Page 7 of The Truth about the Lady (Whispers of the Ton #6)

CHAPTER SIX

H yacinth took a step backward, reeling from Lord Thorne’s sudden revelation. Miss Fortescue was instantly at his side, asking questions at two to the dozen, her hand on his arm, her eyes shining.

Hyacinth, however, felt nothing but confusion and, after a few moments, a growing anger.

“You must not tell anyone,” she heard Lord Thorne say, as Miss Fortescue nodded fervently. “You have seen that the author does not write their name at the bottom of the riddles, yes?”

Miss Fortescue kept her eyes pinned to his as Hyacinth struggled to know where to look.

“That is because I do not want anyone to know. I have acted foolishly, mayhap, in pretending a lack of interest that I have not truly felt,” Lord Thorne continued, letting out a small sigh as though he regretted that. “The truth is, I have been eagerly awaiting the ton ’s reaction to the riddles and certainly did not ever think that so many would be so eager to answer them!”

Feeling as though she wanted to burst out in anger and rail at the Marquess, Hyacinth turned on her heel and stalked away, aware that she was acting most improperly but heedless to what might be said of her actions. Her mind was filled with a loud and incessant buzzing that would not cease, seeming to grow louder with every step. She was forced to pull long breaths into her burning lungs, her hands curling into tight fists as she put one foot in front of the other, having very little idea as to where she was going.

“Lady Hyacinth?”

Looking up, Hyacinth took in the concern which spread across Lord Wiltshire’s expression. Try as she might, she could not speak, could not put words to all that she felt. With a small shake of her head, she made to step past him but Lord Wiltshire only frowned and moved with her.

“Something is wrong. Besides which, you ought not to be alone at the present moment. Hyde Park is large and – ” His gaze went over Hyacinth’s shoulder. “Ah, my dear Lady Eve. Good afternoon.” Seeming to forget entirely about Hyacinth, Lord Wiltshire stepped away from her and grasped Lady Eve’s hand. “How good it is to see you.”

“And to see you also,” came the reply, though Lady Eve quickly came to stand by Hyacinth who, given her present state of mind, had not taken a single step. “Might you give me a few moments with Hyacinth?”

Lord Wiltshire nodded and returned to his conversation, leaving Lady Eve to stand with Hyacinth.

The concern in her eyes made the anger in Hyacinth’s chest fade a little, though it was swiftly replaced with hot tears.

“I certainly did not expect that,” Lady Eve murmured, her eyes searching through Hyacinth’s expression. “You are upset, of course.”

Closing her eyes, Hyacinth took in a shaky breath, trying to keep the threatening tears at bay. “That was most unexpected. I thought… I thought that when we spoke of the riddles, he might admit to us all that he had not the answers.”

“And instead, he has taken the riddles from you entirely,” Lady Eve answered, quietly. “It was clear to me that he did not know them again, though whether he gave any time to their consideration, I could not say.”

Hyacinth shook her head, her throat working furiously. Keeping her gaze away from Lady Eve’s concerned face for fear that it would send the tears she had been keeping back down her cheeks, she tried to speak but her voice rasped terribly.

“It will not stay a secret for long. Others will know soon enough and then the ton will believe that it is his clever thinking that has provided them with such entertainment.”

Lady Eve squeezed her hand. “You could counter it. You could simply tell the beau monde that it is your work.”

Considering this for a second, Hyacinth shook her head. “No. It is pointless to do so. He is a Marquess and I am a wallflower. If I were to say such a thing when the ton has already heard that he has been writing them, then it would only make me appear foolish. No one would believe me.”

Lady Eve’s eyebrows drew together. “Some would.”

A sense of hopelessness began to weigh Hyacinth down, her shoulders dropping. “I am convinced that even my own mother and sister would not believe me, not even if I showed them the riddles I had been sending you for so long.” A single tear dropped to her cheek. “I would only shame myself by doing anything.”

A visible tremor ran through Lady Eve. “Did I not tell you that he was arrogant?”

“You did.” Hyacinth dabbed at her cheek quickly, sniffing once as she fought to regain her composure. “Though I believed you, I certainly did not ever think that he would do something like this!”

“Nor did I.”

Closing her eyes against another wave of tears, Hyacinth squeezed one hand into a fist, trying to calm herself inwardly. She felt as though he had thrown her out into the darkness by taking credit for what she had done, albeit without being aware that she was, in fact, the one responsible for writing the riddles in the first place. After all of her elation and excitement at seeing the next two riddles printed in The London Chronicle, she now had nothing but despair and brokenness.

