“There are many other ways for gentlemen and a lady to commit themselves to each other rather than simply seeking her father’s approval.”
“But I could not imagine you would allow such a scandal to touch the reputation of Lady Almeria.”
Lord Penforth’s grin had returned, and Marcus slowly felt his grip on the conversation slipping. It seemed that Lord Penforth was more devious than Marcus had ever imagined.
“Why?” Lord Trevelyan stepped forward, his hand on Marcus’ shoulder, pulling him back a little, obviously seeing the way that Marcus had curled one hand into a fist. “Why are you doing this? What is it about Lady Almeria that you desire so greatly? Is it because of her title? Her father’s fortune?”
“That is none of your business, Trevelyan.” Lord Penforth scowled, then made a shooing motion with his hand. “Now be off with you for, as I have said, these men will not take kindly to you lingering.”
Despite the anger burning through him, Marcus slowly began to realize – through a haze of red fire – that there was nothing else he could do other than step away. Feeling the encouragement of Lord Trevelyan’s hand, he took a sharp breath, his jaw set – and lunged for Lord Penforth. To his dark delight, the man flinched and stepped back, recoiling sharply.
“You will not succeed.”
With the confidence still burning through his words, Marcus turned and walked from the room, only for his shoulders to slump as he stepped out onto the street. His mind began to whirl with thoughts, but none gave him a clear path, a way forward. A groan escaped him.
“We will find a way out of Lord Penforth’s trap,” Lord Trevelyan promised softly. “You are right to say that Lady Almeria would believe you. I would tell her the truth anyway.”
Marcus swallowed as the darkness surrounded them, feeling it weighing down upon him all the heavier.
“And yet, Lord Penforth is correct to state that I might injure her reputation should she ever decide to attach herself to me. Besides, I could not simply confess my love and then push myself away from her! It would not do her any good.”
“But you cannot let her continue her acquaintance with Lord Penforth!” his friend exclaimed, sounding quite horrified as Marcus simply shook his head. “The lady has a right to know about the scandal.”
“I am aware of that – and should Lord Penforth seek to court her, then I will tell her everything, regardless of what happens thereafter.”
Peering out into the darkness, seeking the waiting carriage, Marcus searched his mind for an answer which would not only protect Lady Almeria but would also save his own reputation – but nothing offered him any light. It was as though everywhere he looked was covered in shadows – much like these dark streets – and thus, he was without even the smallest ray of light and without the smallest flicker of hope. Finding the carriage, he climbed into it, sat forward, put his elbows on his knees and dropped his head.
“We will find a way. Your reputation will not be injured.”
Lord Trevelyan’s encouragements settled in Marcus’ mind, but did not bring him any relief. Lord Trevelyan could not offer him a solution, could not tell him what he ought to do, and thus, Marcus could not see a clear way forward. Unless he came up with his own idea, unless he could see a way to prevent all of Lord Penforth’s threats from falling down upon him, he would have to do just as his enemy had demanded.
Chapter Twelve
“And how are things progressing with Lord Penforth?”
Almeria hesitated.
“It is very difficult to say,” she said, after a moment. “I confess that I find him a rather difficult gentleman at times, but on other occasions, he is very charming indeed.”
It had been three weeks now, since Lord Penforth had confessed to her the truth about the flowers and, while he had not yet asked to court her, Almeria was certain that such a thing would soon occur. When that was put to her, however, she was not sure what she would say and, to her mind, it seemed as though he was somewhat aware of her reluctance. While Lord Penforth had mentioned the possibility of speaking to her father, he had not yet done so.
“If I may be so bold, you do not appear to be particularly enamored of the gentleman, I must say.”
Almeria looked at Miss Madeley.
“That is because I am not,” she informed her friend, who immediately nodded as though she understood entirely. “And besides that, there is something – nay, someone, who is a good deal more on my mind. I am certain that it is only his absence which has me so often considering him, but all the same, he is there nonetheless.”
She was relieved that she could be honest with Miss Madeley, for her friend nodded and smiled softly, no judgment in her expression or her voice.
“You are speaking of Lord Coppinger, are you not?”
“I am.” Almeria nodded, having no desire to hide such a thing. Lord Coppinger had been markedly absent from her company these last three weeks, and she had found that more distressing than she had ever imagined she might. “I have spoken to him of course, but he is not as friendly as he once was. It is as though the closeness we shared has somehow lessened, and I am very troubled by that.”
“But is not such a thing quite natural?” Miss Madeley frowned, glancing up at Almeria as they walked in the sunshine through the park. “After all, he is seeking a bride and you are seeking a husband. You shall not have the same closeness as you once did. That should be expected, if not a little encouraged, perhaps.”
Almeria nodded, but her friend’s words did not settle her mind. Instead, she found herself all the more distressed. It was as if having this truth offered to her was a sword that pierced her heart.
“But that is not what I want.”
