“But Mama, if he is truly to reform himself, then how is anyone in society to accept him unless there are those of us willing to greet him, to stand with him, and to converse with him?” She looked away quickly as her mother’s eyebrows lifted again. “As long as it is always in company, would it not be all right to have the occasional conversation with him? After all, you have said that you trust Lady Yardley’s judgment.”
Something flickered in her mother’s eyes, and Deborah flushed yet held her gaze steadily. Recalling what both her mother and Lady Yardley had said about gentleman such as Lord Brookmire – the fact that rogues, scoundrels, and rascals were usually able to steal the attention of any lady they sought, given their charm – she began to wonder if that fear was now present in her mother’s mind.
“You do have a compassionate heart, Deborah, my dear.” Her mother sighed heavily, her lips twisting to one side, perhaps uncertain of whether or not she would agree to this request. After a few more moments, she let out another long breath. “You know that I have encouraged you to think deeply about matters, and to make decisions carefully. Thus far, you have proven that any decision you have made has always been well thought out. You have a generous spirit - however, and I am concerned that Lord Brookmire might take advantage of that. I should not like to see you injured.”
“I understand your concerns.” Deborah spoke softly as her mother’s lips twisted to one side a little. “But you need not worry. I am more than able to be cautious and, at the same time, still a little more open when it comes to Lord Brookmire. As I have said, I was not immediately eager to believe his words, but Lady Yardley’s consideration of him has helped me to see the matter in a different light.”
“I can understand that.” Lady Prescott lifted her hands, then let them fall again. “Do please be cautious, Deborah.”
A small flicker of hope lit a candle in Deborah’s soul.
“You mean that you will permit me?”
Lady Prescott nodded.
“You were honest enough to speak to me about him and I appreciate your willingness to do so. It means that you are not skulking away in some corner to attempt to spend a little time with him, as so many other young ladies have done!” Laughing rather ruefully, she smiled. “I have heard that the Marquess of Harrogate’s daughter is one so inclined. I believe he is having the most terrible time with her.”
In an instant, all thoughts of Lord Brookmire flew from Deborah’s mind.
“Goodness! Do you mean to say she is….”
“She is a little insensible when it comes to the gentlemen of society.” Lady Prescott sighed heavily but looked directly into Deborah’s face. “I am grateful to you for being so level-headed. You cannot know the relief it is to be able to trust one’s daughter.”
Deborah blinked rapidly, barely hearing her mother’s compliment, and realizing now that Lord Anderton had taken advantage of Lady Gwendoline’s willingness, and, from the sounds of it, somewhat gullible nature. He had led her out of the ballroom, knowing that she would go willingly into Lord Brookmire’s arms. Lord Anderton truly was the very worst sort of fellow and, as she considered that fact, her sympathy for Lord Brookmire rose.
Although these consequences were brought upon him by his own actions,said a silent voice in her heart.But if it is to reform him, then I am almost glad of it.
At that very moment, she spied none other than Lord Anderton drawing near. Their eyes met for a moment and Deborah’s stomach tightened, her back straightening instinctively.
“Might I suggest that you do not particularly like the gentleman who is approaching?”
Her mother’s sharp eyes had caught Deborah’s change in expression and, glancing back at Lord Anderton and then again to her mother, she shook her head lightly.
“I do not think highly of him, no. I know that he professes to be a gentleman but, by all accounts I have heard, he does not behave so. I do not think him a gentleman to be trusted.”
Her mother nodded in evident understanding.
“Then permit me to engage him in conversation while you go and find another one of your friends to speak with.” Her eyes flew over Deborah’s shoulder. “Look there are Miss Millington and Lady Sherbourne walking together, why do you not join them for a short while? Do stay in sight of me, though, if you please.”
With a smile of gratitude, Deborah wasted no time, turning on her heel and hurrying towards her two friends. Miss Millington and Lady Sherbourne were delighted to see her and, after a moment of greeting each other, Deborah looped her arm through Miss Millington’s and, together, the three walked away, leaving Lord Anderton and Lady Prescott behind.
* * *
“Good afternoon.”
It was with a slightly horrified look that Miss Millington exchanged a glance with Deborah before inclining her head. Deborah, on the other hand, found herself smiling - first at her friend and then at Lord Brookmire.
“Lord Brookmire. Good afternoon.” She bobbed a curtsey, and her heart leaped as he returned her smile. She could only pray that Miss Millington did not notice her flushed cheeks. Lady Sherbourne had escaped to speak to another one of their acquaintances, leaving Deborah and Miss Millington alone together. They were still in view of her mother, of course, and now she had her approval to speak with Lord Brookmire, Deborah did so with an ease of heart and of conscience. “You are acquainted with Miss Millington, I think?”
Lord Brookmire nodded, but there was something in his expression that caught Deborah’s attention. This time, his smile did not spread as widely as it usually did, and his green eyes held no brightness.
“Yes, I am.”
Again, he bowed, only to shift from one foot to the other, his eyes darting over her shoulder to where Lord Anderton still spoke to Deborah’s mother. Was he concerned that Lord Anderton would come to speak with him? Or was it that Lord Anderton had been in conversation with him already?
“And have you had a pleasant afternoon, Lord Brookmire?”
Aware that they could not speak freely at present, Deborah kept her question short and rather direct. Lord Brookmire nodded and smiled again, but it faded quickly.
