“I am afraid you must forgive me, Miss Millington, for my forgetfulness in coming to seek you out.”
Much to his relief, Miss Millington only laughed.
“Oh, pray do not concern yourself, Lord Seaton. It was not any trouble, for in all truthfulness. I wished to remove myself from the conversation of one very ardent gentleman and was glad to have an excuse!” It was on the tip of Adam’s tongue to ask her which gentleman this was, but given that she did not offer his name, he chose to remain silent. Besides which, why should it matter to him who it was? Gentlemen were bound to be interested in Miss Millington’s company. She was quite delightful in every way. “So you see, you did me a great favor.”
Her hand pressed his arm lightly and Adam’s heart suddenly soared, only for heat to burn in his face. A warning rose in his mind, a warning that he was allowing himself to feel far too much for this young lady… but try as he might, he could not rid himself of such emotions.
The dance permitted them a good deal of time for conversation, and as they stepped together, Miss Millington enquired as to Lord Campbell and his seeming distress.
“He does not seem to be a gentleman in particularly high spirits this evening, which is somewhat unusual, is it not? Given that a ball is always such a joyous opportunity for conversation and laughter.”
“I believe he is a little… heartsore.” Making certain to speak carefully, for he did not want to give all of Lord Campbell’s situation voice, Adam thought quickly. “It is a matter of the heart, I believe.”
“I see.” She did not smile any longer, her expression now a little thoughtful. “I have heard that such things can cause a great deal of distress. I am sorry for it.”
“That is very kind of you.” Adam smiled at her, silently thinking of just how sweet a nature Miss Millington appeared to possess. “I am sure that he will recover himself in time.”
“We must hope so.” Miss Millington spread out her hands and tilted her head as the dance came to a close, their hands releasing from one another. “I have heard that these things can take a good deal of time to recover from. I have no experience of it myself, I confess.”
“Nor have I. I-”
The words died away as he frowned, but Miss Millington, dropping into a curtsey, did not see it. Was that truly how he felt? No longer able to state that he had been desperately in love with Lady Margaret and now suffered ongoing pain over their separation?
That is because it was nothing but a moment. A brief love that faded easily.
His lip curled. Did he truly believe that love was a fleeting emotion, one which held no substance, able to be pulled away at any given moment? How, then, could he explain what it was his friend now suffered with if it was not a broken heart?
“You now appear rather thoughtful.” Miss Millington settled her arm through his as they returned. “I do hope our conversation has not brought any difficulty to you.”
Quickly, Adam shook his head.
“No, not in the least,” he promised, thinking it was not something he wished to share when it came to his experience with Lady Margaret. “It is only that I do find myself concerned for my friend. I wonder if he will ever recover. He seems very unlike himself.”
“Perhaps I might talk to him?” Miss Millington lifted her shoulders. “I would be glad to. Mayhap I know the lady he is besotted with and might be of aid to him in how to best seek out her affections.”
“Forgive me, but I do not think that would be wise.” Adam pulled his lips to one side for a few moments. “This will sound very strange to you, I am sure, but he does not desire to feel this way about this lady.Thatis where the confusion lies, you understand.”
“I see.” Miss Millington’s eyes darted up to his and then away again. “All the same, if he would be willing to speak with me, then–”
Their conversation lapsed into silence as they approached Lord Campbell. Miss Millington smiled warmly and after a moment, the gentleman returned it.
“Might I present Miss Millington, daughter to Viscount Hayman.” Adam quickly made the correct introductions. “Miss Millington, this is my dear friend Viscount Campbell.”
“From Scotland, of course.” The gentleman chuckled, then inclined his head. “I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
“As I am glad to make yours.” Miss Millington smiled warmly, her voice soft. “Though I was sorry to hear about your present difficulties. You need not look so sharply at your friend, however, for Lord Seaton has not given any secrets away, only to say that you have been a little sorrowful of late.”
“And in that regard, he is quite correct.” Lord Campbell sighed and shook his head. “I will not pretend this has not been painful. My heart is quite trapped, Miss Millington. Perhaps you might know of a way to help me release it.”
Adam looked at Miss Millington, a little surprised at how openly his friend spoke, having only just been introduced to her. Perhaps, he considered, it was because Miss Millington had such a pleasant demeanor about her, and that made conversation particularly easy.
“I am afraid that I know very little about matters of the heart.” Miss Millington leaned against Adam for a moment, and it was then that he realized her arm was still through his. “Might I ask why you wish to remove your affection from this lady?”
Lord Campbell laughed harshly.
“You may well ask.” He flung out his hands. “It is because the lady in question quite tore my affection from me. She made a mockery of it through her actions, though she would probably not say so. I found myself alone when I ought to have been wed. Does that suffice, Miss Millington?”
She nodded and Adam, glancing at her, caught the glisten of moisture in her eyes. Did she truly feel such a great depth of emotion for Lord Campbell’s circumstances?
