
“No, I think some things take greater precedence than the mere joy of an evening, do you not? I should be happy to talk with you about whatever it is you wish to discuss.”
“I am glad of that. Your willingness is greatly appreciated, particularly when I know this is a difficult conversation.”
“But one that I am altogether grateful to you for being willing to have with me,” came the reply. Music had begun and Miss Carshaw’s face lit up. “Perhaps we might consider stepping out together now, Lord Wiltsham? It would mean that we could speak a little more openly.”
This last sentence was said in a low tone and Benjamin glanced over his shoulder to see none other than Lord Kingston glaring at him.
“Perhaps in a moment.” Recalling his friend’s advice that he ought to maintain as civil an acquaintance with Lord Kingston as possible, Benjamin stepped away from his betrothed for a moment. “Good evening, Lord Kingston.” He spoke as pleasantly as he could, but the gentleman glowered at him. There was a darkness in his expression which could not be mistaken for anything else - it was clear that Lord Kingston severely disliked Benjamin, and the malice in his eyes was not something that he could easily ignore. Clearing his throat, he did his best to maintain a civil expression. “I am aware that we have not made the best of introductions. No doubt you are a little frustrated at what has taken place between your sister and I, given your plans for her, but I can assure you that there is a great deal of admiration and respect in my heart for her. I have every intention of making certain that she is well cared for.”
“Is that so?”
The thin line which slashed across Lord Kingston’s mouth sent Benjamin’s heart quickening. Lord Kingston’s disdain was obvious, but as yet there was no particular reason for it, other than the belief that Benjamin had done something untoward as regarded his betrothal to the lady.
