“Yes, I have. Save for a conversation with a particular gentleman, I have found myself to be quite contented.”
Deborah bit her lip, glancing at Miss Millington, who appeared to have very little desire to speak, given that she was staring at the ground. She had no doubt that Lord Brookmire spoke of Lord Anderton, but there was no easy way to ask him what had taken place. Setting her shoulders, she offered him another small smile.
“I am afraid that Lady Yardley is not here with me, although I am to see her this evening.” Casting another quick look at her friend, she returned her gaze to Lord Brookmire. “I might, however, be willing to spend a few minutes looking for her, should you wish it. So long as we stay within sight of my mother, I am certain that she would not mind.”
A swift intake of breath caught her attention and Deborah kept her smile pinned in place, practically feeling the heat coming from Miss Millington’s furious look. With a slight shrug. Deborah smiled again at Lord Brookmire, who immediately offered his arm, his shoulders dropping in evident relief.
“I would be very grateful. I have a great desire to speak with Lady Yardley.”
Deborah smiled, understanding fully.
“Of course. Miss Millington, would you wish to join us?”
Miss Millington shook her head.
“I am afraid that I must return to my own mother,” she said rather sharply. “Are you quite certain thatyoudo not wish to return to Lady Prescott?”
“Quite certain.” Deborah offered her friend a smile, which was not returned. Miss Millington’s eyebrows were rising towards her hairline and her eyes had become rather rounded, as though she believed that she was giving Deborah the option to escape from a difficult situation, but Deborah merely smiled. “I will stay in sight of my mother, however.”
Assuring her friend a little more, she then turned and walked slowly with Lord Brookmire further along the path.
“You say that you will see Lady Yardley this evening.”
Lord Brookmire’s voice was low, falling immediately into conversation with her as they walked together. Deborah nodded, her heart quickening a little as she glanced to where her arm now wound through his.
“Yes, I shall see her this evening. I cannot be sure whether she is here in the park at present, although she may be.” Deborah glanced across at Lord Brookmire, noticing how his hair glistened with bronze and copper as the sun shone upon it. “Are you to attend Lord Brathwaite’s soiree?”
Lord Brookmire dropped his head low.
“I dare not.” He would not look at her. “I have been directed by Lord Anderton to do something truly dreadful and quite frankly, I am going to remain in my townhouse so that I might attempt to think through what is to be done. I wanted to speak with you and Lady Yardley also, in the hope that one of us could come up with a solution to this difficulty.”
She slowed her steps, glancing over her shoulder to where her mother still stood talking with Lord Anderton. She caught her eye, but Lady Prescott did not respond with any sort of surprise in seeing Deborah arm in arm with Lord Brookmire.
“What is it that Lord Anderton has said? Did he approach you in the park?”
Lord Brookmire nodded.
“He has not delayed, for he is quite frustrated that his plan as regarded Lord Williamston and Lady Jemima has been foiled. Therefore, he has stated that I must not fail this time. I protested that I had not had the opportunity to either fail or succeed the last time, but he would not hear of it.” Deborah pressed his arm a little, hearing the frustration flutter through his voice. To her, his frame was rather tense but much to her astonishment, his free hand came to settle on hers as they walked together. “Do not think that I have forgotten how much I owe to your generous and compassionate heart.” Lord Brookmire came to a complete stop, looking at her now, his eyes meeting hers. “I am all too aware of my behavior and how quickly and keenly you have been willing to set the past aside. Even now, your sympathy and support is something which I certainly do not merit but value greatly.”
Fearful of what he would see in her eyes, Deborah quickly turned her head, her eyes to the path.
“Thank you, Lord Brookmire,” she said quickly, all too aware of how furiously her heart was pounding. “What is it that you must do for Lord Anderton?”
A harsh laugh broke from Lord Brookmire’s lips.
“I believe that he is testing my loyalty. You may not know of it, but Lord Marchmont is a dear friend of mine. I have spoken to you of how he warned me repeatedly over my reputation, and thereafter about Lord Anderton. In my foolish stubbornness, I refused to listen to him, and I now find myself deeply regretting that. Had I only listened to him, then I might not find myself in this circumstance.”
Deborah caught her breath, realizing what Lord Brookmire meant.
“Lord Anderton has spoken of something you must do against Lord Marchmont.”
Lord Brookmire nodded, his gaze catching hers again. His face had paled a little, his lips flat, although his jaw was forward, perhaps hiding the anger which must now be flooding through him.
“As I say, I believe that Lord Anderton is testing my loyalty. He wants to see how much power he has over me, and whether I will do whatever I must. Either I will protect my reputation, or I will protect my friend.” Deborah bit her tongue, refusing to ask any more questions and giving Lord Brookmire a chance to explain further. After a heavy breath, he did continue, and Deborah’s heart ached as he explained. “There is an evening next week which is open to gentlemen only. It is by invitation from Lord Dalton and consists of gambling and cards.” Lord Brookmire sighed, shaking his head “I must play against Lord Marchmont, for he is a gentleman who enjoys gambling on occasion. He is rather good at it and certainly does win a great deal, but he is also a gentleman not inclined towards too much liquor which must aid him a great deal. Lord Anderton states that I am not only to ply him with brandy, but I am also to cheat during our gambling game and take as much from him as I possibly can.”
“Oh.” Deborah closed her eyes tightly as Lord Brookmire’s steps came to a stop once more. “How dreadful. Can you not speak to Lord Marchmont and warn him?”
Lord Brookmire shook his head.
