It will not be for too much longer,he reminded himself silently.
Thanks to the goodness of Lord Foster, in less than a fortnight, he would be able to make his way from this residence, in his own carriage, and go to his own townhouse, where he would sleep in his own bed and have his own servants waiting for him.
And then his work would begin. Armed with what he had learned from Lord Foster, Benjamin had every intention of beginning his own investigation into where his fortune had gone. Whether or not he would be able to recover it, he was not sure, but determination now grew steadily within him every single day. He would do all he could, for seeing the happiness that Lord Foster now had with his fortune restored was enough to convince him that it would be a worthwhile endeavor.
“I believe you are quite ready, my Lord.” Lord Foster’s valet stepped back. “I do hope that you have a pleasant evening.”
“As do I, although it cannot be guaranteed.”
Muttering to himself and ignoring the slightly surprised look that the valet sent him, Benjamin made his way to the door.
The ballroom was already filled with guests. Benjamin walked in with his head held high and his shoulders straight. He was not about to shrink back, nor hide away in the shadows. Lord Foster had assured him that thetonwould believe the guise that they were both shrouding him in. After all, many would have mentioned the fact that they had seen his carriage about town so, tonight, no doubt, there would be news that he had hired a full complement of servants for his townhouse, which was being prepared for his return. No one needed to know, as yet, that he was utterly without coin. It would serve him well until he was able to find his way to restoring his fortune - to pay Lord Foster back every single penny he had spent on his recovery at present. Benjamin had to admit that he felt distinctly uncomfortable in taking Lord Foster’s money in such a way, but knew all too well that Lord Foster would not permit him to refuse it, having reminded him on more than one occasion that Benjamin would have behaved in precisely the same way, had the tables being turned.
That coin and generosity was preciselywhyhe could return to the ballroom and walk in with his head held high.
Thetonwas a fair-weather friend to him. When he’d had a wealthy and prosperous situation, all was well. But the moment that rumors came of his lack of coin, then nothing good could be said of him. He had endured the first fortnight after his difficulties with great pain and frustration, for he had not been welcomed as he had once been. Whenever he walked into a room, whispers came after him without hesitation. The invitations had become fewer and fewer as rumors of his situation had spread - even though he had never given any credence to such whispers. Now, however, Benjamin found himself growing disdainful of what thetonhad to offer him. No doubt they would welcome him back into their embrace with warmth and delight, believing that the whispers of his lack of fortune must have been a mistake. He would say nothing to disagree, of course, but his behavior had to be cautious. Whilst there was many a beautiful young lady present this evening, Benjamin reminded himself that he could not form a singular attachment with any of them. He could not allow a lady to believe that he might offer her a future, when he had no coin with which to guarantee that. No, he must remain as he was at present, wearing a disguise so that he might not be rejected entirely, whilst knowing full well that he had nothing to offer.
“Lord Wiltsham. How delightful to see you again.”
It did not take long for Benjamin to find himself once more a part of London society. Lady Steerford was the first to welcome him, her daughter by her side. Her daughter had enjoyed four Seasons thus far but had not yet found a husband, because during her first Season a scandal had erupted about her behavior with a gentleman. She had protested her innocence but as yet, no other gentleman wished to pursue her
I cannot permit myself to show any interest in the lady either.
“I hear that your townhouse is being prepared for you. How long will it be until your improvements are completed?”
Benjamin blinked.
“Improvements?”
He did not understand the question, but only a second after those words were spoken, Lord Foster himself appeared beside Lady Steerford.
“Pardon my interruption, but I have just been speaking with Lady Steerford and was glad to tell her all about the improvements to your townhouse. I have been very glad to accommodate you in the interim, although I know that you are most eager to return so that you might see it for yourself.”
A light shone in Lord Foster’s eyes and Benjamin could not help but grin. It seemed that his friend had come up with a convenient excuse for why he had been residing with Lord Foster for the last few weeks.
“I see. Yes, I hope that my improvements will be completed very soon.”
He did not give a specific time, choosing to keep any details – entirely fabricated as they were - to himself. The less he said on this, the better.
“That is most exciting. I do hope that you will hold a ball, or have a soiree so that we might see the improvements for ourselves!”
Lady Steerford’s eyes glittered, and for a moment, Benjamin wondered whether or not she truly wished to see his townhouse – perhaps considering pushing her daughter forward as a suitable candidate for his wife – or if she wanted to be certain that he spoke the truth. A laugh broke from his lips, an idea coming to his mind as he did so.
“Alas, Lady Steerford, I am afraid that I can do no such thing. The improvements have been made to my study and my bedchamber as well as to the guest rooms. I am afraid I cannot offer you the opportunity, although I am most grateful for your interest, of course.”
“I see.” Lady Steerford tilted her head, studying him a little longer, her tone indistinct. “I am certain that you will be glad to return to your own home.”
“Indeed.” Quickly - for he did not much like Lady Steerford - Benjamin gave her a hurried excuse for why he must take his leave. “Forgive me, but I must go and give my compliments to Miss Lawrence to congratulate her on her betrothal to Lord Foster.”
It was a poor excuse indeed, but one that Lady Steerford could not protest. Making his way across the ballroom directly towards Miss Lawrence, he smiled in genuine happiness upon seeing her. She in turn gave him a quick curtsey, and then grasped his hand. They had shared so much, the three of them, and he was delighted that she was now to find happiness with Lord Foster.
“Good evening, Lord Wiltsham. I am very glad to see you.”
“As I am you. I see that your recent betrothal has brought a new light into your eyes, which could not be mistaken for anything other than the great love and affection you have for Lord Foster.”
Miss Lawrence released his hand but kept smiling.
“You are most kind – and correct, I am sure!” They shared a laugh, only for Miss Lawrence to turn slightly and gesture to a young lady standing just to her left, a lady whom Benjamin had never seen before and certainly had not even noticed. “Might I introduce you to my new acquaintance?”
