The carriage came to a stop and with it, his thoughts. Climbing out – and still a little frustrated that his considerations of Lady Cassandra had not lessened, but rather only increased – Jonathan made his way to the house. Stepping inside, he took off his outer coat, hat, and gloves, handing them to the waiting butler, who had not yet retired to his bed, despite Jonathan informing him before he left that he could do so.
“Will there be anything else this evening, my Lord?”
Jonathan shook his head.
“You need not call my valet - I will manage to put myself to bed this evening,” he murmured, thinking it would be best to fall into what he hoped would be a dreamless sleep, rather than sit up a little longer. “You should retire also.”
The butler inclined his head, although his expression did not change. Jonathan was about to make his way to the staircase, only for the butler’s voice to catch his attention again.
“And what should I do with this, my Lord?”
Turning, Jonathan frowned. “What is it?”
The butler handed the piece to him.
“I believe it is a diamond bracelet, the clasp of which appears to be broken. It was in your coat pocket, my Lord.”
Taking the item, Jonathan turned it over in his hand as his frown grew. He had very little idea of where this had come from, for he did not recall receiving it or taking it. Had Lady Cassandra given it to him during the evening to keep safe? He could not recall her doing so, but given his somewhat stupefied state, perhaps that was to be expected. Not wanting the butler to think that he did not know of it, Jonathan lifted his chin.
“I had quite forgotten for a moment. Yes, I shall keep it with me.”
Saying nothing more, he then made his way to the staircase, the diamond bracelet clutched in his hand. What exactly he would do with it, Jonathan did not know, but such questions could wait until the morning. For the moment, all he wanted to do was forget.
Chapter Ten
“And so, we come to our first publication.” Lady Yardley smiled first at Cassandra and then at her friends who sat around the room. “It is to go to the printers this evening, and shall be published tomorrow. We already have a great deal contained within it, but there is space for one or two things more… should anyone like to add something?”
Her gaze went meaningfully to Cassandra, who quickly dropped her eyes to her clasped hands. It had been a fortnight since her first meeting with Lord Alderton. They had danced at almost every occasion over these weeks but, as yet, had still not enjoyed a waltz together, despite her attempts. There had been many a conversation, and Cassandra had found herself often in his company. Thus far, Lord Alderton appeared to be charming, amiable, and genteel, as well as rather handsome – but there had been nothing of any importance shared between them. He did appear to be very eager for her company, seeking her out on every occasion that he could, but nothing more had come from him, so far.
Her brow furrowed, recalling the large bouquet of roses which had been delivered earlier that afternoon. The note which had come with it was still etched into her mind, for Lord Alderton spoke of how desperate he was becoming to step out with her for the waltz, bemoaning the fact that he had always been much too late to write his name in that prominent place. Thereafter, he had begged her to write to him to confirm that yes, she would keep her next waltz free for his name and his alone so that his anguish would be no more. As yet, she had not responded to him, but surely such a gesture spoke ofsomesort of interest in her?
“There is a Lord Jefferson.” Her face a little red, Miss Madeley spoke up. “He has been paying some close attentions to me. It has been two weeks since our first ball – we danced together that evening – and since then, I have seen him at almost every occasion which I have attended. He always dances with me, speaks with me, and certainly, makes me smile! But there is no indication of courtship as yet.”
Her voice wobbled as Cassandra’s heart tumbled to the floor. To her mind, it did not appear that Lord Jefferson had any inclination towards committing himself – but mayhap he was only a shy fellow and therefore was acting cautiously. Perhaps he was considering things deeply… or mayhap, he was simply someone who appreciated the attentions of a lady.
“Then I can certainly put in something about Lord Jefferson.” Lady Yardley smiled gently. “Though you must be prepared for the difficulty that may come thereafter.”
“What shall you write?” another asked, as Cassandra shifted in her chair, eager to know the answer. “What will you say to cause a gentleman to prove himself, one way or the other?”
“It is very simple.” Lady Yardley’s smile was brief, a slight shadow coming over her eyes. “I shall simply write that Lord Jefferson has often been seen in the company of one particular young lady.” One hand went out towards Miss Madeley, who immediately let out a strangled exclamation. “Do not fear, your name will not be mentioned specifically, which is the entire point of a publication such as this.”
Lady Almeria nodded slowly.
“I think I understand. You believe that, by stating such a thing, the gentleman will either draw closer or…”
Casting a glance towards Miss Madeley, Lady Almeria hesitated, clearly unwilling to injure her friend.
“Or he will step away from me.”
Miss Madeley finished Lady Almeria’s sentence as Lady Yardley nodded slowly.
“That is the truth of it, yes. That is why I tell you that you must prepare yourself for some injury. It may come, it may not, but it would not be fair of me to hide the possibility from you.”
Cassandra pressed her lips together, seeing how Miss Madeley closed her eyes. Considering for a moment, she began to think on Lord Alderton. There had been no invitations to tea, no afternoon calls, no requests for walks together in Hyde Park, nothing to show his eagerness to further their connection. Yes, they spoke very often and certainly there had been a great deal of delight in their conversations, but none of those conversations had led to something more profound. Was he the same as Lord Jefferson?
After a moment, Miss Madeley lifted her chin and opened her eyes.
“I quite understand and I am prepared.”
