Henry nodded as he and Lord Falconer sat down in the corner of White’s and watched as Mr. Brackwell continued with his prolonged conversation with Lord Knoxbridge. They had begun to discuss crops, and what the fields were growing at this present moment, and seeing that he was no longer needed to facilitate a conversation, Henry had stepped away.
“My father had only one brother. He was born only ten months after my father, and I believe that they were very close. He married and had two children, Brackwell and his younger sister. She is already wed, from what Brackwell said, and now he is the one caring for the small estate his father left to him.”
“And you have not seen each other in some time?”
“Not since I went to Eton and he to Wales,” Henry replied, with a shake of his head. “But I am glad he thought to come to my townhouse and speak to me about it all. It will be good to establish our connection again. And mayhap he will find a young lady to marry also, which would be all the better! I believe his mother has been urging him to do so.”
Lord Falconer’s grin spread slowly as he turned his full attention to Henry again.
“And what of Miss Bosworth?”
A frown flickered across Henry’s forehead.
“What about the lady?”
“You have danced with her on two occasions. You have danced twice with a wallflower!”
Henry shrugged.
“That does not mean anything in particular.”
“Are you quite certain of that?” Lord Falconer chuckled when Henry frowned. “It has been known, on occasion, for a wallflower to catch a gentleman’s eye.”
“She has not caught my eye.” A stab through his heart made Henry shift uncomfortably. “Miss Bosworthhasbeen treated unfairly, however, and I am determined not to do the same as the other gentlemen and ladies of theton.”
“A most worthy ideal,” Lord Falconer agreed, “but that does not mean you need to dance with her as frequently. You must like the lady.”
Henry considered for a few moments, aware that Lord Falconer was still grinning.
“I think her conversation most stimulating, and I confess that, while she is a little more blunt that some – if not all – of my other acquaintances, I do not consider that to be a great difficulty. In fact, I have found her considerations to be very wise indeed, especially when it comes to the loss of my ring.”
Lord Falconer’s grin cracked apart.
“Yes, your ring! What did you discover?”
“That my ringcanbe slipped from my finger during a dance, though Miss Bosworth confessed to losing it once she had managed to take it from me. Much to my relief, I had spotted it and was able to collect it as we danced.
“Thatisgood.” Lord Falconer frowned. “So, does that mean that you believe that someone attempted to take the ring from your finger, then? That it was a deliberate act?”
“I am not certain.” Henry clicked his tongue, a light frown on his face. “Miss Bosworth thought that it might have been an accident. Mayhap a glove became caught and accidentally pulled the ring from my finger. Miss Bosworth considered that sucha thing could have occurred and therefore, there was no one specifically to blame.”
Lord Falconer nodded slowly, one hand at his chin.
“That is an idea, I suppose. All the same, you should be cautious. There may be someone out there who wants that ring for themselves.”
“But why?” Henry asked, spreading out his hands. “What possible reason could someone have for taking my late father’s ring? Yes, it could bring them some coin, but surely there are easier things to steal!”
“I do not know.”
“Perhaps I am being foolish, keeping it locked away. I do not feel quite myself when I do not wear it.”
A flash of light caught Lord Falconer’s eyes.
“Though mayhap you should discuss it with Miss Bosworth again, since she has been of such a help to you already. Perhaps she will have some more thoughts on the matter, and can share them with you.” Henry said nothing, choosing not to rise to Lord Falconer’s remarks. “Oh, or you could introduce her to your cousin!” Lord Falconer exclaimed, making Henry’s frown grow all the deeper. “She is a wallflower, he a gentleman – yes, without a title but a gentleman all the same – and mayhap they would make a good match!”
Something fierce threw itself at Henry’s stomach and his gut twisted, his expression tight. The thought of Miss Bosworth and Brackwell being introduced was not exactly an unpleasant one but, all the same, his aversion to the idea was significant and strong. Without realizing it, he shook his head slightly, and Falconer obviously noticed.
“No?”