“You must do something.”

Opening her eyes, Hyacinth looked dully back at her friend, lacking even the smallest amount of determination within herself. “There is nothing that can be done. I cannot go to him and tell him the truth, for either he will not believe me or, if he does, he will not care.”

“That is not what I mean.” Lady Eve put one hand on Hyacinth’s shoulder. “There must be a way to prove to the ton that he is not telling the truth. Even though he has sworn us to secrecy, I have no doubt that Miss Fortescue will tell everyone and Lord Jedburgh also.”

Hyacinth’s lips lifted briefly. “Yes, I do not think that Lord Thorne’s secret, such as it is, will be hidden from the ton for long.”

“So you must use the riddles to force the truth out of him.”

Wrinkling her nose, Hyacinth frowned. “I do not know what you mean.”

“Find a way to have him fumbling for answers!” Lady Eve’s eyes gleamed. “Or find a way to make them so personal, he is aware that you are upset that he has taken away your glory from all of this! There must be something that can be done so that he does not have all of the beau monde pursuing him with delight! They ought to be looking to you, praising you for your wisdom and clever thinking, not him.”

A thin beam of light pierced Hyacinth’s mind, though she struggled to see any real clarity. “I am not certain what could be done.”

“You do not need to have the answers now,” her friend said, as Hyacinth slowly began to nod. “I am asking you only not to give up. Though… ” The smile on her face faded as a frown tugged at her forehead instead. “Though you might have to become a little better acquainted with Lord Thorne. That might mean pushing yourself forward into society a little more.”

Fear lurched into Hyacinth’s heart. “Why?”

“Because,” Lady Eve explained, “if you are to catch him out, then you will need to be able to have conversations with him, and with those in his acquaintance. I know that you do not like stepping into society, I know that you find it difficult but this, mayhap might give you a purpose aside from finding a suitable match.” Her eyes searched Hyacinth’s. “Do you think you could do such a thing? I would do all that I could to help you.”

Hyacinth worried the edge of her lip, unsure as to whether she would have the strength to do such a thing. “It would please my mother, I suppose. She might be willing, then, to step back a little from me rather than urge me on or criticize me for my failures at any given moment.”

Lady Eve nodded but said nothing.

“I – I suppose I could try,” Hyacinth admitted, seeing the smile immediately light up Lady Eve’s expression. “I will need your help, however.”

“And you shall have it.” Grasping Hyacinth’s hands, Lady Eve beamed at her and Hyacinth could not help but smile back, sensing the darkness around her fading now that she had a clear purpose. There was a chance, now, for her to regain her riddles for herself, a chance for Lord Thorne’s arrogance to crumble around him as the ton realized the truth.

And that, certainly, was worth pursuing with all of her might.

“ L ord Sunderland, good evening.” Hyacinth’s stomach was rolling this way and that as the gentleman who had, at the very start of the Season, behaved so poorly towards her, cast a sharp look over her.

Then, a leering smile spread right across his face. “Ah, Lady Hyacinth.” After a moment – and much to Hyacinth’s relief – he glanced around the rest of the small, gathered group. “Good evening to you, Lady Rose, Lady Hannah, Lady Millford, Lord Kensington, Lady Gertrude.”

Where is Eve?

Hyacinth pressed her hands together in front of her, trying to ignore the creeping sense of panic which was slowly climbing up over her frame. Standing with her sister at this ball had been one thing, for Rose had made it quite clear that she did not want Hyacinth’s company – though Hyacinth had refused to acknowledge that and had stood with her anyway. Lord Sunderland’s presence, however, was quite another. The way he had spoken to her at the very first soiree she had attended had been nothing but shocking and, truth be told, quite frightening. She had been dreadfully afraid that someone would overhear him and would think that she was, in some way, connected to this rogue but much to her relief, that had not occurred.

The conversation flowed around her and Hyacinth steadfastly ignored the glances that Lord Sunderland seemed to throw in her direction. The last time she had been forced into his company, Lord Thorne had, surprisingly, been the one to rescue her from him. Though she thought him arrogant, selfish, and, a gentleman willing to lie, that had shown her a side of his character that countered the negatives just a little.

