Page 25 of The Viscount’s Forgery (Bluestocking Book Club #4)
“ I know it is most inappropriate to steal you away from your friends, but might you be willing to come with me?”
Eugenia looked straight into Lord Suffolk’s eyes, feeling heat rising from the pit of her stomach. “Now?”
He nodded. “I am well aware we are in the middle of Lord Balfour’s ball, but Lord Marchfield and his sister have just arrived, and I should very much like to have the matter discussed just as quickly as possible.”
Not understanding, Eugenia turned a little more so she might look straight into his eyes. “Why should you need me there?”
“Because you are the one who noticed the forgeries,” he told her, making her whole body warm with appreciation. “I should want you to be present so I might inform Lord Marchfield that he has been found out – and by whom he has been discovered.”
“As much as I value that,” she replied, as the music and conversation continued around her, “do you truly think that Lord Marchfield would want me to be there? Will he listen to me?”
Lord Suffolk’s brow furrowed. “If he does not, then more shame on him,” he answered firmly.
“If he does not recognize your worth, value, intelligence, and discerning eye, then that is his failing.” With one hand, he caught her fingers, sending a brief wave of warmth up her arm.
“I should very much appreciate it if you were there.”
“I will walk with you, if you like?” Miss Trentworth suggested, not pretending for a moment that she had not overheard Eugenia’s conversation. “That way, you will not be alone in Lord Suffolk’s company.”
Feeling as if the decision had been taken out of her hands, Eugenia nodded. “Very well.” Sensing a knot of worry beginning to tie itself in her stomach, she drew in a breath and then stood tall. “Let us pray that the conversation goes well!”
With a smile of relief that was written on his face, Lord Suffolk offered her his arm, and Eugenia took it, aware that her heart was sending waves of contentment over her as if to state that this was precisely where she was meant to be.
“You say you saw him arrive?” Eugenia asked, as Lord Suffolk nodded. “What do you think you will say to him?”
“I have thought about it,” Lord Suffolk told her, “but I find that I am not in the least bit angry or upset.”
This surprised her. “No?”
He shook his head, Miss Trentworth walking a step or two behind them.
“No, not at all. I am sorrowful that he was forced to resort to such measures, but I also recognize that he must be in a good deal of difficulty. I can understand the sense of shame that threatens to overwhelm him, for I too have that concern. When I realized that there were many paintings that were not the originals, I was so afraid that society would discover it and laugh at me for it. That was a foolishness, I know, but I can see how Lord Marchfield’s fears would have been all the greater. ”
“So you have compassion for him and for his circumstances,” Eugenia murmured, as Lord Suffolk caught her eye and nodded. “That speaks of a very generous heart, Lord Suffolk.”
He shook his head. “I consider myself a gentleman who is learning a great deal about what it is to be considerate and compassionate towards others. I have been selfish and arrogant for many a year, thinking only of myself and what I might put on display for others to see. I have thought only of my things , of my ornaments, paintings, gardens, houses, stables, and horses.” With pursed lips, he shook his head and frowned.
“I do not want to have a heart and mind that is full of myself. Instead, I want to think of others, and to recognize that what they bring to me is of greater importance than anything I might own.”
The way he spoke, the tenderness that began to fill his voice, made Eugenia’s stomach fill with butterflies, as if what he had said was directed solely to her.
Her heart lifted, and she smiled at him, saying nothing more.
Lord Suffolk’s gaze softened and it was only then that Eugenia realized they were no longer walking together.
They had come to a stop, looking into each other’s eyes instead of going to find Lord Marchfield.
Somehow, this conversation had become a good deal more important than any thought of his paintings.
“Miss Sherwood.” Lord Suffolk cleared his throat and dropped his gaze, looking down at the floor. “Do you think you might be willing to speak with me again?”
A small frown creased her forehead. “About the paintings?”
“No.” He pressed his lips together, then looked back at her.
“About our… connection. The truth is, Miss Sherwood, I do not want it to come to an end. The paintings are one thing, but we have formed a bond… at least, I feel as though we have done so – and I should very much like to talk more with you about that but that is only if you wish to and – ”
Hearing his words coming out faster and faster, Eugenia boldly put one hand on his, aware that there might be others around who would see but caring nothing for that.
“It is not only you who feels that strength of connection,” she said, quietly as Lord Suffolk’s eyes lit up.
