Page 6 of The Truth about the Marquess (Whispers of the Ton #3)

Chapter Five

“ H ave you seen The London Chronicle today? Everyone is abuzz with it!”

Oliver looked down at Miss Dutton, seeing the excitement in her expression.

“No, I have not.” He chuckled at her disappointment. “I confess that I do not often have time to read such things.”

“Oh, but you must!” Miss Dutton exclaimed, putting her arm through his. “Though I will say that there is often rumor within it, which I do not appreciate.”

Understanding this, Oliver said nothing but continued meandering through St James Park with the lady on his arm, a little surprised that the park was as quiet as it was. He would have thought that this fine afternoon would have brought many a gentleman and lady to the grounds and, truth be told, he had been rather proud that Miss Dutton had agreed to take a walk with him through the park. Having considered her enthusiasm, and decided that he was being foolish in being uncertain of it, he had told himself to pursue her and thus, he had done so. He had taken tea with her the previous day, and had then asked if she would like to join him for a walk in the park, and had been delighted when she had accepted immediately. Her mother was walking behind them, clearly just as pleased as her daughter had been at Oliver’s attentions, and all in all, Oliver felt himself rather pleased with his new connection. Miss Dutton was pretty, enthusiastic, spoke well, and offered great warmth after only a very short acquaintance – and he could not imagine what further would be offered to him should their connection grow to something more!

“Should you like me to tell you what has made the ton so intrigued?”

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Oliver looked back at the lady.

“Yes, of course! I should not like to be the only one in society who does not know of it!”

“Very well, then I shall tell you, so that you are not in the dark,” Miss Dutton replied, beaming up at him as though he had offered her some great boon. “There is a new feature in The London Chronicle, you see. Someone writes to the newspaper with a request for advice on whatever situation they find themselves in, and both the letter and the response from the newspaper are printed together, side by side. This time, the letter seeking advice is quite astonishing, speaking of a lady torn between two gentlemen – and the response is also rather surprising! It is fair, yes, but also rather fierce, as though the writer is speaking from experience and that, I think, is what has caught the interest of so many within society.”

“I see.” For a moment, a flash of thought came to him, wondering what it would be like if he wrote in to the newspaper, seeking advice on how to find the right young lady, though it floated out of his mind very quickly thereafter. He had found a good connection in Miss Dutton, had he not? He might well have no requirement, then, for writing to the newspaper for advice. “You said that it was firm, however, in its tone? I do wonder if that will be taken well.”

“Oh, I should think it would be,” Miss Dutton answered, with a firm nod. “The response was very fair in what it said, speaking of understanding over one’s heart but how one ought not always to listen to what it is saying! The truth is, I think that the lady who wrote in search of advice was seeking to attach herself to a scoundrel rather than to the sensible gentleman who was hopeful of pursuing her. That, I suppose, I can understand.”

A frown played across Oliver’s forehead.

“You can?”

What was offered to him by way of response was nothing other than a slightly enigmatic smile, but nothing more, leaving Oliver feeling a little unsettled. Perhaps, he considered, it was simply that all young ladies could find themselves drawn to rogues and scoundrels – for that was precisely what made such gentlemen so! Telling himself that he had no need to be concerned about such a thing, Oliver cleared his throat and offered a smile.

“I am glad that there was good advice offered. I do hope that the young lady takes it.”

“As do I.”

“Edenbridge?”

Oliver lifted his gaze from Miss Dutton, seeing one of his acquaintances approaching, his eyes a little wide as he looked at Miss Dutton, and then back to Oliver.

“Ah, good afternoon Lord Ravenscourt. The park is rather quiet, is it not? I confess, I am surprised given that–”

“I see that you are walking with Miss Dutton,” the gentleman interrupted, his eyes fixed on the lady who, for whatever reason, stuck her chin out as she narrowed her gaze just a little. “I confess, I am surprised. I always thought that you were an upstanding sort.”

“I beg your pardon?” Confused and a little slighted by the remark, Oliver drew himself up. “I do not think that walking with one particular lady makes me in the least bit improper, Lord Ravenscourt! As you can see, she is properly chaperoned.”

Lord Ravenscourt snorted.

“As though that would account for anything!”

This remark left Oliver in such confusion that he did not know what to say. Clearly, there was something that Lord Ravenscourt knew that he did not, something about Miss Dutton that was troubling him – and something that Oliver had no knowledge of.

“Lord Edenbridge?” Another gentleman came to join them, his eyebrows lifting. “And Miss Dutton? I do declare, I did not think–”

“It seems to me that Lord Edenbridge is a good deal more forgiving than the rest of society.”

Miss Dutton’s voice broke through the conversation, her hand now tightening on Oliver’s arm, though he was beginning to go cold all over, fearful now that he had made some sort of mistake in building his connection with Miss Dutton.

Oliver rubbed one hand over his eyes, wishing now that he could step away from the lady without any sort of difficulty, but her hand was so tight, it felt like a vice.

“I was only taking a walk with the lady, that is all.”

“Then you are not… interested in forming a connection with her?”

