Page 20 of The Viscount’s Forgery (Bluestocking Book Club #4)

“When I heard Polly rail at her sister in that disgraceful manner so many months ago, my vision of her was shattered and shattered completely. All that I knew of her, all that I believed her to be – it all broke in an instant. But,” Lord Bothwell continued, holding up one finger, “that was my own foolishness.”

“In what way?” Nicholas did not understand. “How can what you have described be foolish?”

“Because,” Lord Bothwell said, his gaze going to the ground at his feet, “I did not let myself believe that there was anything about her that could be wrong. I knew in my heart that everyone’s character has flaws, and yes, I fully believed that she had faults and failings, but I never permitted myself to ever see them, never allowed myself to fully understand her.

I wanted the perfect picture I had of her to linger. ”

Beginning to understand, Nicholas nodded slowly. “I see.”

“The harshness that came from Polly’s lips was hard for me to hear,” Lord Bothwell continued, perhaps not quite catching Nicholas’s response.

“She stated that she would never marry, that no gentleman would want such a creature as her – and that, I know, is not only wrong but also cruel beyond measure.”

Nicholas, feeling a sense of anger beginning to grasp hold of him, looked away. Why would Miss Polly Sherwood say that sort of thing about her sister?”

“I believe that it was said in upset and frustration,” Lord Bothwell said, answering Nicholas’ unspoken question.

“She has confessed to me only this afternoon that she was, very often, unfair to her sister. She stated that she always pushed herself forward, sending Eugenia back.” Keeping his voice low, Lord Bothwell’s eyes slid towards the lady in question.

“Polly told me that her sister very rarely said anything in return, but that kept herself entirely to herself, spending most of her time reading and the like.”

“And she did not like that about her?”

Lord Bothwell looked back at him. “Polly told me that she often found the difference between them very difficult indeed, sometimes to the point of frustration. She also said that this was no excuse for how unfairly she had treated Eugenia, telling me that she was glad I had heard her speak so, for it gave her the impetus to realize that she had done wrong – not just on that occasion but also previously. I believe now that she has apologized profusely to Eugenia, and she also told me that she wants very much to change that part of her that has caused so much pain to others.”

Considering this, Nicholas allowed his thoughts to settle before he responded. “She has been very honest with you, I think.”

“Yes, she certainly has been,” Lord Bothwell agreed. “And that is why I think I must let myself consider her again.” A broad smile spread right across his face as he spoke, making Nicholas grin. “I feel a good deal happier already, and that is because of you.”

This made Nicholas frown. “Because of me?”

“Yes,” Lord Bothwell said, slapping Nicholas on the back.

“You told me to treat her as though I had never met her before, as though I was only beginning the acquaintance. You suggested I set the past aside and behave as I did at the beginning, and, had I not done so, I am quite sure that I would not have been in this happy state now.”

Shame bit down hard on Nicholas’ heart, and with an inward sigh, he turned his head. “Miss Sherwood?” he called, as she looked back at him over his shoulder. “Might you come to join us for a moment?”

“Why ever are you asking her here?” Lord Bothwell asked, but Nicholas only shook his head. Miss Sherwood, her head a little lowered, her gaze darting between them, and her hands clasped lightly in front of her, came to stand between them, though no question was on her lips.

Nicholas gestured to her, looking back at his friend. “It is Miss Sherwood you should thank, my friend.”

Lord Bothwell’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“I mean that she was the one who suggested that you treat Polly as if she were a new acquaintance,” Nicholas said, aware that he would have to explain all of this to Miss Sherwood thereafter.

“I took her words and I offered them to you as advice. I had my reasons for doing so, but I see now that none of those reasons held any importance. It was Miss Eugenia Sherwood’s advice that brought you to this place of happiness, Bothwell.

I think it is important that you know that. ”

It took a few moments for Lord Bothwell to respond, but when he did, it was with a glad smile.

“Then I thank you, Miss Sherwood, for all you have done in trying to bring about a healing between me and your sister,” he said, as Nicholas looked on, catching the glimmer of tears in Miss Sherwood’s eyes.

“As I was saying to Lord Suffolk just now, I think that we may now have found our path forward, and it is one which will lead to happiness.”

Miss Sherwood blinked quickly, but her own smile was one of pure joy. “That is wonderful to hear,” she said, her voice a little hoarse. “Thank you for sharing that with me, Lord Bothwell.”

“Bothwell, come and give us your opinion on this, if you might!” Lord Albury called, breaking up the conversation as Lord Bothwell strode towards him at once.

Nicholas looked down at Miss Sherwood, seeing her pull her handkerchief from her sleeve and dab at her eyes.

His hands ached to go around her waist, to pull her close, and to comfort her in the most intimate way he might imagine without being improper – but he could do nothing other than smile at her.

“I must pray now that nothing will deviate them from this,” she whispered, clearly unable to trust her voice. “Oh, Lord Suffolk, this is what I have longed for!”

“I am sorry that I spoke your advice to Lord Bothwell without stating before now that it was you who offered it,” he said, quickly explaining what had happened. She did not show any surprise, only nodding as he spoke. “I am glad I was able to rectify it now. You deserve the credit, Miss Sherwood.”

Her eyes closed, but when she opened them, there was a happiness that seemed to light up every part of her features. “I thank you, Lord Suffolk,” she said, her hand touching his, albeit for only a fleeting moment. “You truly have proven yourself to be an excellent gentleman.”

This made Nicholas hang his head, sensing that he could not take on such a compliment. “There is much that I need to alter about myself,” he said, only for her to take his hand again and squeeze it. He could not breathe, her eyes affixing to his, letting him see the swirls of blue within.

“I think you are an excellent gentleman,” she said again, as Nicholas’ lungs began to ache. “And that is all that matters.”