“That is very generous of you.”
He looked away as if he did not wish for her compliments.
“Their circumstances were so dark, I could not ignore what had taken place. It appears that the young woman is stepsister to a gentleman known to me.” Much to Elizabeth’s surprise, a scowl darted across his face, chasing his smile away completely. She had never seen him with such a dark expression, and a slight chill ran down her spine, sending a gentle prickling to her skin. “I thought the gentleman was a good deal more… gentlemanly… than he is, it seems.”
Hearing this account was slowly changing Elizabeth’s opinion of Lord Winterbrook. Yes, he appeared to be rather bold, and certainly there was a tenacity about him that she could not deny, but it appeared that he had a most generous spirit and a deep sense of justice, wishing eagerly to do what he could to help those in such difficult circumstances.
And indeed it seems that he is very wealthy also.
The thought did not please her, for it was one of the reasons her mother had given to encourage her to entertain the suit of certain gentlemen. All the same, she considered, if Lord Winterbrook was ever to become more closely acquainted with her, then his wealth was something that might induce her mother to think well of him also.
“Might I ask what happened? Forgive me, I am not intentionally being bold, but I find the situation most astonishing.”
“You think it strange that a gentleman would not care for his own stepsister?” Lord Winterbrook asked, his smile refusing to return. “In that regard, I would agree with you, Lady Elizabeth. Lord Ruthven is more selfish than I ever thought him. After the death of Lady Ruthven, his late father's wife, and Miss Whitford’s mother - he told his stepsister to depart from the house, and that she was to take nothing with her.” Tightening his jaw, he turned his head away. “His single act of kindness was to offer her the carriage to take her wherever she wished to go.”
The darkness in his expression and his voice told her just how disagreeable he found the matter.
“Goodness.” Elizabeth pressed one hand to her heart. “I cannot imagine her distress.”
Lord Winterbrook sighed and looked back at her.
“She bore it with great strength and her granduncle has a more generous heart than I have ever seen. He was the only relative she could think of, the only one she had to depend on, and he offered her everything he had – even though he is a gentleman of low means. I believe that her mother married Lord Ruthven, having come from a lower situation than he. Miss Whitford’s granduncle gave up almost everything he had to bring her to London. I have been glad to help both him and his niece. I have more than I require, and it pains me so to hear that a gentleman of my acquaintance would treat his stepsister in such a manner.”
“Your kindness of heart is -” Elizabeth began, but Lord Winterbrook cut her off with a swift shake of his head.
“I say none of this to gain praise for myself.” From the severity of his voice and the firmness of his gaze, Elizabeth believed every word. “I see the injustice in this, and it troubles me greatly. Should Lord Ruthven appear in London for the Season, I have every intention of making such feelings known.”
An idea struck her, and Elizabeth took a small step closer to him.
“I might also have a suggestion. As you may know, Lady Yardley writes ‘The London Ledger’. She is always careful about what is placed within it – any rumors or the like must be stated as such and she will only place them within her publication if they are to be of use to particular persons. In this case, would it not be good for society to hear about Lord Ruthven’s treatment of his stepsister?”
Lord Winterbrook did not answer immediately. His eyes held hers, considering. His mouth tugged sharply to one side, but then, much to her relief, he nodded.
“That is a wise consideration, I must say.” His smile had returned but held only a little warmth. “It pains me to have to even consider such a thing, but after how he has treated his own kin, I think that such a thing would be wise. The man deserves some punishment for what he has done, even if it is only the friendlessness of theton.”
“I find that I agree with you in that,” she answered as Miss Millington nodded. “Might I ask if Miss Whitford would be eager to make my acquaintance? I would be glad to know her.”
Immediately Lord Winterbrook’s face lit up, his green eyes shining, his broad smile sending light into the entirety of his features. Even his voice had lifted a little.
“Would you be so willing, Lady Elizabeth? The reason she has come to London is, of course, in the hope of seeking a match. That is the only way to secure herself a comfortable future, and I know that she would be very grateful indeed to make your acquaintance. To have the friendship of an Earl’s daughter would certainly lift her up in the eyes of society.”
“But of course.” Elizabeth smiled warmly. “I should be very glad to do so. Is she nearby?”
Lord Winterbrook turned his head, then looked back at her.
“Yes. I shall take you to her if you would like?”
“I should be glad to make her acquaintance also, but Lord Colton has asked me to dance with him for this next dance.” Miss Millington smiled. “But might you bring her to make my acquaintance thereafter? It sounds as though she has been through a great deal, and I should like to offer her my friendship also.”
Lord Winterbrook clapped both hands together, his smile growing into a beaming grin.
“You are bothverygenerous. She will be so very pleased.”
“Then let us go at once.”
Elizabeth glanced at Lady Yardley, who was only a few steps away. She did not want to move away without the lady knowing.
“I shall inform Lady Yardley,” Miss Millington said, seeing her hesitation. “I am sure that she will join you soon. I advise you to stay in sight of her as best you can, however.”