“Yes, I should be very glad to talk with you again. I certainly do not want our connection to begin to wane, Lord Suffolk.” It took great strength for her to speak so but Eugenia did so regardless.
“It brings my heart both relief and joy to hear you speak so.”
“Then I am glad.” His fingers curled over hers and tightened gently. “ Very glad indeed.” Taking in a breath, he released her hand and then smiled again. “I must now try to remember what it is we are doing, Miss Sherwood. My thoughts are quite befuddled!”
Laughing, she leaned against him just a little, her other hand still on his arm. “We were going to find Lord Marchfield, Lord Suffolk.”
“Ah, yes. Of course.” With a wry smile, he nodded to himself and then began to walk again, bringing her through the crowd of guests. “I cannot say how this conversation will go, but I must hope it will bring both myself and Lord Marchfield to as satisfactory a conclusion as can be reached.”
Eugenia, hearing the doubt in his voice, pressed his arm. “I am sure he will be grateful for your understanding,” she began, only for Lord Suffolk to snatch in a breath, come to a sudden stop, and then gestured to his left.
“There, you see? He has gone through the French doors. We must go at once, though… ” He looked down at her, worry in his eyes. “You are not chaperoned and – ”
“We must go at once, as you have said,” Eugenia replied, determinedly. “Come, Lord Suffolk. Do not hesitate on my account, I beg of you.”
With another brief hesitation, Lord Suffolk nodded and then strode out after Lord Marchfield.
The night was dark, and the gardens a little quieter, though the flickering lamps all around lit their path.
Lord Suffolk had suddenly gone very quiet indeed, moving with great determination as he followed after his friend.
Eugenia’s heart began to pound, her breath tight in her chest as he called out Lord Marchfield’s name.
The truth was about to be revealed, and Lord Marchfield simply would not be able to hide from it.
She could only pray that the conversation would bring an end to it all, that Lord Suffolk would have his answers and Lord Marchfield would desist from any further wrongdoing and might, she hoped, even apologize for what he had done.
“Suffolk, good evening!” Lord Marchfield turned at once, a broad smile on his face as he came towards them. His eyes went to Eugenia’s, and upon seeing her, the smile instantly began to fade, telling her that he recognized her face.
“Good evening, Lord Marchfield,” she said, as Lord Suffolk drew himself up. “You remember me, I think?”
The gentleman blinked. “Yes, yes, I do. You were eager to get into my hackney, I think.” He chuckled, though it sounded a little strained. “That was near your townhouse, Lord Suffolk, but I did not think that – ”
“That was the hackney which held my painting.”
The way that Lord Suffolk spoke, direct and authoritative, made Eugenia’s stomach curl. She could not take her eyes from Lord Marchfield, seeing his smile disappear completely, the shadows from the fiery flames nearby flickering over his face.
“What painting?” he asked, shrugging his shoulders, his voice light. “I do not know what you are speaking of.”
“You do.” There was not a hint of hesitation now in Lord Suffolk’s voice.
“You were seen, Lord Marchfield. You were seen not only by Miss Sherwood here but by others. When the man carrying the painting got into the hackney, you were there, waiting for him. You had the forgery with you, and the exchange took place as the hackney drove to my townhouse.”
Lord Marchfield’s eyes grew wide. “I am afraid I know nothing of what you speak,” he blustered, though Eugenia could tell from the way he stared that there was nothing but lies in this remark. “I was in a hackney, yes but – ”
“I saw you, Lord Marchfield.” Eugenia could not help but speak, keeping her tone quiet but steady, just as Lord Suffolk had been.
“When I stood on the street, I not only witnessed the man with the painting coming out, but when I came to speak with you, I saw the painting you had. You exchanged it for a forgery, just as you have done with many others in Lord Suffolk’s townhouse. ”
“Many?” Lord Marchfield spluttered, shaking his head. “My dear lady, I understand that you thought you saw me with a painting, but there was nothing else within the hackney save for myself. I took pity on an errand boy carrying a heavy piece and bade him join me in the hackney, that is all.”
Lord Suffolk closed his eyes, drew in a long breath, and then let it out slowly as Eugenia’s fingers tightened around his arm.
It seemed that he, too, was feeling the very same frustration as Eugenia, aware that Lord Marchfield was not only lying but also suggesting that she was mistaken in what she had witnessed!