“I certainly appreciate that.” Gideon gave him a quick smile, silently reminding himself that he had every intention of returning to his estate without delay. “There is much for me to do back at the estate, however. I must look at my situation and attempt to do everything I can to be as financially secure as possible, given the circumstances.”
Besides which, I do not want thetonto become even more aware of the injury to my arm. They would only gossip about me all the more.
“I think you would be wise to give yourself a little more time before you return.”
“I am well aware of that, but I must keep my own counsel.”
“Of course you must.” This time it was not any of his friends who spoke, but rather Miss Carshaw, who was Lord Wiltsham’s betrothed “Iwillsay, however, that Lord Wiltsham found himself in the very same position as you are at present. He believed that he had no hope and no prospect of finding his fortune. But after a short while, he began to see that there was in fact, a little chink of light. That light has now brought us together, and our future is secure once more. I am not suggesting that you cannot keep your own counsel but only to say that thereisstill a light of hope for you, if you would only seek it in what is otherwise a great darkness.”
Nodding slowly, Gideon considered this, knowing full well that Miss Carshaw was speaking not only of the situation that Lord Wiltsham had found himself in, but also of her own situation which had only recently been resolved. Could there be any real hope?
“I shall consider it at least, although I do not know how one is meant to return to society after such a thing.” A sorrowful laugh broke from him. “I have been afflicted by the blue-devils since the whole affair took place and I am certain that, by now, that thetonwill know of my lack of wealth.”
Miss Lawrence tilted her head, having sat silently thus far.
“You may find yourself a little surprised to know that not everyone is aware of the rest of the gentlemen who have lost their fortunes. You have always been a rather quiet and contained gentleman, have you not, Lord Stoneleigh? Perhaps that is to your advantage in this situation. I do not think that’s thetonhave any awareness of your lack of funds at present. However, they will know that you have let out your town house for the Season.”
“But that could easily be explained by the fact that you did not think you would be coming to London this year and thus thought to serve another family by permitting them to reside there,” Lord Foster suggested quickly. “I should not concern yourself with that.”
Gideon shook his head.
“Thetonwill find out somehow, however. Mayhap it may be the wisest course of action to return home.”
“Well, should you change your mind, you may be sure of our company.” Miss Carshaw smiled at him. “It might be a wise thought to return to society with friends by your side. You shall not be as entirely on your own as you might otherwise be.”
Gideon allowed himself a small laugh.
“I believe you are all quite intent on my remaining in London, are you not?”
Nobody smiled as he had expected. Indeed, nobody even laughed but instead, they simply glanced at one another.
“It is only because we want to see you as we are,” Lord Foster explained. “Both Lord Wiltsham and I know the struggles you face at present. That difficulty will not leave you, my friend. You will spend the rest of your days in such a struggle. That is, unless you are able to find a way to change your situation.”
“Which you believe I am able to do.”
There was not a great deal of hope left in his heart. Yes, both of his friends had regained their fortunes, but he kept no such hope for himself. After all, he could still recall signing the document. Yes, it had been under duress, but that meant very little. He had still done it. He had still willingly, if not actually knowingly, signed away his fortune. In that regard, he was entirely different from his friends, was he not?
But all the same, he mused.perhaps it would be a wise idea to make my way back into society with those I consider my closest friends.That way I will be able to judge society’s response to my continued presence in London. I would know whether or not I am to find any welcome here.
His resolve to return home was fading a little as he looked into each of his friend’s eyes. Both Lord Wiltsham and Lord Foster wished for him to remain, promising that they would do whatever they could to help him regain his fortune. Miss Lawrence and Miss Carshaw were both eagerly looking at him, a small smile dancing across each mouth. It was obvious that they very much wished for him to remain in London, clearly filled with the same hope for him, as had brought them and their particular gentlemen such great happiness.
“Perhaps I shall attend one ball before my return.” This brought a slight squeal of delight from Miss Carshaw and a warm smile from Miss Lawrence. His two friends merely grinned, nodding as though they took credit for being able to convince him to linger. “This does not mean that I am staying in London. It means only that I am attending just to see what society’s reaction might be to my presence.”
“Regardless of your reason, I am simply delighted that you have chosen to stay for a little while longer.” Lord Wiltsham clapped him on the back and Gideon winced at the resulting jolt of pain which ran across his frame. “Another brandy perhaps?”
“Let us hope that I am making the right decision!” Gideon accepted a glass from Lord Wiltsham, smiling despite his ongoing concern. “And where is it that we are to go this evening?”
Gideon looked around the room as Miss Carshaw and Lord Wiltsham exchanged a glance.
“There is a ball this evening. It is meant to be a grand affair, and indeed there is already a great deal of rumor surrounding it. Perhaps that would be the best one for you to attend.”
It was not like his friends to think about rumor and gossip.
“What rumor?”
Miss Lawrence shrugged her shoulders.
“A particular gentleman has decided he is going to betroth himself to a particular young lady, despite having been courting someone entirely different,” she explained. “I can guarantee that everyone present will be talking of that and not of you. It may be a little bit disheartening for the young lady involved, but at least it will take any interest in you away.”
