Something shifted in Marcus’s spirit, something he could not quite explain, but which was there, nonetheless. It filled his heart and lifted it a little as his eyes went to Lord Trevelyan, his chest suddenly feeling a little looser.
“By doing so, we would take away the strength of his arm.”
“Precisely.” Lord Trevelyan grinned. “That is exactly what he wants, is it not? Power and control over our actions – but the only way in which he can speak to us with such confidence is because he has great strength behind him. He has those men who will support him in what he says, for they appear to be loyal to him in some way. However, if we were to find a way to make certain that they would align with us, rather than to him, then….”
Slowly, Marcus let the idea settle into his mind and felt his lips curve into the first smile which had crossed his lips in many days.
“Do you know any of the gentlemen? They all stood at a distance from us, and I confess I do not know any of them.”
“Fortunately, I do – at least, I think that I recognized one of the gentlemen – a Lord Wilson. It will take a bit of courage on our part, and we will have to speak directly, stating quite clearly what we have seen and what we demand.”
“I have lacked courage for far too long.” Growing angry with himself and his previous failure to act, Marcus shook his head. “I am sorry for that, old friend – and for my mood at present. I have been lost in the darkness and the shadow, but now I have every intention of doing just as you have suggested. If I am to have any chance of happiness, then you are right, Ishouldbe seeking every avenue, teasing every path, until we are able to extract ourselves from Lord Penforth’s grip.”
Lord Trevelyan lifted his glass in a toast.
“You are recovered now, my friend,” he replied, quietly. “Now, shall we seek out this gentleman? Or do you wish to hide yourself away in your townhouse for a little longer?”
Marcus grinned back at him.
“I think I am quite tired of my own company. Let us go and seek out this Lord Wilson.” Setting down his brandy, he was about to make his way to the door, only for it to suddenly be flung open and, to his utter astonishment, none other than Lady Almeria to tumble into the room. She was entirely alone, and as the door slammed shut behind her, Marcus caught his breath, stepping towards her. “Almeria! Whatever are you doing here?”
Lord Trevelyan took a small step backward but did not go to the door, turning around instead so that he would not watch their interaction.
“What is it he has done, Marcus?” Almeria’s eyes were fixed on his, her hands reaching out to him. “What is it Penforth has done?” Her hand was now pressed against his heart, scrunching lightly into his shirt as her hazel eyes shifted between green and brown. “Please do not pretend any longer. I know that there is something – something which he has done or said to you. For all that I feel, and for all that we have ever shared, please tell me at once what it is. I cannot bear our separation any longer.”
A little overwhelmed by her fervency, Marcus took a breath, swallowing hard.
“Almeria, I–”
“Do not push me away.” Her fingers pushed a little more against his heart, her voice wobbling with emotion. “I will not leave you until you tell me.”
The swell of love in his heart for this young lady had him pressing his hand against hers as it rested lightly over his heart, smoothing out her fingers.
“Almeria.”
His voice was a throaty whisper and, from the corner of his eye, Marcus spotted Lord Trevelyan moving toward the window, his hands clasped behind his back, clearly giving them as much privacy as he could while still maintaining propriety – not that there was any true propriety in an unmarried young woman being in a room with two gentlemen!
“Please tell me, Marcus.” Almeria’s eyes were filled with tears, glistening gently at the edges of her lashes. “I know that you have been staying away from me these last few weeks. I have seen it. I have felt it,here.” Her other hand pressed against her own heart as tears began to drip onto her cheeks. “And do not give me the excuse that you search for a bride. I will not believe it.”
Marcus licked his lips.
“It is true that I have been looking for a bride, Almeria, although not with any great degree of fervency.”
She laughed softly, tears splashing down her cheeks.
“Then who have you settled on?” Marcus shook his head, unable to answer. “You see?” Lady Almeria laughed softly. “You cannot even tell me who this lady is. You cannot give me a name because thereisno young lady you have been pursuing. You may have used that as an excuse previously, but it is not an excuse I believe any longer.”
His free hand lifted to push a curl from her face.
“I do not want to injure you, Almeria.”
She looked up beseechingly into his face.
“You will not injure me by telling me the truth.” There was a softness in her tone, but her cheeks flushed, sending light into her eyes. “I can see that there is another reason for your absence from me, a reason you will not tell me about. I have been upset and confused over it – except that now I know for certain that Lord Penforth has something to do with it all.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“Because I saw him speak with you the day that we met in the park. That was the last time we spoke together.” Her chin lifted a little. “You made your way from my side abruptly, and it was only when Lord Penforth joined me and asked directly whether or not you had come to speak with me, that I realized the two situations were connected.”