Though I highly doubt he would do so again. That sent the corner of her mouth flicking upwards ruefully, fully aware that Lord Thorne did not think highly of her. It had been three days since Hyde Park and his declaration to them all, and it had only been yesterday that Hyacinth had finally sent Lady Eve another riddle for The London Chronicle. Soon, it would be printed and then, she might begin her plan of confronting Lord Thorne about his lies, albeit in a most covert manner.

“You did not speak to me very well the last time we were in conversation.”

A hand touched her elbow and Hyacinth started in surprise, pulling herself away from Lord Sunderland, hating the smile which sent a dark gleam into his eye. “That is because you spoke most improperly,” she answered, though her voice was kept low for fear that someone would overhear.

“Then permit me to rectify that and your poor impression of me.” Lord Sunderland put one hand to his heart and inclined his head, though Hyacinth did not believe for even a moment that he was truly apologetic. “Do you have your dance card, Lady Hyacinth?”

The fear which had surfaced in Hyacinth’s heart at his arrival now grew into a crescendo as she blinked furiously, torn between fright and the worry over impropriety. It was not right for a young lady to refuse a gentleman but nor did she wish to be swept up in Lord Sunderland’s arms. “I – I do not think – ”

“You are dancing this evening, are you not?” The gleam in his eye grew as he leaned a little closer to her, making her recoil inwardly though outwardly, she stood stock still. “I do not know why you would refuse me, Lady Hyacinth. That would be most… upsetting.”

“That is a nonsense. You are not upset by anything in the least.”

A cheerful voice broke between Hyacinth and Lord Sunderland, making the latter frown hard but flooded Hyacinth with relief.

“Good evening, Lord Sunderland, Lady Hyacinth.” The gentleman – not someone that Hyacinth thought particularly well of at present – bowed low towards her and then looked to Lord Sunderland, a broad smile on his face. “Are you trying to influence this young lady by pretending you will be upset if she does not stand up with you?”

“Not in the least, Lord Thorne.” Lord Sunderland scowled though Hyacinth’s breathing grew a little steadier now that he had come to interrupt the conversation. “You know as well as I that every young lady ought to be delighted with every dance that they are offered!”

Lord Thorne’s eyebrows lifted high, though he did not look towards Hyacinth. “Goodness, you are very full of yourself at the moment, are you not?”

Lord Sunderland snorted, his lip curling. “That says something, coming from a gentleman such as yourself!”

Hyacinth dropped her head, keeping her gaze on the floor as she felt the sting of Lord Sunderland’s words, even though they were not meant for her. It was yet further confirmation that Lord Thorne was an arrogant fellow, though it seemed that Lord Sunderland was very much of the same ilk. Her eyes darted up for a moment, seeing Lord Thorne leaning close towards Lord Sunderland, saying something in his ear that, given the dark expression that lurched across Lord Sunderland’s face, he did not like much.

Lord Sunderland’s jaw shot forward. “I think I shall take my leave, then.” He glanced at Hyacinth but did not nod nor bow. “Do excuse me.”

Her gaze lifted as, much to her surprise, Lord Sunderland moved away almost at once, leaving Hyacinth to stand with Lord Thorne, whilst the rest of the group continued in their conversation.

“Please.” Lord Thorne held up one hand as Hyacinth opened her mouth to speak. “There is no need to thank me.”

Hyacinth’s eyebrows lifted. She had been thinking to say something to the Marquess but it had not been to thank him, for that might have been considered improper. She did not know why he had come over, why he had chased Lord Sunderland away as he had done but she had not thought to express her relief in any way whatsoever!

“I was not about to.” A small, stiff smile spread across her face. “I was about to ask why Lord Sunderland stepped away.”

“Oh.” The proud expression on his face quickly melted away.

“As I had not yet given him my dance card, as he requested,” Hyacinth answered, a flush of shame beginning to creep up her neck as she spoke for she knew full well she had not had any intention of dancing with the fellow.

Lord Thorne frowned. “Did you truly wish to dance with Lord Sunderland after all that he said to you the last time he came upon you so… improperly?”

The guilt in her heart would not permit her to lie and, after a moment, she shook her head. “No, I suppose not. But it would not have been right for me, as a young lady of quality, to refuse him. And my mother would not have appreciated my refusal either.” Her smile dimmed as she looked away, disliking the smile which quickly ran across his face. “Though I do hope that you said nothing on my behalf that pushed him away from this conversation.”

