“Nor did he say he would approach your brother and ask for your hand. His declaration of love was insulting. What was his intention? You can do far better than Lord Cardew.”
Lady Sarah nodded but frowned and bit her lip.
Did she still hope Lord Cardew would marry her? It seemed most unlikely now when he was about to become betrothed.
It made Lucy think of Lord Dorchester and the powerful attraction they shared. He was also betrothed. What might he want of her? She must remain strong, although she feared she was weak where he was concerned.
“You are right, Miss Kershaw,” Lady Sarah said, after a moment. She sighed. “Mr. Beaufort behaved in an exemplary manner, did he not?”
“He is a true gentleman,” Lucy said. “I find I like him a great deal.”
“I do too,” Lady Sarah admitted. “But what must he think of me?”
“He would have been pleased to have helped you when an unscrupulous man tried to manipulate you for his own gain.”
Lady Sarah glanced at her and nodded. “Please don’t tell Hugh about this. My brother will be so angry with him. I fear he will want to teach Lord Cardew a lesson.”
“No, of course I won’t mention it.”
They rode into the stable courtyard. “I am delighted to have you as my friend, Miss Kershaw,” Lady Sarah said as the groom hurried over to help them dismount.
“And I am glad we are friends. Do call me ‘Lucy,’ Lady Sarah.”
She smiled. “Lucy, please call me ‘Sarah.’”
*
Hugh sat besidehis mother as she rested on the sofa in the morning room. A shaft of sunlight fell upon her shawl, brightening its warm colors, making her look even paler. He felt a rush of concern.
Hugh had arrived in London late last evening when everyone had been abed. Earlier, he’d spent over an hour talking to the vicar at the vicarage before leaving Kent. He was a good-looking man in a slender, poetical kind of way. Benson had seemed uncomfortable to be talking to the man Isabel had been meant to marry. He had taken great pains to assure Hugh that he would take precious care of her. But Hugh thought he didn’t look robust enough to withstand the rigors of such a position. He seemed out of his depth. The vicar might believe in his words, but actually being able to keep Isabel safe in a foreign country with a babe would prove extremely difficult. And he wasn’t even sure Benson was as confident as Isabel appeared to be.
Benson had made no attempt to explain his actions or ask forgiveness for them, leaving Hugh to suspect Isabel had been the force behind it, as she had admitted. But a man in Benson’s situation should have been above such things. Furious with him for his lack of self-control, Hugh had been tempted to quote from the Bible:The Lord Jesus taught His disciples to ask God, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”If someone asked God to help others avoid temptation, then that person should also stay away from tempting situations.
Trouble was, should he mention it, Hugh would be a hypocrite. He was only too familiar with how powerful temptation could be. He had come away thinking Benson would not want to hurt Isabel for the world, but it was foolish to believe the vicar could keep her safe.
Hugh had given his promise to Sir Phillip and Lady Ashton, who were struggling with the imminent loss of their daughter. He wouldn’t be free until Isabel had married and left England.
He wished to declare his intentions to Miss Kershaw, but the whispers about the lady’s father’s inheritance persisted, and he could not allow the threat of scandal to fall upon his family. Not his fragile mother, and Sarah.
Hugh intended first to put a stop to this insidious gossip. He would stare down Mrs. Vellacott and her ilk as soon as he was free to marry. Then he would have to convince Miss Kershaw the gossip was at an end, or she wouldn’t have him. His hands were tied for a month! Would she even be free then? He thought of the men, like Nash, who were exhibiting far too much interest in her, and tightened his jaw.
“Poor Miss Ashton,” his mother said for the third time, breaking into his thoughts. “I cannot see her coping in a heathenish country.”
“I’ve never seen her so happy,” Hugh said. Although his mother looked confused, he could not tell her the real reason for their marriage.
“Foolish girl. She might have married you, Hugh.”
“She chose the vicar.” He shrugged. “Who can understand the mysteries of the heart?”
“Well, I am confident that you will be much more judicious in your choice of bride.”
“Because her name has been linked with mine, Sir Phillip believed it best not to speak of it or to cause any speculation until Isabel has left the country.” Hugh rose from the sofa. “Where is Sarah?”
“She is riding with Miss Kershaw. Sarah seems to have taken to the girl. She should be home soon. Perhaps Miss Kershaw will come with her.” She eyed Hugh thoughtfully. “They say herfather is the Marquess of Berwick’s heir. I don’t know the family, do you?”
“Not well. They live near Carlisle, close to the Scottish border, But, Mama, that is neither here nor there. You shouldn’t believe everything you hear or read in the gossip sheets.”
His mother narrowed her eyes slightly. “I don’t read gossip sheets, Hugh. But there’s seldom smoke without fire.”