He lifted his chin a little and folded his arms across his chest before coming to stand a little closer to Deborah’s side; a show of strength, perhaps, against Lord Brookmire’s arrogance.
“Why is it that you will accept Lord Cleverley’s company, but you will not tolerate even a moment of mine?”
Deborah tapped her foot in impatience, letting out a long and heavy sigh.
“Are we truly to have the same discussion again, Lord Brookmire? You know full well my reasons and, therefore, it will come as no surprise to you that I have every intention of extricating myself from this conversation almost immediately.”
Lord Brookmire joined her in her sighs by letting out a long one of his own, and looking upwards as though pleading to heaven for some sort of aid.
“But should not a gentleman ever be offered a second chance? Another opportunity to prove himself to a lady?”
Deborah bit her lip before she could answer. The gentleman was once more goading her, and she had no time for him – but it seemed the only way in which she could prove that was to remain silent.
“I take it from your silence that you will not offer me such an opportunity.”
Turning her head, Deborah returned her gaze to Lord Cleverley.
“Might you return me to my mother, Lord Cleverley?” she asked softly. “I have no concern as regardsyourcompany, but I am very aware that she will find our present company rather displeasing.”
Lord Brookmire only chortled, but Lord Cleverley immediately nodded.
“I should be more than glad to do so.” With a firm look towards Lord Brookmire, he turned away from him. “Do excuse us.”
Deborah too offered a prim but short smile to Lord Brookmire and turned away, only for him to suddenly grasp her hand and tug her gently back. She made to respond fiercely, to demand to know where such audacity came from, only for her words to steal themselves away as her breath lodged itself in her chest. Something like fire erupted within her core, and as she looked into Lord Brookmire’s face, a dull ache formed even lower in her belly. He was saying something, grinning at her, but she could not seem to hear him. Her hand was still in his and it was only when Lord Cleverley touched her arm that she pulled it sharply away from Lord Brookmire’s grasp. Her extraordinary reaction to his nearness had her dumbfounded, and with a slight lift of her chin, she turned away from him directly, while finding herself deeply troubled at how strangely she had responded.
“I can only apologize.” Lord Cleverley shook his head as Deborah attempted to compose herself. “I should have taken you away from Lord Brookmire a good deal more quickly than I did. You are not the only one aware of his reputation. I do hope that your mother will not be displeased at our lingering.”
Deborah forced a quick smile.
“I do not think that you need have any concern, Lord Cleverley,” she told him quickly. “Instead, my mother will simply be pleased that you took me away from him. I am grateful to you for doing so without hesitation.”
Lord Cleverley blinked for a moment, then smiled and nodded, seeming relieved at her reassurance. Within only a few moments, they were standing beside Lady Prescott again, and Deborah let out a slow yet unobtrusive breath.
“I saw Lord Brookmire attempt to speak with you again.” Lady Prescott turned to smile brilliantly up into Lord Cleverley’s face. “And I also observed how quickly you removed my daughter from his presence. I am very grateful to you, Lord Cleverley.”
The gentleman inclined his head.
“I only wish that I had done so a good deal more quickly,” he replied, as Deborah looked from one to the other, trying to remove the unsettling feelings as regarded Lord Brookmire from within herself. With a deep breath, she set her shoulders in an attempt to regain the composure she had been so certain she had fully within her control… right up until the moment Lord Brookmire had taken her hand.
“Deborah?” Blinking rapidly, she looked at her mother, seeing the slightly questioning look. “What was it Lord Brookmire spoke to you about?”
A slight flush came into Deborah’s cheeks.
“Very little of consequence.” She shook her head. “If you can believe it, he was attempting to ingratiate himself, in the hope that I would succumb to his charms.” Allowing herself a small exclamation of disapproval, she sighed. “It appears as though his pride is a little injured, since I have not warmed to him as so many others have done.”
Lord Cleverley nodded fervently.
“Might I suggest that he is unused to having anyone reject him so fervently?” He sent her a warm smile. “I admire your confidence in speaking with him so firmly.”
Deborah smiled briefly. “Thank you again for taking me from him.”
It was the only thing she could think to say, given how her mind was in torment over her strange reaction to Lord Brookmire’s touch. Again, her mother praised Lord Cleverley, and after a few moments, he excused himself, telling Deborah upon departure that he looked forward to dancing with her again soon. Deborah smiled and curtsied, then watched as Lord Cleverley moved away from her side in search of the next young lady he should dance with. Her eyes fixed themselves on him, waiting for a slight pang of jealousy or hint of envy that he should be standing up with someone else… but none came. It was the most extraordinary thing, for if she was as delighted with Lord Cleverley as she knew she was, and if he was eager to call upon her, ought she not to feel something?
“Lord Cleverley is a very excellent sort.” Lady Prescott cast a considering eye over Deborah’s features. “He does appear a little taken with you.”
Deborah looked back at her.
“He has asked if I will walk with him in the park in two days’ time.”
