There was no real intention in Gideon’s heart to remove himself from the gentleman’s parlor and make his way back to the ballroom, but all the same, he could not simply linger here for the rest of the evening. Perhaps it would be best for him to return home, especially since he had no intention of dancing with any of the beautiful young ladies who were present. Even though Lord Wiltsham joked about saying providing a fictitious explanation for his injury, Gideon himself had no real desire to speak in detail about it to anyone.
Especially not to Lady Sara.
Sighing, he pushed himself out of the chair, still thinking about Lord Wiltsham’s suggestion of making his way to the East End, to look in the place where he had gone that dreadful night, so that he might try to recall what had happened. The evening was not yet particularly late, so there was no reason for him not to do so at this present moment - save for the fact that his heart and mind demanded that he remain precisely where he was.
Finishing his brandy in one quick gulp, Gideon made his way back to the ballroom, which was full of happy voices, laughter, smiles, dancing, and all manner of delights - all the things that felt quite at odds with the state of his own heart. He was despondent - sorrowful even – and irritated still with Lady Sara.
Her opinion ought not to have such a great influence on me.
“Good evening, Lord Stoneleigh.”
Gideon was forced to stumble back as the young lady in question appeared right before him, coming towards him with quick steps so that he was forced to respond.
“Good evening, Lady Sara.” His smile was brief, the urge to turn from her growing steadily. “I do hope that you are enjoying the evening.”
“But evidently you are not. You have not stepped out into the ballroom since your arrival.” Her head tilted and she gave him a small smile, one which Gideon did not return. “Have you decided now that you will step out with the rest of us?”
Silently wondering how the young lady had noticed that he had been in the gentleman’s parlor rather than in the ballroom, Gideon cleared his throat and attempted to clasp his hands behind his back, only for his shoulder to scream. He had done that same action in the bookshop, but that action had brought him nothing but aches and agony for the rest of the day, and he was not about to do the same thing now and worsen it still further.
“Alas, I am to make my way elsewhere.“
“But you have not danced!” Lady Sara seemed rather stunned by his eagerness to depart. “Pray tell me that you did not come to a ball with the intention to simply leave again without so much as stepping out with any young lady?”
Growing all the more frustrated, Gideon shook his head.
“I am afraid that I have very little time for dancing. I am not as inclined towards it as the young ladies are, it would seem.”
“Which is all the more reason to be generous towards such young ladies as myself,” came the reply.
This was sent with a rather warm smile, which did light the edges of her eyes, but Gideon was in no mood to be entrapped.
“Unfortunately, I have something of great interest and even greater importance, which I must do immediately, and without delay. Pray excuse me, Lady Sara.”
Turning his head, he made to walk away, only for a hand to catch his arm. It pulled him back in such a fashion that a loud exclamation came from his lips before he could prevent it, and he whirled around at once, his whole arm screaming with pain.
A quiet hush began to fill the area around them as each gentleman and lady turned to look directly at Gideon and Lady Sara. Evidently his bellow had been overheard, and a good many guests were now looking towards him, clearly wondering about the reason behind it. Shame built in his chest, sending heat pouring into his face as he bowed towards Lady Sara, struggling to find an explanation that would satisfy thetonwithout revealing the depths of his weakness.
“That is most interesting, Lady Sara.” Speaking loudly enough for those nearby to hear, he forced a tight smile. “I am always interested to hear how well other gentlemen’s horses have been faring, particularly when I am in search of a stallion for my own collection.”
Lady Sara’s eyes were a little glassy as she nodded, clearly aware that she had made a grave mistake.
“Of - of course, Lord Stoneleigh,” came the soft reply, as her bright blue eyes flared. “I should be glad to talk with you on this matter at any time. I do hope that you enjoy the rest of the evening.”
It took a moment, but eventually, the buzz of conversation filled the room again, and Gideon closed his eyes, letting out a small sigh of relief. Lady Sara reached out for him, but Gideon stepped back. She had done enough already.
“I am so very sorry, Lord Stoneleigh. I did not mean to injure you so.”
“And yet you did.” Gritting his teeth, he took another step back. “Good evening, Lady Sara.”
Then he turned and made his way directly through the crowd, and out towards the front of the house. He had no desire to stay here any longer, particularly not after what Lady Sara had just done. Fire was racing up and down his arm, for the wound to his shoulder was still not entirely recovered. Whatever she had wrenched as she had tugged at him had caused a great deal of pain, and though he was unwilling to show any evidence of it in his expression, inwardly Gideon was fighting against the waves of agony.
He had no coin to speak of, and it was only through Lord Wiltsham’s generosity that he was able to call a cab to take him where he wished to go.
Sitting back, Gideon closed his eyes. All thought of returning to the East End tonight was gone, for he certainly did not feel able to do so at this present moment. Lady Sara had put end to that when she had pulled upon his arm.
Tomorrow, he told himself, his jaw still tight with pain.Tomorrow,I shall make my way there again.
* * *
