Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

" W hat is this?"

"I must speak with you. Now."

James found himself frowning as he grabbed his friend's arm and tugged him away from the four ladies he had been speaking with. It was not that there was any sort of surprise in seeing his friend behave so, only that he found himself to be a little frustrated even though there was no legitimate reason for him to be so.

"Whatever is the matter?"

Lord Kingshill waved one hand vaguely, his eyes a little hooded and, inwardly, James felt himself groan.

"You are not in your cups, are you?"

Lord Kingshill scowled.

"What does it matter if I am?"

"I thought you were to make an announcement this evening. I thought you were to tell the ton about your betrothal."

"And I am."

"In this state?"

His friend narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening.

"Why does my behavior matter to you?"

It was not a question that James could answer. It was not one that he wanted to answer, but all the same, it was required of him.

"I care… I care about your standing in society as a soon-to-be married man," he said, a little lamely. "You do not want to embarrass yourself, or the lady in question, now, do you?"

It was not a particularly good excuse but, after a moment, his friend appeared to accept it. This might well have been from his own slightly inebriated state but, all the same, James was relieved.

"I suppose I can understand that." Lord Kingshill sighed and shook his head. "Very well, I shall take no more brandy for a short time and thereafter, make the announcement. Does that satisfy you?"

"It does."

"Good."

Lord Kingshill immediately turned around and made to go back towards the group of four young ladies, but James caught his arm, a sudden rush of concern pushing through him.

"Wait a moment."

Lord Kingshill let out a low groan.

"Why? Whatever is the matter now?"

"I – I wondered if you would wish to go and speak with Lady Prudence for a short while before you make the announcement," James found himself saying, feeling both foolish and angry in equal measure. "You cannot simply go and flirt and tease those young ladies on the very same evening as you are to announce a courtship!"

"Why can I not?" Lord Kingshill frowned. "I have already made it perfectly clear to Lady Prudence that she is not to expect anything from me whether we are wed or unwed. I shall do just as I please and she will simply have to accept that." His shoulders lifted and then fell. "Therefore, I do not think it matters what I do or who I speak with."

James swallowed the tightness in his throat, aware of the rippling anger within him, but struggling to find a way to express it which would not rouse Lord Kingshill's suspicions. He could not explain why he felt so drawn to protect Lady Prudence, what it was about her that tugged her so close to him but, all the same, those feelings lingered there regardless. That was what had driven him when he had first seen her standing there, her fingers twisting together in nervousness, her fears about the sort of husband that Lord Kingshill was going to be more than obvious. Something within him had demanded that he care for her, demanded that he do something so that her upset would fade and thus, he had found himself promising her that he would devote himself to her and her happiness. Quite why he had said such a thing, he was still not quite sure, but nonetheless, the determination had grown all the same.

"This is not something which you need concern yourself with, my friend." Lord Kingshill chuckled and slapped James hard on the shoulder, unsettling him all the more. "Now, listen to me. This is just as you suggested, just as you planned, and therefore, you should be glad and contented about it! This young lady has agreed to my courtship, has agreed to marry me when the time comes and all that you need fear now is just how many young ladies you can pursue before the Season ends!"

Trying to smile, James looked away from Lord Kingshill, finding himself tense and upset. His friend was not listening to him, telling him that he had nothing whatsoever to do with his present situation and making it quite clear that he had no expectation of James' further involvement.

But I am not going to listen. I cannot, not after what I have promised Lady Prudence.

"Here, why do I not fetch you another brandy?"

Lord Kingshill looked back at James sharply, his eyebrows lifting.

"What is this? A moment ago, you told me that I ought not to touch any further liquor and now, here you are, suggesting that I take more brandy!"

James shrugged and forced his smile to stretch all the wider.

"Ah, but I have realized that I have been much too fervent," he said, making Lord Kingshill laugh aloud. "I was too concerned about outward appearances and now I realize that such things are not at all important, not when the marriage has already been agreed between yourself and Lady Prudence!"

"Precisely!" Lord Kingshill explained, slapping James on the back for the second time, his eyes lit with good humor. "Another brandy will suit me very well."

