“Are you quite certain of that?”
There was a sharpness to Miss Madeley’s voice and Phillip found himself gazing into flashing blue eyes. Miss Madeley’s brows were low, her lips pulled flat, and once more, humiliation crept over him.
“I hardly think we need ask such a question, Miss Madeley.”
“It is quite all right.” Phillip looked directly at Miss Madeley, silencing Lady Yardley’s gentle protest. “You are quite right,” he told her. “I stated just now that I would never have considered doing such a thing with a Marquess’ daughter, but the truth is I may very well have done so last Season. When I was in London last Season, I did whatever I wished, and without care or consequence. I did as I pleased, and I cared very little for anyone else. I had every intention of doing the same this Season. Lord Marchmont, my dear friend, attempted to warn me of my behavior, telling me of the reputation which I was garnering for myself, but I told him that I did not care.” His shoulders sank. “The truth is that it is only because of these circumstances that I have begun to reconsider my behavior and my selfishness. I am ashamed to admit it, but I admit it nonetheless.” A hard, self-deprecating laugh broke from him. “It is not as though you are unaware of my reputation and my previous behavior. Thus, as I have said, I am fully aware that I deserve no consideration from anyone. My actions are my own and therefore, the consequences are mine to bear. But were it not for this young lady and for the threat that Lord Anderton holds over her head – a threat she is entirely unaware of – then I would not have sought you out, Lady Yardley.” Taking a breath, he returned his attention to the other rather than look at Miss Madeley. “I am deeply concerned and entirely uncertain.”
A prolonged silence followed as Lady Yardley looked back at him steadily, clearly considering what he had told her. His lip caught between his teeth, his breath tightening in his chest as he waited for her to make her judgment.
“In truth, Lord Brookmire, while I am sorry to hear of what has taken place, I do not understand what you hope for from me. How can I be of aid to you?”
Lady Yardley’s soft voice was a comfort in itself, and Phillip closed his eyes briefly, allowing a small swell of relief to rise in his chest.
“If possible, you can tell me whatever you know of Lord Anderton. I must know what it is that Lord Anderton has to gain from his demands and, if there is anything about him which I will be able to use to my advantage, then I should like to hear it.” Speaking more quickly now, his words began to tumble out of him. “I also hoped that you might be able to think of a way to use ‘The London Ledger’ to stop Lord Anderton from being successful in his demands. Or, when he forces my hand, telling me something which I am to be forced to do for him, for fear that he will reveal my name to the Marquess of Harrogate, then mayhap the Ledger could be used somehow as a warning to the person I am to swindle, or cheat or lie to, or whatever it is that Lord Anderton may wish for me to do.”
Miss Madeley put both hands on her hips.
“So Lord Anderton is asking you to behave as a scoundrel might. Something you ought to be able to do without any great difficulty, I think.”
The irony in her voice was hard for him to accept, but he nodded, looking down at his hands as they clasped tightly in front of him.
“It is as you say, although I will profess that doing anything which Lord Anderton asks of me would be entirely against my will. I do not want to injure a young lady’s reputation beyond saving. I do not want to cause a scandal for a lady of sound reputation simply because Lord Anderton demands it. I do not want to do any of the things which Lord Anderton might ask of me, like taking coin from an already impoverished gentleman or breaking asunder a friendship, simply because Lord Anderton states that I must. Yes, I have brought this upon myself. I have no right to ask for aid but I am doing so in the hope that your hearts are a good deal more compassionate than my own.”
“I understand, Lord Brookmire.”
Lady Yardley put a hand to his arm for just a moment.
“As do I.” Miss Madeley sighed softly and looked away. “After hearing what you have said, I share your concern for those amongst society who might be injured by Lord Anderton and his decrees.”
“Indeed. But there is more,” Lady Yardley told him softly “I will help you in the hope that you might find yourself to be a better gentleman at the end of this circumstance.”
Phillip blinked.
“I do not fully understand.”
Lady Yardley smiled a little sadly.
“You state that these consequences are of your own making and, with that statement I quite agree. However, one must hope that in finding out such a thing, you are inclined to change your ways. This is an opportunity for you to make certain that your previous behavior does not continue, an opportunity to reform your character. I am certain that it will be a very difficult transition, for it will take a good deal of consideration of your character which will bring pain to your heart. However, I can assure you that this is for the best. You are a gentleman who could be well thought of, who could be highly regarded rather than pushed away.Thatis why I will aid you, Lord Brookmire. It is not because I think you worthy of such a thing - your behavior has shown you to be quite the opposite! I will, however, do what I can to help you for your own sakeandto make certain that other members of society, innocent ladies and gentlemen, can be protected from both yourself and Lord Anderton.”
Feeling a little like an errant child being chastised by a schoolmistress or strict parent, Phillip bowed his head and fell silent after murmuring only a brief ‘thank you’.
“I will aid you too if I can.”
Lifting his head in astonishment, Phillip stared at Miss Madeley, only to see her eyes flare with the same surprise. Perhaps she had not expected to say such a thing. Perhaps she had not had any intention of responding in such a manner, but had done so, nonetheless. He offered a small smile, his heart reminding him of just how little he deserved her consideration.
“Thank you, Miss Madeley. You are more generous than I could ever have imagined. Your kind heart and forgiving spirit speak very highly of your character.” Taking a breath, he looked to Lady Yardley. “I thank you again, also, Lady Yardley. What is it that I should do first?”
The lady smiled briefly.
“Nothing,” she responded as he lifted his eyebrows in surprise. “Lord Anderton will come to you very soon, I am sure, with some sort of demand. That is precisely why he has orchestrated this situation - so that you have no other choice but to do as he requires. When he does make his demand of you, I would ask you to come to speak with me again. Together, we can find a way to make certain that whoever it is he has targeted will remain free of his attack, and that you and Lady Gwendoline, as a result, will be safe also.”
Phillip nodded, then tried to speak but found his throat rather tight. Feeling overwhelmed by the kindness of both Lady Yardley and Miss Madeley and utterly ashamed of his own behavior, he inclined his head before turning on his heel and walking quickly away.
Chapter Seven
“It was somewhat surprising to hear you offer your aid to Lord Brookmire.”
Fully aware that this had been a most extraordinary thing to come out of her mouth, Deborah closed her eyes and shook her head, finding no explanation for it.
