“Why are you wearing it?” Lord Falconer tilted his head, his eyes still upon it. “It is not like you to do so. Usually, you only wear your own signet ring.”
Henry shrugged.
“I wanted to do so. Seeking out a bride is more than a little significant, and wearing my father’s gold talisman ring brings the situation a little more significance – at least to my mind.”
Lord Falconer chuckled suddenly.
“And it is pure gold, with one very precious diamond and, therefore, very expensive which must, in turn, make young ladies aware of your wealth and standing, yes?”
A hint of embarrassment began to burn its way up Henry’s chest and into his face, though he only cleared his throat and shrugged. His friend had hit upon the truth, but Henry did not want to admit it. It seemed a little shallow to say that the only reason he was wearing what was a very expensive ring wassimply to bring attention to his wealth but, all the same, thatwasthe main reason for him doing so.
“Very well, I shall not tease you about it any longer,” Lord Falconer chuckled, slapping Henry on the shoulder. “Come now, let us go and speak with some young ladies, rather than standing here, speakingaboutthem.”
“Only make sure to take a turn to your left rather than to your right.” Henry nudged his friend lightly, tilting his head to the right. “Your cousin, Lady Judith, and her mother are standing over there and I am doing my best to avoid them.”
Lord Falconer laughed aloud and, grinning, Henry walked alongside his friend in the opposite direction from the two ladies, his heart filled with expectation and anticipation of all the evening was to bring.
“It belonged to my late father.”Henry held out his hand for Miss Blakefield to see, only to then quickly slide the ring off his finger and hand it to her. “I have subsequently had my own signet ring made, but my father’s talisman, I keep with me also.”
“I can see why you would do so!” Miss Blakefield smiled brightly, then dropped her gaze to the ring again. “It is quite beautiful… and heavier than I would have expected a ring to be.”
Henry wanted to tell her that it was made of pure gold but refrained. There was no need to labor the point, no need to go into detail about how valuable this was. Instead, he allowed the lady’s gaze to linger on it before taking it back from her, a light smile on his face.
“I thank you. You have a keen eye, Miss Blakefield, to see such a thing!”
“How could I not notice it?” she asked, glancing at her mother who had turned away a little, making the conversation between Henry and herself a little more private. “It is a beautiful thing, and it must be very precious indeed to have something linked to your beloved father.”
Nodding, Henry slipped the ring back onto his little finger.
“That is very true, Miss Blakefield. He was an excellent man and I miss his presence and his advice a great deal.”
“Butyouare the Viscount now,” she said, making Henry frown. “That is important too. It does seem to be a great pity that we must lose the ones we love to gain such standing for ourselves.”
Blinking, Henry took a few moments before he replied. Did she mean to be as callous as she had sounded?
“Yes, that is true, I suppose.”
“Though I am sure there must be a little gladness when news of one’s father’s passing comes.”
“Gladness?” It was as if a cold hand gripped at Henry’s heart as he looked into Miss Blakefield’s eyes, wondering at her meaning. “Why should one be glad at the death of one’s parent?”
“Because,” she smiled, her eyes bright as though she had very little awareness of the pain she was causing him, “there is the acknowledgment then thatyounow hold the title, thatyouhave the fortune and the social standing that once belonged to your father. There must be some happiness in that, I am sure.”
The grip around Henry’s heart pulled tighter and he cleared his throat gruffly, suddenly wishing he had not shown Miss Blakefield the talisman.
“Perhaps, Miss Blakefield, though I did not feel one iota of gladness.”
“Oh.” She frowned as though he were the one confusing her, rather than the other way around. “That seems a little strange.” Her smile grew quickly as she shrugged. “However, I supposesuch things do not matter. You are the Viscount now and, as such, have the title and all that comes with it. You will be looking to produce an heir very soon, I should think.”
The shock of her words hit Henry so hard that he took a step back.
“I – yes. Do excuse me, Miss Blakefield, I hear that the waltz has been called and I must go to find the lady I am to dance with. Pray forgive me.”
Miss Blakefield’s smile froze and her eyes flared.
“But you have not signedmydance card, Lord Yarmouth!” she exclaimed, though Henry merely bowed and hurried away, making his way through the crowd, and doing his utmost to stay clear of both Miss Blakefield and Lady Judith. Closing his eyes, he let out a heavy sigh and shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Are you dancing the waltz, Lord Yarmouth?” Just as he was thinking that very thought, none other than Lady Judith waved her dance card at him, hurrying towards him as though she were steeped in darkness and he was the only one carrying the light. “Cousin?”
