This last part was, of course, directed towards her, but Almeria did not smile at him when he offered his arm. She hesitated, hating that she was obliged to take it, and clamping her mouth shut firmly. She did not want to walk with him, did not want to be in his company, not when he had upset her by talking about Lord Coppinger in such a manner. She was greatly irritated to hear the lack of consideration in his words – and suddenly, the very last person she wished to be in company with was very gentleman she was forced to spend the rest of the afternoon beside.
Chapter Ten
“No, he has done nothing.”
Marcus shook his head as he and Lord Trevelyan watched Lord Penforth. The man was doing nothing but enjoying himself, laughing at something which had been said to him by another. He did not even glance in Marcus’ direction. And indeed, Marcus was quite certain that the gentleman had not even noticed his arrival in White’s.
“What do you intend to do?” Lord Trevelyan shook his head in disgust, picked up his whisky, and finished it in one gulp. “The man is a disgrace.”
“I am well aware of that.” Marcus tilted his chin towards Lord Penforth. “He does not deserve Lady Almeria and therefore, my only intention at present is to make certain that she knows the truth. I have given him the opportunity to tell her, and he has not done so.”
“You have asked her?”
Marcus nodded.
“We spoke this afternoon. Almeria was somewhat distressed over her time with Lord Penforth yesterday afternoon. She would not tell me anything particular, only that she had found herself rather upset by his company and conversation.”
Marcus allowed himself a small smile as Lord Trevelyan chuckled.
“Then mayhap all will be well. It seems as though you have very little concern as to their prolonged acquaintance.”
Hesitating, Marcus shook his head.
“I am not quite certain about that.” His smile faded. “I have a suspicion that the gentleman is determined to get whatever he desires by any means necessary. After all, he has already lied to Almeria about the flowers, simply because he desired to be her champion and the one she would consider. Even when he was being told of the truth, he simply laughed at the fact that another fellow had been intending to confess all to the lady. He did not care. There was very little indication that he had even a small hint of conscience over the matter. No, Trevelyan, Lord Penforth is not a gentleman to be ignored. He will not give up the lady easily, regardless of whether or notshedesires him.”
“But if Lady Almeria herself has no desire to be courted by him, then you need not be at all worried.”
“Unless…” Grave concern rose in Marcus’ heart. “Unless it is that Lord Penforth would go as far as to force the lady’s hand.” He shook his head. “I have always considered him to be a quiet fellow, but after our incident, I see that he is cunning along with being quiet.” A bark of laughter from Lord Penforth came to them across the room, and Marcus rolled his eyes. “Though on this occasion, he is rather raucous.”
“Perhaps a product of a little too much liquor.”
Lord Trevelyan snorted as Marcus nodded.
“I am concerned that he is much more calculating than I ever believed and that, in return, worries me about how he would treat Almeria.”
“All the more reason for you to tell her the truth.”
Marcus’ lips twist, for he knew that his friend was correct. There was no need for him to wait any longer. He had done the gentlemanly thing of allowing Lord Penforth the opportunity to tell Almeria the truth - but since he had not done so, Marcus had no other choice but to speak to the lady herself.
“It does make me wonder about why he has chosen Lady Almeria.”
“Might I ask you something?” Lord Trevelyan tilted his head. “Youareaware that Lady Almeria is the daughter of a Marquess, are you not?”
A little surprised at this, Marcus lifted an eyebrow.
“Of course I am.”
“Then you should not wonder about why Lord Penforth might seek to attach himself to the lady. Yes, he is an Earl but not all Earls are wealthy. What an advantage it would be for him within society, to be wed to the daughter of a Marquess! I am certain that his coffers would increase also.”
A ball of panic began to roll around Marcus’ stomach as he caught the edge of his lip between his teeth.
“I understand what you mean.” It was unfortunate, but many a young lady was considered only for her merits with respect to her father’s title and the wealth which she might bring to the gentleman she was to marry, as well as whether or not she was of good breeding. Marcus silently prayed that Lord Penforth was not looking at Almeria in such a way, for even that would only add to the darkness of his character. How much there was of Lady Almeria to be admired. How highly he himself thought of her! “I have never told her.”
“What was that?”
Marcus shook his head and passed a hand across his eyes, unwilling to tell Lord Trevelyan exactly what he had been thinking. With a small sigh, he shrugged his shoulders.
“I should have done more when it came to Almeria. I should have spoken to her sooner and with a good deal more urgency. Had I done so, then perhaps she – and we also – might never have been in this circumstance.”
