Page 4 of Enamored with the Bluestocking (Romances of Intrigue #4)

“Are you alone?”

Sarah nodded fervently as Lady Catherine came into the room, her eyes sparking. “I am. Did you bring me something?”

Lady Catherine nodded, holding out a parcel to her. “I have found an excellent book on the history of France. I know that you do enjoy reading about the natural world but – ”

“I am delighted with it, thank you.” Sarah reached out and unwrapped the book from its brown paper, her heart spinning with delight as she finally held the book in her hands. “I have missed reading a great deal, I confess. How good it is now to have something here to feed my mind!”

“It must have been very difficult these last few days to sit at home without company and without books,” Lady Catherine replied, as Sarah nodded. “How long is it until you can step back into society.”

Sarah sighed. “I have told my mother that I can make my way from room to room already without too much pain, although I do limp a great deal, but she is insisting that I do as the doctor said and wait at home for the sennight. Thereafter, I shall be able to return to society but I will not be able to dance.” She laughed softly at her friend’s concerned expression. “I do not mind that a great deal. Dancing has never been a passion of mine, I confess.”

“That is no great concern, then.” Lady Catherine’s expression cleared and she smiled. “And has Lord Downfield come to call upon you again?”

“He has not,” Sarah replied with a shrug, “though I cannot say that I am disappointed. He is a most displeasing gentleman, I think.”

Her friend grimaced. “Indeed! I have been speaking to a few of our acquaintances in society and they all say that while Lord Downfield is an often sought out gentleman, with a high title, a good deal of wealth and an amiable character, he is still very arrogant indeed.”

“And inconsiderate with it,” Sarah added, scowling as she recalled how he had tried to force the blame upon her for what had happened. “He did come to call, at least, though I am sure that it was only because he was forced to do so by the expectation of society. He showed no genuine interest in me, his apology – though appreciated – came from a gentleman who had no real desire to do so. No doubt it was all done to make certain that his reputation was kept quite pristine, particularly after what he did. I was glad that there were those – including yourself – who came to my defense. I am quite sure he would have continued on, determined to place the blame upon me rather than taking responsibility upon himself.”

“I quite agree.” Lady Catherine sighed and shook her head. “At least now we know that he is not a gentleman to seek out the company of.”

Sarah was about to agree, only for the maid to come to the door. She bobbed a curtsy then came in to hand Sarah a calling card, making Sarah’s eyes widen.

“Lord Downfield has come to call!” she whispered, as Lady Catherine’s eyes flared. “You will stay with me, yes? I know that my mother is present in the house but she was very severe indeed with him the last time he called – not that he did not deserve it, of course – but it did make for a rather tense cup of tea.”

“Of course I will stay.” A glimmer of a smile touched Lady Catherine’s lips. “Mayhap I shall be the severe one this time rather than your mother!”

A laugh escaped from Sarah’s lips – though it was, she recognized, holding a good deal of anxiety also – as she indicated to the maid to bring the gentleman in. She herself did not rise to her feet, even though her ankle was no longer resting on a small stool and she could have very easily done so. Part of her wanted him to see her still injured, wanted to see that his foolishness meant her pain still lingered. Whether it was his actions or his arrogance that irritated her, she did not know, but she remained seated regardless.

“Good afternoon, Lady Sarah.” Lord Downfield bowed, then looked towards Lady Catherine. “And good afternoon to you also.”

“Lady Catherine.” Sarah gestured to her friend. “Mayhap you have not yet been introduced? This is my very dear friend, Lady Catherine. Her father is the Earl of Newly.”

“I see.” The gentleman bowed again but there was no smile on his face, no sense of delight in his expression. “I came to see how you were, Lady Sarah but it appears that you have recovered well already!”

Surprise had Sarah’s eyebrows lifting as she looked to Lady Catherine for a moment. “And might I ask how you surmise that?”

“Your foot is no longer held out,” he told her, clasping his hands behind his back, accentuating his broad shoulders and, for a moment, Sarah quite lost herself as she took him in. Despite his egotism, she had to admit that he was a handsome gentleman, even though his expression always appeared to be tight with either irritation or anger. Though that may well only be in my company, given what has happened between us.

“My dear friend can do nothing without assistance!” Lady Catherine exclaimed, making Lord Downfield jump given how loud her voice had become in a single instant. “She can stand, yes, but she must have aid to walk anywhere and there is still a great deal of pain surrounding her ankle. How very bold of you to make such a statement based on only what you can see, Lord Downfield! I would have thought that a gentleman such as yourself would have had the consideration to ask a young lady how she fared instead of making such a sweeping judgement.”

Sarah hid a smile, seeing now that Lady Catherine had been quite determined in her desire to be just as sharp as Lady Harcastle had been. Lord Downfield, however, did not look in the least bit pleased. Instead, he scowled, dropped his hands to his sides and looked away.

