Page 10 of The Truth about the Duke (Whispers of the Ton #5)

Chapter Nine

H enry could not quite take in what Lady Lydia had said. The words she spoke seemed to run away from him, avoiding him entirely. A heavy weight seemed to sink into his soul as he looked into her eyes, seeing how she could only glance at him once, twice, and then turn her head entirely away.

“You must forgive me, Lady Lydia.” With a shake of his head, Henry frowned, hard. “I must not have heard you correctly.”

Her voice was quiet, her head lowering now. “I think that you did, Your Grace.”

“I cannot have done!” Henry’s stomach twisted. “I was sure that you said that you were the writer for The London Chronicle but I must have misheard you.”

Slowly, Lady Lydia lifted her chin and looked back into his eyes, a steadiness there that he had not expected to see. “You did not mishear me, Your Grace,” she said, speaking much more clearly now. “It is just as I have said. I am the one who wrote the article, the one who is, at this very moment, engaging in some study for the next one I am to write.” A slight shake ran through her but she did not look away from him. “I am the one who not only found but included the story about your family’s heirlooms, though I meant no harm by it. I presumed that you already were aware of it.”

Henry’s heart clattered in his chest as he stared at Lady Lydia, barely able to accept what it was she was saying. Could it be just as she had said?

“You already know that I am a bluestocking.” There seemed to be a greater confidence in Lady Lydia’s voice now, as though the relief that she felt in speaking to him now filled her. “There is nothing in this that surprises you, surely?”

Raking one hand through his hair, Henry turned bodily away from her, trying to keep his shock from taking a complete hold of him. How could it be that this young lady was the writer of such a strong article? Yes, he knew that bluestockings were young ladies eager to possess as much learning as he could, but never once had he thought that such a creature would be able to write with such flair! It had not even come as a thought to his mind that a lady would be the author!

“I can show you where I found the story about your heirlooms,” he heard Lady Lydia say. “And I am truly sorry for the distress that my article caused you. I hope you believe me when I state that I had no intention for there to be any sort of pain or upset caused by what I wrote.”

Henry threw her a look, then shook his head, still keeping himself away from her. “It has come as a great shock to me to hear this from you, Lady Lydia. Though I shall admit that I do believe there was no malice involved. You did not have the intention to cause me pain, I can recognize that.”

The relief that came from her was almost palpable. “I thank you.”

“I – I need to take a little time.” It was rather shameful to admit such a thing to her but his mind was so clouded that Henry recognized it would not be wise to say or do anything at this present time. “I must think a little more. That is all.”

“Of course.” A little boldly, Henry thought, Lady Lydia moved closer to him, her eyes lifting to his, her cheeks scarlet. “I am more than willing to show you where I found that story, Your Grace, even if you do not wish for my help in any other way. I understand that you must be astonished at my revelation but I am glad that I told you. I have been greatly concerned about it ever since I saw your reaction to the story.”

This is why she lingered with myself and Lord Kendall in the library.

Henry nodded. “I understand.”

“I shall take my leave of you now.” Lady Lydia touched his arm briefly and something kicked hard in Henry’s stomach. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

Watching her, Henry only inclined his head rather than saying anything more. His chest felt tight, his stomach writhing as he tried to gather himself.

I am meant to go to call on Lady Judith, he reminded himself. I cannot let this revelation prevent me from doing so. He tried to tear his thoughts away from Lady Lydia and instead, concentrate on Lady Judith, attempting to bring her to mind but it was more than a little difficult. The only reason he had stopped at this bookshop was in the hope of finding some books relating to his family and his home but instead, he had stumbled upon such a great revelation that it was almost too much for him to take in!

Closing his eyes, Henry bent his head and took in three long breaths in the hope of steadying himself. He had to take his mind from the lady, had to forget all that she had said until his meeting with Lady Judith was brought to an end. He would make a fool of himself otherwise.

“What did think you of that, Your Grace?”

Henry blinked quickly, aware that he had been asked a question but that he had no knowledge whatsoever as to what it related to. “I – I think that it merits a good deal of consideration,” he answered, seeing how Lady Judith and her mother exchanged a look as he spoke. “I am not a gentleman who would give any answer unless I had considered it for a long time.” He had no idea whether or not this answer pertained in any way as to what had been asked but he had attempted to cover his lack of attention in any way he could.

“I see.” Lady Kent smiled though there was clear confusion in her eyes. “I thought that all gentlemen adored hunting. I confess I am surprised to hear that you would consider Lord Berkshire’s hunt for such a long time before attending.”

Heat tore up Henry’s frame. “Yes, well, I – I would have to think upon my other duties and responsibilities and the like before I chose whether to attend. I am sure you are well aware, Lady Kent, of the requirements that fall heavily upon gentlemen of a certain standing!” He winced inwardly, hearing himself sounding not only a little arrogant but also a trifle condescending as though he was berating Lady Kent in some way. Trying to smile so that she would not think he was doing such a thing, he lifted his shoulders. “I always give great consideration to any decision I make, even if I do like the hunt a great deal.”