The urge to say no was strong, but the awareness of how gravely he would hurt Miss Dutton kept those words back. Instead, he became defensive, drawing himself up as he gazed into Lord Ravenscourt’s face.

“I hardly think that such questions are proper for any gentleman of the ton to be asking another, particularly in public,” he said, as firmly as he could, as Lord Ravenscourt’s eyebrows lifted. “If you have something you wish to speak to me about, then I would suggest that it is said in private.”

Lord Ravenscourt sent a look to the other gentleman, then began to chuckle, though it was not a mirthful sound.

“Then you do not know.”

“Know what?” Oliver asked, frowning. “I do not think–”

“You do not know of the scandal involving the lady you are now standing with,” the gentleman answered, as a quick glance towards Miss Dutton revealed a flushed face and sharp eyes directed towards Lord Ravenscourt. “I think that you would do well to learn about that just as soon as possible. I–”

“Excuse me? I cannot make my way past.”

Oliver turned, a little relieved by the interruption. A lady looked back at him and instantly, a rush of what felt like sparks ran up Oliver’s spine and went down over his back. The lady’s eyes were as blue as the sky above them, her golden curls dancing lightly in the summer breeze. Her cheeks were a little pink, but it was the soft smile on her lips that caught his attention. She had clearly not overheard any of their conversation, but was seeking simply to walk along the path which they were blocking by the way that they stood. Whether it was her presence or her smile – which was the antithesis of the conversation that Oliver was in the middle of – he did not know, but instantly, he warmed to her.

“Do excuse us,” he said, hastily. “We were only just now speaking of a… well, that does not matter. We are in your way and–”

“Lady Jane?”

Miss Dutton’s eyes rounded, her hand going to her heart. The lady in question frowned, however, perhaps not recognizing her.

“You are closely acquainted with my sister, Hannah, though she is now Lady Worthing,” Miss Dutton continued, only for the other lady’s eyes to widen in surprise.

“Oh, of course. Miss Dutton, I… yes, I knew your sister well. I am no longer Lady Jane, however, but Lady Harsham.” She did not curtsey, her eyes searching Miss Dutton’s face. “Do tell your sister that I send her my regards. I shall not interrupt your conversation any longer, however. I–”

Oliver interrupted suddenly, the words coming out of him before he had even given himself any time to think about what to say.

“Pray do not, Lady Harsham. If you would be so kind as to walk with me for a time, I would be grateful. It seems that Miss Dutton will have to make her way back to her mother now, for our time together has come to an end.”

Miss Dutton’s shoulders dropped.

“Lord Edenbridge, please do not be so! I have done nothing to you, nothing that should keep you from me.”

“Except you have not told him about Lord Soutar,” Lord Ravenscourt interrupted, as Oliver’s jaw tightened, a mixture of embarrassment and upset burning through him.

“I shall speak with you again at another time, Miss Dutton,” he said, as gently as he could, so that she would not be too upset with him and, mayhap, cause yet more people within the park to come to join them. “If you would.”

Miss Dutton’s eyes narrowed, sparks seeming to spit out at him as she put both hands on her hips.

“I should have known that you would be just as every other gentleman is, here in London,” she said, sharply. “I do not think that we need to speak again, Lord Edenbridge, not if you are going to be as judgmental as the rest!”

So saying, she turned on her heel and flounced back toward her mother, leaving Oliver hot with mortification. No doubt Lord Ravenscourt would have every desire to tell others about what had taken place and soon, rumors about him would be spreading all through London.

“Shall we walk?” A gentle, sweet voice made Oliver’s heart lift just a little, pulling it away from where it had been sinking low. “I should be glad of some company, for I have no one to walk with today,” Lady Harsham continued, her eyes warm with evident sympathy. “What say you, Lord Edenbridge?”

Oliver nodded, then looked at Lord Ravenscourt, seeing that the other gentleman had already taken his leave.

“Do excuse me, Ravenscourt.”

The gentleman put one hand on his shoulder, keeping him there.

“You did not know about Miss Dutton? Truly?”

Shaking his head, Oliver shrugged as Lord Ravenscourt dropped his hand.

“I did not. You may call me as foolish as you wish, for that is what I have been, it seems.” He did not ask the gentleman to keep what had happened to himself, fully aware that even that sort of request might be used as fodder for the local gossips. “I should be grateful to you for speaking to me as you did. I would not have known otherwise.” Lord Ravenscourt’s eyes flickered, but he nodded and then, with a quick smile, stepped away. Oliver dropped his head, closed his eyes, and let out a slow breath, only to recall that Lady Harsham was beside him. “Forgive me for pulling you into this most awkward situation,” he muttered, glancing at her. “You need not walk with me if you do not wish it. I may as well return to my carriage!”

“If you did so, would you not then find yourself walking again with Miss Dutton and her mother?” Lady Harsham’s lips curved gently. “I do not mind in the least walking with you, Lord Edenbridge. We have not been properly acquainted, however, so mayhap we ought to introduce ourselves first.”

Oliver nodded, grateful to her for her consideration.

“The Marquess of Edenbridge.” He bowed his head. “Thank you for your willingness to show me some kindness. I am grateful.”