“Might I ask how you are, Lady Sarah?” he muttered, passing one hand over his eyes as though he could not bring himself to look at her. “I am sorry to hear that you are still in pain.”

Hesitating for a moment, Sarah chose to be truthful rather than to pretend otherwise. “My ankle is healing well,” she said, as the gentleman finally brought his gaze to hers. “There is still lingering pain and I certainly do require a shoulder to lean on when I walk but I hope to join society again very soon… though I shall have to do a good deal of sitting down and resting initially. Thank you for your concern.”

The Marquess sniffed, lifted his chin and then offered a small, tight smile. “That is good. I do hope to see you again in society. Excuse me.”

Sarah blinked in surprise as the gentleman turned, clearly ready to take his leave. Astonished, she looked then to Lady Catherine, who was now frowning heavily.

“That is all you wish to say?” Lady Catherine asked, halting Lord Downfield as he approached the door. “You come here, speak rather bluntly to Lady Sarah and then intend to take your leave? And you do this after coming here empty handed?”

Lord Downfield turned on his heel, his jaw jutting forward. “Mayhap your friend has not informed you of this, but I did bring flowers the last time I attended Lady Sarah.”

“Yes, he did,” Sarah answered, quickly, seeing that Lady Catherine was doing all she could to make the gentleman feel a little guilty for what he had done but thinking now that she had done quite enough. Lord Downfield was clearly an arrogant sort and no matter what was said or how many things were thrown to him, he was not about to change. She would not have a genuine apology from him, would not have a true or sincere concern over her injury. There was very little point in continuing on with their acquaintance, given how fraught it was already. “I did not expect anything more, Lady Catherine, I assure you.”

Her friend shot her a look and Sarah widened her eyes, just a little, hoping that she understood.

“Still, I would have expected more from a gentleman.” Lady Catherine sniffed, then brushed her fingers in Lord Downfield’s direction as though she were dismissing a household servant. “I see that I was wrong. Good afternoon, Lord Downfield.”

“Good afternoon,” Sarah murmured, only for the door to open and a maid to come in with the tea tray, though she squeaked an apology upon seeing the Marquess. Sarah smiled reassuringly and then gestured to the table where she wished the tray to be sat, turning then to ask Lady Catherine to pour the tea.

Lord Downfield, however, had not moved. He had not stepped out, had not made his way out of the room and had not even moved an inch! It was as though he were now fixed in place, as if he had become part of the furnishings of the room and, even when Lady Catherine poured the tea, he still did not move.

A knot tied itself in Sarah’s stomach and she let out a long, slow breath as she waited for the gentleman to either say or do something. She glanced to him and then to Lady Catherine who, seeing her look, gave her a light shrug as if to say that she did not know what it was the gentleman was doing but that they should not give him any attention either.

“I do not like to think that my reputation would be so altered in your eyes, Lady Catherine. Nor in yours, Lady Sarah.”

Sarah started in surprise as Lord Downfield not only spoke aloud but also then strode across the room towards them, his gaze piercing.

“I should like to bring you something, Lady Sarah,” he continued, as she gazed up at him, astonished at his sudden change in character. “What is it that you would like? What is it that would make me appear a little more respectable?”

The knot in Sarah’s stomach untied itself as she frowned, recognizing that, yet again, the gentleman was saying such a thing not for her sake but simply to fulfill societal expectations. He did not want her to speak poorly about him to others in society and did not want Lady Catherine to do so either and, therefore, was doing what he could to change that. “I shall bring you whatever would please you.”

Sarah shook her head. “There is no need.”

“There is every need.”

Taking a breath, Sarah looked back at the gentleman directly, hating the arrogance she saw in him. “Lord Downfield, I confess that I do not think your desire to do such a thing is done only because of concern for me. I believe that you are seeking out such a thing in order to make sure that both my friend and I do not speak poorly of you in society and, therefore, your reputation is protected. Is that not so?”

Lord Downfield drew himself up. “I hardly think so.”

“And yet, it is as I see it. I must confess, Lord Downfield, that Tom Jones shows himself to be more a gentleman than you and he is only under the patronage of a squire!”

At this, the Marquess frowned heavily, his lips pulling thin. Silence ran between them for a moment or two and Sarah’s heart began to beat with a sudden, furious rhythm, realizing what it was she had done. She was not meant to speak of her learning in any way or with anyone and yet, whether he realized it or not, that was precisely what she had done.

“Tom Jones?” Lord Downfield rubbed one hand over his chin. “You compare me to the child of a squire?”

“You do not know him?” Lady Catherine interjected, as Sarah fought to find an answer. “If you had, then you might understand why Lady Sarah has spoken as she did.”

A dark shadow drew over Lord Downfield’s expression. “I hardly think that being unacquainted with a fellow such as he is something you should be surprised about.” The corner of his lip curled. “I am surprised, however, that a lady such as yourself, Lady Sarah, is acquainted with such a fellow. I would have thought that a young lady of quality would have been careful in her acquaintances. Unless, of course, there is a purpose for his connection with you?”

