Quite certain that the victory was now his, Marcus turned away directly, keeping his head held high. There was nothing further he need do. Now Lady Almeria would learn that Lord Penforth was not the gentleman he purported to be. He was not truthful, he was not honest, and he wasnota gentleman worthy of her – and Marcus would prove it to her, one way or the other.
Chapter Nine
“Iam becoming increasingly drawn to you, Lady Almeria.”
This was the most extraordinary thing for Lord Penforth to say. Thus far, Almeria had considered him a rather quiet sort, but for him to be so open now, so blunt about his feelings, was not something for which she was prepared.
“Thank you.”
Blushing furiously, she turned her head away. The heat in her cheeks did not come from the fact that he offered her such feelings, but more because she did not know how to respond.
“I am so very grateful that you think well enough of me to accept my invitation for a walk.”
“But of course.”
Almeria kept her head turned away. She had accepted Lord Penforth’s invitation for a walk, certainly, but Lady Yardley’s words came back to her mind with force.
Just because a gentleman declares that he is in love with you does not mean that you must therefore give him your heart to him in return. There is no obligation there.
Almeria had expected her feelings to change when Lord Penforth’s confession had been made, but they had not. She was still disappointed that it was he who had made such a declaration, rather displeased thathehad been the one to offer her flowers. Quite why she should feel such a way was somewhat perplexing, for she did, on the whole, enjoy his company. They usually had an excellent conversation, although she had to admit that he was still a little quiet on occasion. He was not often found in a large group of gentlemen and ladies, all conversing and laughing together - but then again, did she not appreciate that particular trait in Lord Coppinger also? He had always been a studious, thoughtful sort of person, and while she had teased him on occasion about such things, she had always appreciated his depth of thought. He usually gave great weight to what he said, which is why his outburst with Lord Penforth recently had been so surprising. It was highly unusual for him to display such a great fit of temper, and to exclaim so at Lord Penforth, simply because he did not believe that Penforth had sent her the bouquets of flowers – and this despite the fact that no one else had come to offer themselves to her either!
“I have lost you. I think.”
Almeria looked to Lord Penforth, seeing his slightly indulgent smile and growing quickly embarrassed.
“Forgive me, I was lost in thought.”
“And might I ask what you were thinking about?” Lord Penforth grinned, tilting his head as Almeria flushed all the more deeply. “It must have been something of great significance, I am sure, for it to take you away from our conversation like that when it is only you and I walking together. It must be very significant indeed.”
“Perhaps it was.” Almeria’s reluctance to share her thoughts with him did not seem to be at all pleasing, for the smile on Lord Penforth’s face immediately fell away. Almeria did not find herself at all encouraged to speak openly, however, and continued regardless. “I believe that you were telling me of your love of reading, were you not?”
She had only caught the slightest snippet of his conversation on the subject, but it seemed to bring him a little relief, for he smiled, nodded, and then began to speak further in the same vein. Almeria forced herself to pay attention, listening to him as he spoke of his love of literature, of how losing himself in the pages of some great book was a deeply satisfying pastime. She did enjoy reading, of course, but she certainly did not have the same passion for it as Lord Penforth displayed.
“And what is your favorite book?”
She glanced at him.
“I do not think that I have a particular favorite, for none have ever taken my attention in such a way.” She smiled as Lord Penforth frowned. “Instead, I usually spend any time I have walking out of doors and, on occasion, I do enjoy painting.”
“Or playing the pianoforte, no doubt.”
Lord Penforth’s smile was back, but she quickly shattered it with a shake of her head.
“Alas, I do not play the pianoforte. It is not my talent, as my music tutor soon discovered when he attempted to teach me the first scale over the course of six months - and I continually failed to grasp it.”
Her lips curved as she recalled how Marcus had encouraged her to laugh over her lack of skill. He had been so helpful, for she had been very tearful indeed, afraid that she would not become a fine lady if she could not play an instrument. He had stated quite clearly that not all gentlemen required a young lady to be able to play the pianoforte, and they would still find her quite pleasing, regardless of what she did. When she had finally plucked up the courage to tell her father that she would much rather draw and paint than play the pianoforte, her father had instantly found her a tutor – and Marcus had continued his encouragements. Even in his latest letters, before they had met this Season, he had asked her whether or not she had continued with her painting.
“Again, I have lost you.” Lord Penforth laughed, but there was a shadow in his usually pale blue eyes. “Are you troubled by something, Lady Almeria?”
“A little.” Choosing to admit this to him, she offered him a quick look and a wry smile. “There are many things to consider when one is a young lady in society, I am afraid.”
Lord Penforth’s brows pulled together.
“Surely a young lady such as yourself has very little to concern herself with.” His glib response made Almeria’s mouth tug to one side. “After all, what is there for a young lady to do but to be admired as she goes about the place, finding herself pursued by various gentlemen until she sets her gaze upon one of them.” He grinned. “Let us hope that I am one so fortunate, given that my affection is now turning into a deep love for you.”
Almeria’s dislike pushed a grimace across her expression. She did not much appreciate Lord Penforth’s conversation, did not accept his promise of love, and even though she was fully aware that he was attempting to compliment her, she recoiled. Did he think her stupid? Lacking in good sense, or having no other interests outside having a gentleman admirer, and seeking a contented marriage?
Her chin lifted.
