Chapter Four
Ramsey couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed so much in one evening. In fact, it was entirely possible that he neverhadlaughed that much in the span of a few hours.
Heathcliff ’s ward was a delight, a breath of fresh air. And he was certain of one thing regarding her: London society was going to eat her alive.
A tremor of fear shivered through him as he remembered her wide, innocent, wonder-filled gaze. She was utterly guileless, and as frank as they came.
And while those were good, even enviable character traits, they weren’t ones that were safe.
She would offend some, gain the scorn of others, and be despised by all. He was sure of it, and he was also certain that he wasn’t overreacting. Surely Heathcliff knew this, and certainly Lady Kilpatrick was aware and had taken some measures to help the poor girl protect herself.
Ramsey tapped his finger on his study desk. Maybe he should check, at least warn them about his prediction for Miss Grace. At least then, when it all went to hell, he could at least feel less guilt because he was honorable and spoke up to his friend.
It was a bloody shame that the spark would be extinguished in Miss Grace’s eyes, but it was the way of the world.
Sparks die.
Shame wins.
And people are fickle.
It was an undisputed truth in his world.
The rain pelted against his study window, and he turned absentmindedly to gaze at the light. The rainwater created small streams down the glass, distorting the view outside, but he wasn’t looking further than the glass. It was oddly comforting, the rain. He’d grown up in Dorset, one of the wettest places in England, but rather than resent the near constant drizzle, he’d grown fond of the consistency of it. You could always count on the rain.
It was welcome when there was so much in his life that wasn’t as consistent.
Or refreshing.
Or nourishing.
The sound of the raindrops softened, signaling the slow decline of the downpour, and Ramsey sighed.
It was only midday, but already he was exhausted, a bone deep exhaustion that never truly dissipated. He felt older than his thirty and two years. It was bloody disruptive to be so fatigued of heart, but it was expected when there was war always waging within one’s soul. He shook his head to clear it, and thought back to the events of the previous evening.
Dinner was superb, and the company was dazzling, but he simply couldn’t move past Miss Grace. MissIrisGrace. For the life of him he couldn’t imagine why she’d wish to be called something other than Iris. It wasn’t a common name, and it might distinguish her from the other ladies coming out that season. But, he reminded himself, it was none of his affair.
And he would be wise to wash his hands of the whole sordid business.
Lord only knew what could potentially go wrong with both Heathcliff and Lucas coming back into society. A smirk twisted his lips as he blew out a small chuckle. Perhapsheshould head away to Scotland! Leave the whole mess to them to deal with.
But as tempting as the thought was, he knew he’d never act on it. The truth was, they might end up needing him. And he owed it to them to be around, to pay attention, and step in should they ever need him.
Not so long ago, they did the very same for him.
And their intervention saved his life.
So, it was with that sobering reminder, Ramsey made the decision to call upon Heathcliff, and at least give him some advice concerning his debuting ward.
And then he’d walk away from the mess.
Simply hide in the shadows, pay attention, and then if disaster struck, he would be waiting.
With a determined nod, Ramsey strode to the door. Tugging on his shirtsleeves, he ordered his carriage readied. And in less than ten minutes, he was sinking back into the soft leather of his well-appointed carriage and on his way to Heathcliff’s residence.
The rain had let up, allowing for some orphan sun-rays to pierce through the clouds and warm the earth. The air tasted clean, a rare occurrence for London, and Ramsey smiled in appreciation of the gift from the rain.
Soon, the carriage stopped at the curb of Heathcliff’s home, and Ramsey stepped on to the wet earth before taking the steps two at a time to the door.