A great and terrible anger ran hot through Sarah’s frame, her face growing warm as she took in his words. Was he attempting to suggest that there was something distasteful here? Certainly, he was making it plain that he thought her lesser than him.

“I believe that Tom Jones is acquainted with many gentlemen and ladies,” she answered, doing all that she could to keep her voice steady. “It is I who am surprised that you do know of whom I speak.”

The Marquess’ lip curled all the more. “Very well,” he said, his shoulders lifting just a little, “I should like to know this fellow, given that you have compared me to him, Lady Sarah. I am surprised – nay, a little insulted – to hear that my behaviour does not match with such a lowly fellow as he!”

An idea came to Sarah, one which spun around her heart and mind and filled her with such a deliciousness that she could barely contain herself. It would be a game, she considered, seeing how Lord Downfield waited for her to respond. A game where she would tease and irritate him in order to make him see that he was not all what he thought himself to be. It would be a breaking apart of his arrogance, a shattering of the hubris she had already seen so clearly. Dare she do it? It would be entertaining but she would certainly have to be careful.

“You asked me what it was that I would like you to bring as a gift, Lord Downfield, is that not so?” Seeing him nod, she continued quickly. “You may pretend otherwise but I know without doubt that you spoke so because you wanted to protect your reputation. You wish for Lady Catherine and I to think well of you so that we will not speak poorly of your behaviour or manner towards me to anyone else. Therefore,” she continued, keeping her gaze steady though she twisted her fingers together in her lap so that her courage would not fail her. “Therefore, I will tell you what I should like as a gift and Lady Catherine and I will not speak ill of you, so long as you are able to decipher a few things which I shall give you.”

Lord Downfield blinked. “Decipher?”

“Yes.” A little more emboldened, Sarah continued on, not daring to look at Lady Catherine for fear that whatever expression she would see on her friend’s face would prevent her from speaking. “You are pretentious, Lord Downfield. We are barely acquainted and I have already seen your arrogance in full display. Therefore, given all that has been done to me at your hand, and as payment for the damage caused to my foot and the subsequent absence from society, I will give you some mysteries which you must decipher. Mayhap, by the end of it all, you will realise that you are not all what you think yourself to be and will, in future, treat those around you a little more kindly.”

There came nothing but silence as Sarah let her words come to a close, her chest heaving with a mix of both nervousness and dread. She swallowed tightly as Lord Downfield’s face turned a dark shade of red and he glared at her angrily.

“How dare you?” he breathed, taking a step closer to her. “Do you truly think that I will accept such a thing from your hand? I caused you pain, yes, but it was entirely by accident. You do not know me in the least and – ”

“The choice is yours as to whether you accept this from Lady Sarah or not.” Lady Catherine’s voice was calm and yet commanding at the very same time. “I think it entirely fair that she speaks honestly and openly to the ton about all that has taken place and the damage to your reputation which will follow is entirely justified, no? Though,” she continued, as Sarah swallowed again, feeling an ache in her throat, “you are being offered an alternative to that which requires you only to think, consider and answer Lady Sarah’s questions. The first being that you must discover who Tom Jones is, yes?”

Sarah nodded, watching as Lord Downfield’s face grew even redder than before, now a deep scarlet spreading across his cheeks.

“I will not tolerate this,” he hissed, his hands curling into tight fists. “Say whatever you wish to the ton , I do not care.”

“I will say nothing but the truth,” Sarah assured him, as he turned on his heel to stalk away. “That is all. I am not about to embellish or to lie, be assured of that.”

“I care not.” Without another glance towards her, Lord Downfield flung open the door and stalked out of the room, leaving both Sarah and Lady Catherine staring after him.

“Goodness, that was bold of you!” Lady Catherine looked to Sarah who, letting out a long, slow breath, shrugged lightly.

“Yes, it was, but I confess that his arrogance and his disdain towards me has irritated me a great deal. Suggesting that there was more to my acquaintance with Tom Jones was deeply insulting, making it sound as though I was somehow improper!”

“And placing himself on a higher plane than you, certainly,” Lady Catherine agreed, shaking her head. “I do wonder if he will agree to what you have suggested, however. He appeared very angry but after some time, it may be that he agrees to what you have said. His desire to have an upstanding reputation is so great that it may be that he cannot turn away from it.”

Sarah let herself smile, a relief flooding her now that the Marquess had taken his leave. “Mayhap. Though either way, I should very much like to see his face when he realizes that Tom Jones is nothing more than a fictional character in Henry Fielding’s novel!”

Lady Catherine began to laugh, her eyes sparkling and, as Sarah imagined what it would be like when that realization hit him, she found herself laughing too. Soon, the room was filled with mirth and all trace of discontent and worry had fled from the room.