Rachael forced her eyes to settle on his, her heart clamoring still but, as she gazed up at him, the tension which had bound itself to her limbs began to dissipate. Slowly, she began to enjoy the dance, finding herself a little lost in Lord Blackmore’s eyes.
“That is better now,” he murmured, his soft words only a little louder than the music, seeming to twine in between the notes as he smiled down at her. “You are simply a young lady of society dancing with a gentleman of society. That is all.”
Rachael pressed her lips tightly together, aware that there was something new taking the place of the tension that had bound itself to her. It was not a strain nor an ache, however, but a sweet warmth that made her smile, her steps a little lighter now, and her happiness growing with every moment. This was the first time that she had stepped out with a gentleman since the rumors had begun to circulate last Season. Of course, no gentleman of repute had wanted to dance with her once they believed that she was either betrothed to Lord Blackmore because of their connectionorbecause she was a lady with no moral character. It was strange now to be dancing in the very gentleman’s arms whom thetonbelieved she had a prior connection with – but no, she would not consider that at the present moment. Lord Blackmore was quite right, she should enjoy this rather than grow anxious over it.
All too soon, the music came to an end and, with a soft sigh, Rachael curtsied to Lord Blackmore.
“Thank you. I enjoyed that very much.”
“You mean, you began to enjoy it the moment you let go of the tension and worry you held within yourself.” Bowing low, he offered her his arm. “Let me walk you back to your friends.”
Rachael smiled and took his arm, noting first the delighted smile of her mother, who had seen them dancing. There was a happiness there, a glistening in her eyes that spoke of genuine relief and joy – the very same that Rachael was feeling within her heart.
That feeling began to fade at the same moment that Lord Elmsford strode forward, making his way to Lord Blackmore’s side.
“Forgive me,” he murmured, as Rachael looked on, wondering what had taken place that concerned the gentleman so much that he had come out to meet Lord Blackmore. “Blackmore, I must speak with you.”
“What is the matter?” Lord Blackmore continued walking, though his steps were a little slower now. “Is there something wrong?”
Lord Elmsford’s eyes darted towards Rachael, and she stiffened, the familiar tension now clawing back through her.
“Pray, if it concerns me, then you must not be afraid to tell me of it.”
“It does not concern you, Miss Simmons, though you might wish to be careful of spending more time in Lord Blackmore’s company,” he replied, making Rachael’s eyebrows lift. “There is another rumor being spread, I am afraid, and this time, it only concerns you, Blackmore.”
Her heart slammed hard against her ribs as she quickly pulled her arm away from Lord Blackmore’s, wanting the happy moment she had shared with him to linger, though it was already cracking into tiny pieces and being blown away by the wind.
“Another rumor? It cannot be true, given that you have only just returned to London!”
“Of course it is not true,” Lord Blackmore returned, his eyes sharp, but his upset clearly directed towards this news. “What is it then, Elmsford? What is it that you have heard?”
Lord Elmsford once more looked to Rachael, but she remained where she was, wanting to hear what had been said and, since Lord Blackmore did not object, Lord Elmsford continued quickly.
“I have only heard it this evening, and I do not know why it has come about, nor who has said such a thing. It seems very strange indeed that it should come about now but–”
“What is being said, Elmsford?”
The gentleman’s hard tone made Rachael’s eyes flare, though Lord Elmsford only sighed.
“It is that you are deep in debt to the Red Fox – the gambling den on the west side of London,” he said, as Rachael caught her breath. “And that you are now without hope and must marry a lady with an excellent dowry… no matter who she may be.”
Rachael closed her eyes.
“Which means that whispers will soon begin thatIam the one you might settle on,” she murmured, opening her eyes to see Lord Elmsford nodding. “Goodness. We have already been battling some very difficult rumors and yet more assail us? Why?”
Lord Blackmore pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head, his eyes settling on hers though they held no flickering hope, no spark of determination. Instead, they were a dull, dark green and, as his shoulders dropped, Rachael’s spirits went with them.
“I do not know,” he answered, his voice low. “It seems as though my return to London has brought more difficulties than I ever expected.”
Chapter Five
“Good afternoon.”
Hugh grimaced as the two gentlemen walked into his study.
“You are sure that you wish to call on me, Lord Kelling? Has not Lord Elmsford told you about the circulating rumors?”
“He has but, of course, I do not believe them,” Lord Kelling replied, with a grin. “I came to see if I could be of any assistance to you.”
