“Then permit me to aid you in that.”
Quite where this desire had come from, Henry was not certain, but his desire to aid the lady was genuine indeed and thus, he continued.
“It would be as a way of thanking you for finding my talisman ring,” he said, seeing her bite her lip. “And because I do not agree with what society has said of you.”
Her laugh was unexpected but when it came, it filled the air around him with light, and Henry’s heart lifted suddenly.
“I am afraid that I ampreciselyas society has said of me, Lord Yarmouth.” With her laughter fading to silence, Miss Bosworth shook her head. “I ammuchtoo outspoken. I am blunt, and forward, and do not behave as a young lady ought. You need not ask me what I am thinking onanyoccasion, Lord Yarmouth, for I will have already told you.”
Red came into her cheeks, but Henry smiled, wanting to reassure her all the same.
“I do not think that those traits are worthy of such punishment.” Spreading out his hands, he lifted his shoulders and let them fall. “For we do not treat gentlemen in such a way, and they are also meant to be considered, not speaking out of turn and always with consideration, is they not?”
“I… I suppose that is true.” Miss Bosworth appeared a little uncertain of herself for what was the first time in their conversation, and Henry caught himself just before he put one hand out to hers, ready to grasp her fingers in what he hadhoped would be a reassuring way. Where had such a desire come from? That would not be at all appropriate! “And now I should take my leave.” Miss Bosworth lifted her chin and looked back again, her confidence and poise returning quickly. “I should find my mother and take my leave, for I have no intention of lingering here at the ball without a friend or companion!”
“It is near the end of the ball regardless,” Henry said, with what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Though I should be glad to step out with you to dance at whatever ball we both find ourselves at!”
Miss Bosworth’s eyes caught his and in the next moment, a blossoming smile spread right across her face.
“That would be very kind of you, Lord Yarmouth, though you ought to be aware of what might happen to your reputation, should you do so.” Her smile began to fade, and she turned away. “I do not think it would be wise to stand up with me again.”
“Miss Bosworth, wait, please.”
She did not. Instead, she lifted one hand in farewell and walked away from Henry directly, leaving him standing to look after her with a dull, unsettling feeling of discontent lingering deep in his core.
His association with Miss Bosworth was not one he was going to pull himself away from. It had only just begun and, as he looked after her, Henry’s determination to aid her in whatever way he could began to grow.
This was not the end of their connection. It was only the very beginning.
Chapter Seven
“He was very grateful, yes.”
A slight shift in her stomach had Joy wincing, though she kept her expression clear for her friends.
“He also told me that he disagreed with all that society had done as regards pushing myself away.” Biting her lip gently, she shook her head. “I am not certain whether I ought to believe him or not.”
“Why would you think he was lying?” Miss Simmons frowned, gesturing to the ballroom. “All of these gentlemen and ladies would tell you outright that they agreed that your position is now one of a wallflower. How does it serve Lord Yarmouth to lie?”
“I – I do not know.” It was not something that Joy had considered before and, now that she was faced with such a question, the answer did not come easily. Why would Lord Yarmouth lie to her? What would be his purpose in doing so? The more she thought of it, the more Joy realized that there could be no purpose in his stating mistruths, not unless he wanted to try to make her feel better about her circumstances – but why should he do that? They were not known to each other.They were not even friends, so there could be no reason for him to attempt to make her a little more hopeful.
“Mayhap he was only being kind after I returned his talisman ring.” Joy shrugged. “He did not want to be unkind after I had brought it back to him and thus, he hid his true opinion.”
Miss Fairley, who had been leaning back against the wall, laughed and shook her head.
“You must stop thinking poorly of every gentleman who comes to speak with you, Joy,” she laughed, coming to stand next to Joy, one hand going to her shoulder. “Lord Yarmouth might very well simply be a good-hearted, kind gentleman who spoke as he did because that is his true opinion.”
“Perhaps.” Joy allowed that to settle into her mind, considering Lord Yarmouth and his eager expression as he had spoken to her. He was a handsome gentleman, certainly, with his somewhat sturdy stature, his brown hair brushed to one side of his forehead, and green eyes, so similar to her own and yet so very different at the same time. They were darker than hers, with flickers of light and dark seeping into them, and how she had struggled not to stare up into his eyes!
And why is it that I am thinking of them – and of him – even now?
“I will consider that thought,” she said, trying to take her attention away from the memory of Lord Yarmouth. “Though whether his offer to stand up with me again is to come to fruition, we shall see!”
“I do not think you will have to wait for long.”
Lady Alice’s voice carried loudly and clearly across towards Joy, making her start in surprise as she turned around, only to see Lady Alice nodding in one specific direction. Turning her head, Joy’s breath caught as none other than Lord Yarmouth strode directly towards them all.
“And here I was thinking that wallflowers were meant to stand at the back of the room!” Bowing, he beamed at Joy who was ready to give him a set-down for his rude manner, only for Lord Yarmouth to continue. “I am delighted to see you all standing in amongst the crowd, for that is just where you ought to be. You ought not to hide yourselves away, and I should be glad to dance with each and every one of you, should you desire it.”