Lord Thorne shrugged. “I said what was necessary, that is all. He frowned, his smile gone. “The truth is, Lady Hyacinth, and I do not say this lightly, that Lord Sunderland – as you might well already appreciate – is not a gentleman who always behaves well towards others in the ton . Particularly towards young ladies.”

“I can understand that.” A little surprised that Lord Thorne appeared to be trying to protect her from his somewhat nefarious friend, Hyacinth managed a small, genuine smile. “If I am to be honest, then I will admit to being grateful that I do not have to stand up with him to dance.”

Lord Thorne chuckled and, much to her frustration, Hyacinth’s heart leaped up high for only a moment. The gentleman was handsome, his dark hair dancing carelessly across his forehead, his blue eyes filled with light. Quickly turning her attention away from him, she tried to reenter the conversation with the others in the group, only for Lord Thorne to take a small step closer.

“I do hope that you would permit me to have your dance card, Lady Hyacinth?”

A twist in her chest at his words made her breath freeze in her lungs.

“Well?”

“Oh, are you to dance with my sister, Lord Thorne?”

Rose’s clear voice, holding an edge of surprise, broke through Hyacinth’s surprise and fright, making her skin prickle all over as every eye in the group turned towards her.

“I was, yes.” Lord Thorne smiled back at Rose, as Hyacinth forced herself to pull her dance card from her wrist. “I have not yet signed a single dance card and thought it was high time I did so.”

Rose laughed brightly, as Hyacinth managed to hand her dance card to Lord Thorne, hating how she trembled visibly when his fingers touched hers for a brief second. Dancing was something she knew she could do though dancing with a dance master and dancing with an actual London gentleman were two very different things!

“My goodness, Lord Thorne, you’d be best to be gentle with my dear sister.” Rose smiled widely as Lord Thorne glanced towards her though Hyacinth closed her eyes, fearing what was to come.

“Gentle?”

“Because she has not danced this Season as yet! Nor even last Season!” Rose exclaimed, as every single person in the group turned their full attention towards Hyacinth, making her flush hot as she caught their astonishment. “She was much too busy trying to be a wallflower, you see.”

Hyacinth hung her head, mortified. Her sister was laughing as she spoke, clearly trying to make light of what she was saying but Hyacinth did not find a single word to have any mirth in it whatsoever.

“I am glad, then, to be able to change that.” Lord Thorne’s voice was gentle and quiet and Hyacinth, unwillingly, lifted her gaze to his. What she saw there astonished her, for there was no trace of any pride, arrogance, or even mockery there in his face. Instead, there appeared to be understanding, the small smile reaching out in comfort. She managed to return his smile with a tiny one of her own, aware of the heat behind her eyes. Lord Thorne offered her a small nod, then wrote his name in one of the spaces on her dance card before returning it to her.

Rose moved towards Hyacinth quickly, pushing into her so that she might look at Hyacinth’s dance card. What she saw there astonished just as much as it did Hyacinth, though she let out such a loud exclamation that Hyacinth started in surprise.

“The waltz?” Rose’s eyes rounded. “You are to dance the waltz with my sister?”

The Marquess chuckled. “Well, you were the one who told me that I had to be gentle, did you not? And the waltz is the easiest of all dances, I think.” His smile grew though he turned his attention to the other young ladies rather than keeping it on Rose. “Is there anyone else that should like to dance with me? I should be glad to step out with any of you all!”

This was met with a flurry of dance cards and Rose, letting out a small squeak of either exasperation or excitement, pushed herself in front of Hyacinth so she too might have Lord Thorne sign her dance card.

In the melee, Hyacinth was able to step back, pulling herself out of the group so she might move back into the shadows. Her heart was beating furiously, her whole body alive with both excitement and confusion.

The waltz? Why ever had Lord Thorne chosen her waltz, knowing full well it was the most intimate of all the dances?

He is arrogant, she told herself, trying to make sense of not only all that had happened but all that she felt also. He thinks t his will make me think well of him, I am sure.

Try as she might, however, Hyacinth could not be fully convinced by her own arguments. Her lips curved, a small happiness beginning to bubble up in her chest. In front of the gathered group, Rose had tried to shame her, had tried to make her appear foolish and a good deal lesser than Rose herself. But Lord Thorne had come and stepped into the fray, bringing Hyacinth to the fore again and almost raising her over the others.

And for that, Hyacinth could not help but be grateful.