Looking to his left, he saw Lord Bramwell beckon to him, but with a nod, he turned his head in the opposite direction. He was not about to go to his friend, who had, no doubt, seen Felix’s interactions with Lady Elizabeth, and would thereafter see him dance with her again. Given how he was feeling at present, Felix had no intention of talking about Lady Elizabeth in any way, particularly when he did not understand things for himself. Instead, finding his way to a quieter corner of the ballroom, he leaned back against the wall and forced his breathing to steady.
Never did I think I would find my heart so captivated.
He had never thought that he would be captured by a young lady. He had always assumed that when the time came to marry, he would simply find someone who was the most suitable and thereafter, take her as his bride. Throughout his years, he had never believed that emotion was an important part of such a thing, and it was now both confusing and a little conflicting for him to be forced to consider that his notions of courtship, and even matrimony might be entirely wrong. He had asked to walk with Lady Elizabeth, and the excitement in his heart when she had agreed was more than he had ever thought he would feel.
Felix dropped his head.
I cannot be falling in love with Lady Elizabeth,surely?
His eyes closed as he recalled their kiss. He had done that as the highwayman, and yes, it had only been an impulse but perhaps, somehow, it had bound his heart to hers. She was not the first young lady he had kissed, of course, but she was the first young lady who had roused any feelings within him.
With a sigh, Felix leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. There would have to be a way to return the brooch to Lady Elizabeth without her knowledge, and, if he truly was to spend more time with her, to consider courting her, then he would have to consider abandoning his highwayman ways. If he wished to pursue it a little longer, he feared what would happen if Lady Elizabeth ever found out.
He would have to be very careful, if he was to be a gentleman in Londonanda highwayman and he would have to take great care that his worlds could never collide.
Chapter Seven
“You say a highwayman directed you to Lord Winterbrook?”
Astonishment widened her eyes, and she could barely take in what was being said to her by Miss Whitford. The young woman nodded so fervently that Elizabeth felt she had no choice but to believe her.
“I know it is most extraordinary, but it is the truth.” Miss Whitford shook her head, seemingly still surprised at what had taken place. “My uncle – he is my granduncle, of course, but I do refer to him as my uncle - was to take us to lodgings somewhere in the East End of London. The highwayman, upon hearing this, appeared most unhappy with my uncle’s decision. I did not think such a person would ever have any sympathy or regard for those he stopped, but in this case, it appears that he did. From what I recall, he practically made my uncle promise not to take me to the place he had originally intended us to stay.”
“Most extraordinary indeed, as you have said.” Elizabeth could not account for it, and she frowned a little as the two ladies walked arm in arm through Hyde Park. Lord Winterbrook walked a little behind them in company with Mr. Harrison, and Elizabeth’s mother was nearby also, although walking alone. Elizabeth smiled to herself. She was enjoying this afternoon immensely, albeit with a great deal of surprise surrounding their discussions about the highwayman. “Lord Winterbrook and your granduncle appear to be deep in conversation.” Elizabeth murmured, as Miss Whitford glanced over her shoulder also. “It is good that they can talk so.”
She and Lord Winterbrook had met, just at the entrance of Hyde Park, having intended to take their walk. They had not even begun to walk together, however, before Miss Whitford and her granduncle had appeared also, and greetings had been exchanged. It had seemed rude not to engage herself with the young lady and thus, Elizabeth’s time with Lord Winterbrook was being a little interrupted. She could not blame the young woman, however, for it was clear that Miss Whitford needed a friend, and she was glad to be that to her.
Miss Whitford giggled as Elizabeth cast another glance at Lord Winterbrook over her shoulder.
“Have no fear, I shall free you to walk with him again soon.”
Elizabeth blushed furiously and tried to laugh.
“It is no trouble, please. I am enjoying our walk.”
“And yet, I am aware that you aremeantto be walking with him. I shall leave you soon enough.” Miss Whitford took a breath. “I think him a very kind gentleman, I must say.”
“It appears that he is.” Elizabeth smiled quietly, her heart quickening just a little at the thought of him. “I do not know Lord Winterbrook particularly well as yet, I confess. Indeed, I first thought him rather bold in his manner, and mayhap a little arrogant. But now I see that there is another aspect to his character also.”
Miss Whitford looked at her for a moment, her gaze steady.
“You thought him arrogant?”
There was a hint of surprise there, but Elizabeth did not repond badly to it.
“Mayhap it is only because he seems so very sure of himself,” she answered with a smile. “As I have said, I do not know him particularly well as yet.”
“Which is why you are out taking a walk together, I suppose.” Miss Whitford laughed softly. “I shall tell you something, but you must make certain that you do not let him know that I have told you, for he demanded that both I and my uncle keep it a secret.”
For whatever reason, Elizabeth’s heart bounced in her chest at these words, although she hesitated before responding.
“If Lord Winterbrook has asked you to keep something a secret, then I do not think you need to tell me.”
Miss Whitford laughed.
“It is nothing of any seriousness. The only reason for such a request was to keep his generosity hidden from others,” she shrugged and smiled again, “but I have no desire to keep it a secret, particularly if it means your opinion of him is a little improved.”
Elizabeth, a little relieved, smiled.