She smiled again and then dropped into a curtsey.

“Jane, Lady Harsham,” she said, quietly.

Married, then. Understanding now why she was able to walk alone and without any chaperone near her, Oliver’s spirits lifted a little more.

“How very good to meet you.” He began to walk, the lady falling into step beside him. “Have you been in London for long?”

She shook her head.

“I have been in London for only a sennight. Though, I confess, I already knew about Miss Dutton.”

“You did?” Oliver stopped walking at once, turning to face her. “Might you tell me about the scandal? I confess that I do not know in the least bit what is wrong! I thought Miss Dutton pleasant, entertaining, and very warm in her conversation and interest in my company.” As he spoke, it was as though a heavy cloud settled on his heart, pulling his brows low. “Though, if she has something of a reputation where very few of the ton will connect with her, then that might explain her eagerness.”

Lady Harsham winced.

“That might be so, I am afraid. Do you wish me to tell you the details?”

Nodding, Oliver let out a slow breath. “I suppose it would be best. I shall not continue my connection with her, of course, but all the same, I should like to know what it is that will, no doubt, shock the ton when they hear that I have been walking with her.”

With a small sigh, Lady Harsham looked up at him, beginning to walk slowly again.

“The ton can be rather difficult, can they not? Though all the same, in this instance, it appears to me that Miss Dutton was the one who behaved improperly. I say this because I have been informed by a close friend that Miss Dutton herself was the one who pursued a gentleman.”

“Pursued?” Oliver frowned. “A young lady seeking a match with a particular fellow is not a bad thing, is it?”

A flush crept into Lady Harsham’s cheeks.

“I do not mean to say that she sought a match, Lord Edenbridge. It is more that she sought a connection that would not lead to marriage, if you can understand my meaning.” Glancing at him, she closed her eyes and laughed though Oliver understood it came from a sense of embarrassment. “It was to be nothing more than a brief connection, I believe. The gentleman, Lord Soutar, claims that it was the lady’s doing and not his own, though I am uncertain as to who speaks the truth.”

A slight heat pulled into Oliver’s chest.

“Ah. I believe I fully understand.” He cleared his throat gruffly, looking away from her for fear that his face would grow hot. “That would explain, then, why there was such shock over my connection with the lady, yes? And in addition, it would also explain why she appeared so fervent in her desire to dance with me.”

Despite his attempts, he felt that very same heat creep up into his neck and then, into his face. Having no choice but to turn his head back towards her for fear that she would think him rude otherwise, he lifted his shoulders and then let them fall, saying nothing more.

Lady Harsham offered him just a small smile, and the two then walked in silence for some moments. It was not an uncomfortable silence, however, Oliver noticed. Rather, he felt himself slowly beginning to settle inwardly, a growing sense of peace overtaking him. Whether it was the lady’s company, he did not know, but all the same, he appreciated it.

“I am sure that the gentlemen speaking with you will have recognized that you did not know the lady” Finally breaking the silence, Lady Harsham stopped, smiled at him, and then gestured to the path which turned to the left. “I think I shall walk this way, Lord Edenbridge. Thank you for your company.”

“No, thank you for yours!” Oliver exclaimed, bowing swiftly. “Lady Harsham, I am in your debt. You did not need to come and join me as you did, but in your kindness, you took pity on me and chose to do so. Thank you for that. I think that I would have been quite lost in shame had you not done so! And I must also thank you for your willingness to explain to me about Miss Dutton, something which I would not have fully understood so quickly unless you had spoken so.” With a small sigh, he pressed his lips flat and then looked away, a small sigh escaping him. “It seems that I am doomed to failure.”

“Failure?” A slight lift of the lady’s eyebrow betrayed her curiosity, though Oliver did not want to explain all. He had already burdened her enough, he considered, his lips quirking a little.

“Let me just say that I have found it a little more difficult to find a suitable young lady to court than I had otherwise expected.” It was a clear but simple answer, accompanied by another shrug and a wry smile. “But I am sure that, despite the mistakes I have made and the missteps I have taken, I will be successful at some point soon.”

Lady Harsham smiled.

“I am sure that you will,” she answered, softly. “Though if you are truly in as much difficulty as you state, might I suggest that you consider writing to The London Chronicle? It seems to me as though the advice given to the first letter – printed today – has gone down rather well in society. Mayhap you will find something similar to assist you, also.”

Dismissing the idea inwardly, Oliver nodded, smiled, and thanked her for her advice. When she excused herself and turned away, Oliver could not help but watch her leave, thinking silently that Lady Harsham was a very kind lady, one with a sympathetic heart and a gentle spirit.

Her husband must be very fortunate to have her as his wife. The thought came with a hint of sadness in its wake, though Oliver quickly threw it off and, with a silent berating of himself for such foolish thoughts, turned on his heel and walked back towards his carriage.

The afternoon had not ended as dreadfully as it might otherwise have done, and for that, Oliver was very grateful indeed. There was even a slight lift in his step as he made his way through the park and that, he knew, was solely because of Lady Harsham.