"Excellent. I will go in search of a footman. They cannot be too hard to find!"

Turning away, James made his way through the crowd, finding a footman very easily and, thereafter, returning to his friend with not only one but three glasses of brandy held very carefully in his hands.

"Three? Good gracious!"

"One is mine," James told his friend."

Lord Kingshill's eyes slanted towards the third.

"And this one?"

"Well, whoever finishes their first drink before the other may have this one," James suggested, laughing just a little as Lord Kingshill grabbed his brandy and took a large mouthful. "Though do be a little cautious, my friend, there is plenty of brandy present!"

"Ah, but for how long?" Lord Kingshill asked, his eyes sharp. "It may be that the brandy set aside for this evening will be drunk in only an hour or two and then what shall we do?" So saying, he took another mouthful and then reached for the third glass of brandy held in James' hand. "It is best to be cautious and enjoy this while we can."

"I suppose so," James agreed, having still not lifted his glass to his lips though his smile quirked all the same. "Let us hope that the evening is an exceptionally good one indeed."

James could not help but nudge his friend a little, laughing inwardly when Lord Kingshill staggered so terribly that he crashed into the fence to his right.

" Do be careful, my friend," he grinned as Lord Kingshill fought to regain his balance. "Your carriage is only a little way over here."

"I do not know why they could not have brought it to the step," Lord Kingshill slurred, his eyes half closed as he leaned much too far the other way, forcing James to support him. "I know there are a great many guests taking their leave, but I would have thought that a Marquess would have been given priority."

"You asked to walk," James reminded him, a smile settling on his face as contentment rose within him. "You said that it would be no trouble, despite the fact that there were those seeking to hold you back for fear of you injuring yourself!"

"Did I?" Lord Kingshill leaned all the more into James and James was again forced to support him, attempting to hold his friend up as they finally came in sight of the waiting carriage.

James nodded.

"You did. Now, here is your carriage. Let me help you up into it." With great effort from both James and the driver, Lord Kingshill managed to get himself inside and, with a long sigh of evident relief, flopped back and leaned his head against the squabs. "Good evening, Kingshill," James called, waving one hand. "I will speak with you tomorrow, I am sure."

He waited until the carriage had pulled away and then, with a long sigh of relief, rubbed his hands together and turned back towards the house. The evening had, to his mind, been a great success. After hearing from Lord Kingshill that he had no intention of treating Lady Prudence with even the smallest amount of kindness, he had come up with another plan and an entirely different solution.

No announcement of the courtship had been made, and that was exactly what James had wanted. Lady Prudence was not about to be embarrassed by a gentleman who cared nothing for her, and who made that more than apparent in what he said and in what he did. The idea of having Lord Kingshill make that announcement when it was clear that he had no intention of spending any time whatsoever with Lady Prudence made James' heart sink so low that he had not been able to bear it. Kingshill's attitude was so very different from how James knew himself to be, but he had not let the implications of that comparison sink deep into his thoughts. The only thing that he had wanted to do was to make certain that Lady Prudence was treated well, and not brought to any sort of further embarrassment, and thus, he had found himself acting in a way which was most unlike him. Turning on his heel, James went to walk back towards the townhouse, only to come face to face with a gentleman he had never encountered before.

"Might I enquire as to your name, sir?" The gentleman's eyes flashed, his bearded chin lifting just a little. "I have seen you speaking with my daughter and, though I believe that my wife is introduced to you, given the way that she merely watched and did not interject, I wonder if I might be granted the same privilege?"

A little perturbed by this remark, James hesitated but, seeing the gleam in the older gentleman's eye, felt very much that he simply could not refuse.

"The Marquess of Childers, sir." He inclined his head. "Forgive me, might I ask the same of you?"

The gentleman snorted.

"I suppose it is to be expected that a gentleman of your caliber would not recognize which young lady it is that I speak of. No doubt you have entertained many of them this evening alone!"

James scowled, his jaw jutting forward.

"I assure you, the only prolonged conversation I have had this evening has been with one young lady. Thereafter, I spent all of my time with friends and acquaintances." His eyes widened for a moment, his breath catching as he realized who this gentleman might be. "Might I guess that you are Lord Lymington?"

