Phillip dared not say more than this, for to reveal his heart to Lord Marchmont when he himself had no clear understanding of precisely what it was that he felt would not be wise.
“And this is all you will say, then?” Lord Marchmont chuckled. “If you are inclined towards the lady, there is no shame in that.” He took a sip of his brandy, then chuckled again. “Even if you have been entirely disinclined towards such a thing before now.”
“Yes, but I was a fool.” Phillip spoke honestly, and Lord Marchmont’s surprise etched itself into his features. “I did not realize the significance of having an interest in one soul alone, in feeling drawn to one particular person, over everyone else. It is both extraordinary and very confusing indeed.”
Again, Lord Marchmont nodded, but this time, a smile came with it.
“She is a very lovely young lady with good connections and, from what I understand, something of a strength of character.” Laughing, he shrugged, a question in his eyes. “Will you be able to be content with that?”
Phillip grinned.
“I think a strength of character a very fine thing.” His smile softened a little. “Her heart is compassionate, her spirit nothing but sweetness. I feel a good deal for her, I confess it.”
“It is Miss Madeley you speak of, is it not?”
Phillip’s stomach turned over on itself as he turned sharply, seeing Lord Anderton standing behind them. How long had he been listening?
“Good evening, Lord Anderton.” Lord Marchmont’s tight voice offered an indication of his feelings. “Lord Brookmire and I were enjoying a private conversation. Do excuse us.”
“It would be a shame if she should have her heart broken.”
Lord Anderton shrugged both shoulders then looked away as Phillip’s gaze shot straight to him. Surely, he could not mean to pull Miss Madeley into this dark endeavor!
“As I have said, Lord Anderton.” Lord Marchmont’s voice was firm. “This is a private conversation.”
“And yet, Lord Brookmire is required to hear what I have to say.” Coming to stand in between them, Lord Anderton only flicked his gaze towards Lord Marchmont for a moment, before fixing his beady eyes upon Phillip. “Lady Shawbost has recently expressed an interest in becoming a little better acquainted with you.” Lord Anderton smiled as though he offered Phillip a great boon. “She is already in the gardens by the fountain. I said I would fetch you.”
Instantly, Phillip shook his head.
“I have no interest in meeting Lady Shawbost. I will not go.”
“Youshall.” Lord Anderton’s voice was soft with danger. He waited a moment, then added, in an even quieter and more venomous tone, “Be advised that the Marquess of Harrogate is also present.”
Phillip dropped his head, his heart pounding, his stomach lurching so furiously that he feared he might cast up his accounts.
“Brookmire?”
Lord Marchmont’s gaze went from Phillip to Lord Anderton and back again, but Phillip did not have the heart to explain. What was it he would say? Did he tell his friend how foolish he had been? The depth of Lord Anderton’s cruelty? It was too much to explain.
“She is waiting.” Lord Anderton said it softly, putting one hand on Phillip’s shoulder, and Phillip had to grit his teeth, restraining himself so that he would not knock it away. “I should go to her as soon as I could, if I were you. After all, Miss Madeley is also in the gardens and my sole intention is for her to witness your… warmth towards Lady Shawbost. If she does not, then the very same situation will be set up again and again until it is complete – and should you warn her in the interim, then there will be a greater consequence forherto bear.”
He moved away and Phillip let out a groan, which Lord Marchmont turned his attention towards, putting a hand on Phillip’s arm as he squeezed his eyes closed. Dread began to fill his veins, turning him slowly to stone as Lord Marchmont searched his face.
“What is it that he demands of you? I do not understand.”
There was no time to explain. He had no choice but to do as Lord Anderton asked, and this although everything in him rebelled furiously at the idea.
“You are my only hope, Marchmont.” His voice hoarse as he spoke, he fixed his gaze on his friend. “Do one thing for me.”
Lord Marchmont’s eyes were steady on his.
“Anything.”
“I have no doubt that Miss Madeley will have no interest in seeing me once she endures this pain.” Slowly, his heart began to tear itself apart into as the impossibility of his situation pressed down upon him. “Please, speak to Miss Madeley. Tell her that Lord Anderton demanded it of me and that I was not in the least bit willing. She will know what it means… that is, so long as she is willing to even listen to you in the first place.”
“You must explain this all to me.” Lord Marchmont’s tone lowered, his brow furrowing with lines. “Lord Anderton holds something over you, does he not?”
Phillip closed his eyes and breathed out slowly.