“I understand what you mean, Your Grace.” Lady Kent’s smile remained though, to Henry’s mind, there was a certain tightness there. “My daughter and I fully understand and acknowledge that a gentleman’s time is important.”

“Of course.” Lady Judith looked away from Henry, reaching for her tea at the same time. “Are there any other hobbies that you enjoy, Your Grace, aside from hunting when you can spare the time?”

Henry frowned gently. “I suppose that I enjoy good company,” he replied, trying to think about what else it was that he enjoyed but, for whatever reason, struggling to find any clarity of thought. “Good conversation is of great importance to me.”

Lady Judith nodded and sipped at her tea but said nothing more. Henry licked his lips, wondering what he ought to say and berating himself silently for his lack of clarity when it came to finding words for this conversation. Ever since he had come to join Lady Judith and her mother, he had battled against his thoughts, feeling them pulling towards Lady Lydia with an ever increasing strength.

“I am sure that you must have been a little surprised at the article in The London Chronicle.”

Henry’s gaze shot back to Lady Judith as she set her teacup down. “I did not know that your family heirlooms had been stolen. That must be very distressing for you.”

“That is a story and nothing more,” Henry snapped, seeing Lady Judith’s eyes flare wide in surprise. “The family heirlooms were lost, they were not stolen.” He spoke more harshly than he had intended but the words came still, not held back as he might otherwise have done. His thoughts were frayed, his heart pounding as all that Lady Lydia had told him stormed back into his mind. “I know who wrote the article and they have assured me that it was nothing more than a story that they discovered themselves. It has no basis in truth and I am disappointed to hear that you believe it, Lady Judith.”

This made Lady Judith blink rapidly and Henry, seeing it, instantly closed his eyes, frustrated with himself for his quick words and harsh honesty. He had not needed to say such a thing.

“Your Grace.” Lady Kent’s voice was firm and as Henry looked back at her, he saw the heavy frown which drew a line down between her eyebrows. “My daughter was only trying to express her sorrow at the loss of your family heirlooms. Yes, it might well be a story but it was written in such a way as to make us all believe that it was the truth. I do not think that she needs to be berated in such a way.”

Henry opened his mouth to say that she was quite correct and to, thereafter, make an apology, only for Lady Judith to toss her head and look away from him, showing more spirit than he had ever seen.

“It appears to me that there is a distinct lack of manners and consideration in this conversation, Mama,” she said, now appearing to ignore Henry completely. “Might I be excused? I think I should like a few minutes to compose myself.”

Letting out a low groan at his foolishness, Henry made to rise to his feet but a knock at the door interrupted him.

“Lord Telford, my lady.”

Having been announced by the butler – and expected by Lady Judith given the immediate smile on her face and the way she practically jumped to her feet – Lord Telford stepped into the room and Henry forced himself to rise. It was more than evident to him now that Lady Judith had a distinct interest in Lord Telford and, evidently, no interest in him. And this despite the fact that he had a higher title, better standing, and, no doubt, a greater fortune!

Though it is not as though I have behaved as well as he.

“Lord Telford, how good to see you.” Lady Judith sent Henry a sidelong glance as she welcomed the gentleman. “I am already looking forward to our conversation, for I know it will be a very pleasing one indeed.”

Henry dropped his head and shut his eyes briefly, only to lift his head and force a smile. “I shall take my leave so that I do not interrupt this conversation,” he said, with a nod to Lady Kent who did not appear to be in the least bit sorry that he was to take his leave of them. “Good afternoon.”

“Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

With every step heavier than the last, Henry made his way from the room and then back towards his waiting carriage. He had made a fool of himself, that much was clear. He had spoken with harshness and inconsideration, reacting badly to her mention of the heirlooms. It was only because it had been so fresh in his mind that he had responded so, Henry told himself, though in his heart, he still felt a great weight of guilt.

I truly have behaved poorly. Sitting back in his carriage, Henry let out a long sigh and rested his head back against the squabs. As he did so, the many instances when he had spoken harshly to Lady Lydia came back to him, reminding him of just how many other times he had failed to behave as he ought. His lips pulled downwards, his guilt growing all the greater as he realized just how poorly he had met the standards required of a gentleman. Could he truly expect any young lady to match all of his requirements when it came to his consideration of a bride when he was himself so dreadful a failure in so many ways?

“I do not know what to do.” Speaking aloud, Henry lifted his head and looked out of the carriage window, trying to pluck out his thoughts one at a time. He had the requirements for a wife still sitting there, though quite how he was to seek courtship when he had nothing but the heirlooms in his mind, he did not know! Trying to make a match whilst attempting to find out the truth about the heirlooms and seeking to better himself and his character seemed to be a heavy weight indeed!

“Though I have Lady Lydia’s help in the former,” he muttered, sitting back again and letting his mouth curve in a rueful smile. That had been a most unexpected revelation and an unexpected offer of help and he had even surprised himself in accepting it!

Mayhap being willing to consider the opinions of others to be of value aside from just his own, as Lady Markham had stated to him only a few days ago, might, in fact, bring him a little more clarity of mind and open his world up a little more.

The only thing Henry had to decide was whether he was truly willing to do such a thing or not.