A flurry of hope sent sparks through Phillip’s heart. He looked back at Lord Williamston, who was by now, grinning broadly.
“I had heard that there was a certain attachment to a particular lady,” he remarked, with a slow smile beginning to spread across his face - a genuine one that spoke of both relief and happiness. “I was in conversation with Lady Essington only a few days ago and she stated that there was a connection between yourself and her daughter. Is it to this that these gentlemen are referring?”
Lord Williamston chuckled.
“Yes, it is so. There is a note in ‘The London Ledger’ that there will soon be a betrothal announced and the initials of those mentioned speak only of myself and Lady Jemima. I am not in the least bit upset, however, for I will not pretend that my desire has not been for such a thing for some time. Therefore, I will do nothing to refute it.”
Delighted with this, Phillip stuck out one hand and shook Lord Williamston’s firmly.
“I assume that you are to propose to Lady Jemima?”
The man nodded.
“Just as soon as I am able. I have already gained Lord Essington’s blessing, albeit some time ago. I have been tardy in asking her, finding myself struggling with finding the right moment and the correct words – but that shall not be the case any longer. I hope that, by the end of this evening, you shall all find me a betrothed gentleman.”
Phillip’s heart lifted at the cheers and laughter which went up at this statement.
“In truth, I am very glad for you, Lord Williamston. I do hope that you and Lady Jemima find happiness together. I am sure that she is an excellent creature.”
“And brings a large dowry with her,” cried another gentleman, making the entire group laugh.
“And to be acquainted with a Marquess in such a close connection can do no harm to your standing,” chimed in another.
The group rattled with laughter, and Phillip took a small step back, so overwhelmed with relief, he could barely speak. It seemed that Lady Yardleyhadplaced something within ‘The London Ledger’ and, happily, Lord Williamston had responded with delight and clear anticipation to the idea of proposing to Lady Jemima. It also now meant that there was nothing to be gained from Lord Anderton attempting to break up the connection between gentleman and lady, save for having Phillip pushed from society should he attempt to do so… and then be discovered. He now had to hope that Lord Anderton would back away from this particular idea.
“I thought you might wish to see ‘The London Ledger’, Lord Brookmire.”
A soft voice reached his ears, and Phillip turned quickly, only to look directly into the eyes of Miss Madeley. She was smiling warmly, and Phillip took a deep breath before taking the paper from her, aware that his heart had quickened simply from looking into her face.
“Miss Madeley.” He did not glance at the paper but held his gaze to hers. “Your wonderful suggestion seems to have brought about great satisfaction. Lord Williamston is to propose to Lady Jemima and therefore, I hope, it will bring an end to the matter with Lord Anderton, for the moment at least.” He inclined his head. “I am in your debt.”
Miss Madeley’s smile faded just a little.
“I do not want Lady Jemima to be at all injured.” She lifted her shoulders gently. “But in addition, if it is as you say, then I am glad for you also, for if you are true in your desire to become a repentant fellow, then I think that would be for the best – not only for you, but for all of society.” A wry smile tilted the corner of her mouth as she tipped her head gently. “After all, it would be to every young lady’s advantage if you were not to be a cruel fellow who did not care anything for the feelings of others.”
Phillip shook his head.
“I can assure you, my intentions are entirely true. True change will, I admit, take me some time, but my path towards redemption is already laid out for me, I am sure.” He looked at her for a long moment, his heart suddenly turning over on itself as though it were delighting in the company of Miss Madeley. A little embarrassed by what he felt, he quickly turned his attention to ‘The London Ledger’, looking down to see the paper filled with various stories of interest. A gentle hand pointed to where the news came of Lord Williamston, and Phillip read it quickly.
“‘It has been said that one Lord W. has spoken to the Marquess of Essington as regards the company of his daughter. It is hoped and expected by all those who care for both, that a betrothal will soon take place.’”
Phillip looked up quickly.
“That is precisely what Lord Williamston said to me only a moment ago. He stated that he had spoken with Lord Essington some time ago, but had thereafter been somewhat tardy as he sought to find the right moment to propose to Lady Jemima.”
Miss Madeley smiled, and this time, her eyes lit.
“I believe that we have Lady Yardley and her connections to thank for that bit of information.” Laughing softly, she lifted a shoulder. “It seems that Lady Yardley knows a great deal, but says very little. I am only glad that Lord Williamston took this so well.” Her gaze slid towards the fellow where he stood behind Phillip. “At least, he appears to be rather pleased.”
Phillip chuckled.
“He certainly is. I see it is certainly a wise decision – at least, for Lord Williamston. He will be settled with one young lady, and that will be the end of things. I do hope that they will be very contented.”
“Do you truly believe that contentedness can come from being suitably and happily married, or do you say such things only to placate me?” Miss Madeley lifted her eyebrows in question. “I would have thought a gentleman with your reputation would scorn such things.”
“And you would have been quite correct.” Phillip now dropped his head so that he would not have to look at her, finding that his shame was quick to mount whenever she studied him with that arched eyebrow and a question in her eyes – a question which, in this case, she clearly already knew the answer to. “You torment me, Miss Madeley.” With a sigh, he licked his lips “Yes, I confess it. I would not have thought matrimony an excellent situation, had you asked me earlier this Season. In fact, I would have laughed at it, telling you that a gentleman did not need to marry until it was absolutely required; that they were, in fact, throwing their future away, tossing aside a great deal of potential happiness. I would have believed that they could have enjoyed the Season for many a year before taking a wife and said that they were all foolish to do so before it was necessary.” There was no reason for him not to speak honestly, given that she already knew the answer to what she had asked and thus, he did not hold himself back. “Lady Yardley states that I will have a great deal of time to think upon my own character, and she is right in that. I am relieved that Lord Williamston and Lady Jemima will be betrothed, for it will free them from Lord Anderton’s attack but…” Looking over his shoulder, he paused for a moment. “Now I see the smile on Lord Williamston’s face and the happiness in his eyes and I believe it is genuine. I confess that I have not thought about such a thing before, I have not imagined that happiness could be gained from being so devoted to only one other.”
Clearing his throat and feeling a little abashed, he handed back the Ledger to Miss Madeley, and their fingers brushed as he did so. A jolt ran through him, and his breath hitched in his chest, forcing him to suck in air. Their eyes met and caught, holding together for a long moment, a moment which seemed to grow into the longest time, and yet could not have been more than a few seconds. The sound of this soiree faded until the only sound in his ears was his roaring heartbeat. Miss Madeley did not look away from him, nor did he pull his eyes from her. Whatever was it that he was feeling, and… could she see it in his face? Why was it that she who had perplexed him from their first meeting now perplexed him in an entirely different way?
