“You believe that someone is seeking to ruin you purposefully,” she said, as Hugh nodded. “But you have no particular enemies? You have never done anything which might make a situation between yourself and another a difficult one?” Hugh shook his head no. “From what I understand, you have always had a sterling reputation, save for what was suggested of you last Season,” she continued, a gentle line marring her forehead. “And now someone is doing their utmost to take that from you, though you do not know why.”
“That is it, precisely. I am only sorry that you have been involved also,” Hugh added, as she offered him a small smile. “I do not know why your name was brought to the fore, but mayhap it was simply the case that thetonmade a connection which was not truly there and thus, you suffered.”
Miss Simmons’ eyes darkened for a few moments.
“It would not be the first time that thetonhad made a mistake when it comes to gossip.”
“Then will you help me, Miss Simmons? I am not certain of what it is that I intend to do, as yet, but I should like to have you beside me when it comes to seeking out answers. You say that being a wallflower does have its advantages – well, mayhap those advantages might be put to good use as we try to discover the truth.”
He held his breath as Miss Simmons nodded slowly, her fingers at her lips, her eyes roving around the room as shethought about what it was that he was asking of her. If she did not accept then, yes, Hugh admitted, he would be disappointed, though he would never demand anything from her.
Then, Miss Simmons smiled, and Hugh let out a long breath, hope beginning to burn in his chest.
“Yes, I will help you.” Miss Simmons shrugged lightly. “After all, this has affected my own reputation also, and anything I can do to assist, not only you but also myself, can only be a good thing. Whatever it is that you wish me to do, I am more than willing.”
Hugh smiled broadly, his heart quickening with both gratitude and relief.
“Thank you, Miss Simmons. This means more to me than I believe I can express.”
Glancing to the door and hearing footsteps, he quickly rose to greet Lady Grant, relieved that he had been able to speak to Miss Simmons alone but, try as he might, he could not keep his gaze on the older lady. Instead, his eyes continually returned to Miss Simmons, his heart leaping in his chest every time he set his gaze on her. Courageous, strong, and determined, she had offered him the support he required and together, he was sure, they would be able to find out the truth.
Chapter Eight
Rachael smiled as she greeted her friends.
“Good evening to you. How does this evening fare thus far?”
“It is better now that you have arrived.” Miss Fairley smiled and gestured to the rest of the room. “We were just about to take a turn about the room. Do you wish to join us?”
“But of course.” Rachael looked around, her smile disappearing. “But where is Miss Bosworth?”
Miss Fairley smiled, her eyes warm.
“She is gone with another gentleman! She is taking company with Lord Yarmouth which I am glad for, though there are some questions over… well, I suppose such a thing does not matter at the present moment, not when you have your own concerns!”
Rachael offered her a wry smile.
“I am doing my very best not to become overwhelmed by what Lord Blackmore has asked of me.”
As she had spoken to her friends about the matter already, Miss Fairley knew what she spoke of and offered her a warm, encouraging smile.
“You will be able to be of significant help to him, I am sure,” she said, smiling. “Has he asked you anything specific as yet?”
“No, only that if I see anything or hear anything more, to go to him at once. I believe that he is very concerned.”
“As one would be, knowing that there is someone determined to pull your name into disrepute!” Lady Frederica exclaimed. “It does seem very strange. After all, Lord Blackmore has – or had – a stellar reputation, though it is a little tainted after the rumors which came from last Season, as regards your presence at his house – and he is also a gentleman with no particular enemies! I cannot understand why anyone would desire to injure him so. It does not make any particular sense, not to my mind at least.”
“They must want something from him,” Rachael mused, aloud. “They must see that there is benefit in him losing his standing and his reputation and that, in some way, is of benefit to this person, whoever they may be.”
Her friends nodded but nothing else came to the fore. Rachael grimaced, wishing that she could find something practical to do that might be to Lord Blackmore’s advantage, but she could not. Yes, she could continue to watch and to listen, which was something she was able to do all the more, given her standing as a wallflower, but was there not something else she could do? Something which might aid him more?
“He is a very handsome gentleman.”
A little startled, Rachael looked back at her friend, seeing Miss Fairley’s eyes glinting.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Lord Blackmore,” Miss Fairley said, pointedly. “He is a handsome gentleman, is he not? And very kind.”