The gentleman's eyebrows knotted together.

"Yes. That does surprise me, I must say. I would have thought that, after all that I have heard of you, you would not know of whom I spoke. But then, mayhap on this occasion, you have done as you said, yes?"

"Yes, I did." James held his gaze without blinking, refusing to be cowed. "Might I ask why you think to speak to me? I can assure you, I did nothing to upset your daughter."

"No, you did not." Lord Lymington tilted his head, studying James in the dim light. "I must ask why you prevented your friend from announcing his courtship. I know that he had intended it to be made this evening and yet, you prevented it. I saw how you led Lord Kingshill away from the center of the ballroom, and how you encouraged him to step to the back of the room instead. He sat there, slumped in the shadows for a while, did he not?"

"Yes, he did." Unable to ascertain why this gentleman might be saying such a thing, James spread out both his hands. "You may be surprised to learn – as your daughter was also – that I am able to have concern for those other than myself. This evening, knowing that my friend was to make such an announcement, I went to speak with him." Choosing to be truthful, James dropped his hands again and shrugged. "I do not want your daughter to be embarrassed. I was the one who arranged the match, I confess, and yet I find that I am concerned that Lord Kingshill may not be taking the matter as seriously as he ought. Given that he intended to make the announcement when he was already in his cups – and, given that he did not care about what impact it would have upon your daughter either – I confess that I did make certain that he could not do so. As he drank more brandy, I encouraged him away from the other guests until I was finally able to encourage him to return home."

This statement was met with a long silence and James, despite his best intentions, found himself struggling to look at Lord Lymington any longer. Instead, with a clearing of his throat, he pulled his shoulders back as he clasped his hands behind his back, shuffled his feet a little, and then eventually, dropped his gaze.

"Goodness, I confess that I am most astonished – and I am not often astonished, Lord Childers."

Blinking, James lifted his head.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You have the reputation of a rogue and yet, here you are, looking after my daughter's interests as though she were your sister. I confess that, despite my uncertainty about your character, I am grateful to you for what you did this evening." Lord Lymington shook his head and then ran one hand over his chin. "I too have been watching Lord Kingshill this evening. I did not find myself pleased with his behavior nor with his complete lack of interest in my daughter." A dark scowl pulled at Lord Lymington's expression, and he shook his head again. "If she was not so determined, then I would do all that I could to make certain that she did not marry him. Though…" Coming to a slow stop, Lord Lymington frowned as though he had just realized who it was that he was speaking to. "Regardless of that, the only thing I wish to say is thank you for considering her – and for your awareness as regards the impropriety of your friend."

With a quick bow, he turned away and walked back to his own carriage, no doubt ready to take his leave with his family.

James did not move.

All that had just happened to him had made him feel so utterly astonished, it was as though every single part of his body was laden with heavy weights. He could not move, not even if he tried, for Lord Lymington's words were rushing through his mind and pushing down upon him. Was it guilt that he felt? Relief? Gladness? He could not quite make it out, closing his eyes and letting his emotions slowly begin to separate themselves, one from the other.

He felt… happy. It was the most extraordinary feeling to be appreciated, and for his good actions to be noticed. He had been determined to defend himself, a little surprised when the gentleman had accepted his words as truth. Was this what it felt like to be a respectable gentleman, held high in the esteem of others? It had been so long since he had felt himself a respectable fellow that he had quite forgotten what it felt like.

A slow but small smile began to push at the corners of his lips. Instead of being berated, instead of feeling chagrin and telling himself that he cared nothing for the consideration of others, James suddenly felt a sense of pride, as though he now stood just a fraction taller.

It was a wonderful feeling and, as James finally began to make his way back towards the townhouse, having thought to enter the ball again and enjoy a little more company, he turned quickly and instead, hailed his carriage. There was no more need for dancing, teasing, or flirtation tonight. He did not want to do such things, having already committed to Lady Prudence that he would consider only her for as long as it took and, besides which, had he not already embarrassed himself a great deal in front of her already?

With a nod to himself, James silently resolved to return home, praying that this sensation of appreciation and happiness would continue to linger for the next few hours at least.