Lord Wickton’s eyes widened. “Then you have someone in mind? Dare I ask you as to who it might be?”
“You sound surprised.” Isaac smiled ruefully. “Is it all that astonishing that I might once have been in love?”
“Since you have never spoken a word of it to me, of course I am astonished!” Lord Wickton’s eyes were rounded, his voice rising. “I recall that we spent a good deal of time in company during the summer Season two years ago, and you told me very firmly that you were not even considering matrimony and would not be for some years yet.”
“A sentiment that was repeated to myself also,” Lord Kinsley said, dryly. “A fanciful thought, it seems.”
Isaac did not remember saying such a thing but accepted it without hesitation, thinking to himself that before he had met Christina, that had certainly been his intention. “I have said such a thing, but I can assure you, my thoughts no longer turn in that direction.”
“Goodness.” Lord Wickton blinked but then smiled. “I am very glad to hear it. Since I myself have found happiness inmatrimony, I think it is best for all gentlemen to find themselves a wife to love.”
Choosing to consider for a few moments, Isaac considered his friend, remembering that he had been present that evening in Whites, all those months ago. Whilst Lord Wickton remembered what Isaac had said as regards matrimony and his disinclination towards it, did he truly not recall the night in Whites, when he had mentioned Christina? “Are you certain I have never mentioned a lady to you?”
This made Lord Wickton’s eyebrows lower heavily over his eyes, a line pulled between them. “I do not think you did, no.”
“You remember my statement about matrimony, but you do not recall my remarks about a particular lady of the ton?”
Lord Wickton’s frown grew heavier still, but he said nothing, giving only a shake of the head.
“Goodness, Coventry!” Lord Kinsley shifted in his chair, a frown beginning to line his forehead. “Is there some reason that you are questioning Wickton so?”
He does not understand, Isaac reminded himself, trying to take any hint of accusation out of his voice. He does not yet know that Christina and I are considering a connection once more. I must be cautious with them both, just as I promised her I would be.
“I do not mean to be irritating,” he said, with what he hoped was an easy smile. “It was years ago now, when we were in Whites one evening.” Watching his friend closely for any sign of understanding, Isaac continued on. “We had all just come from a ball – I do not remember who hosted the occasion – and I, during a card game, began to speak of an affection I had.”
His friend’s face remained impassive, no flicker of recognition in his eyes.
“I did not speak of it clearly, I will admit that, but I certainly made mention of it,” Isaac told him, as Lord Wickton shook hishead, and Lord Kinsley let out a groan of frustration. “You truly do not recall?”
“No, I do not.” Impatience clung to Lord Wickton’s words as he tapped one foot on the floor. “This conversation has not gone as I had expected. I came only to invite you to the ball and – ”
As Isaac watched, his friend’s eyes grew large, and his mouth fell open. He stared at Isaac for a long moment without saying a single word, only to then let out a shout of laughter. “Yes, yes, now I remember! You spoke of Christina! I do remember it, of course I do. How could I forget? Especially when she was soon to become my sister-in-law?”
Isaac nodded slowly, aware that there was no sense of happiness or relief within his heart over this recollection. He had never thought about it until this moment, but it was a little strange that Lord Wickton had never spoken to him about his interest in Christina. He had, at the time, been courting the elder Miss Oldham and surely would have taken notice of Isaac’s interest in the lady’s sister!
“Goodness, how glad I am that you have reached a place of understanding.” Rising to his feet, Lord Kinsley walked across the room. “Might I fetch us all a splash of brandy?”
Isaac nodded.
“You do not look pleased at my recall.” Lord Wickton’s smile faded as Isaac returned his attention to him. “You must be disappointed that I did not ever ask you about her again. Until this moment, I confess, I had not remembered it, and the only excuse I have is that my heart was quite lost to its own affection.”
“That and there was some excellent brandy to hand that night.” It was a reasonable excuse, Isaac considered. Liquor often played with a man’s memories.
Lord Wickton winced and looked at the floor, just as Lord Kinsley pressed a glass into his hand. “All the same, I ought to have given you more attention, and I must apologize for my lackof interest. After all, we are friends, are we not?” His eyes turned back to Isaac’s, curiosity burning in his gaze. “Why did you never pursue her? If you believed yourself in love with her, then why not think of courtship?” His eyebrows lifted. “You must know that she is still unwed, Coventry. What keeps you back from her now?”
Isaac stood on a precipice of doubt, wondering whether he ought to step forward and tell his friend everything. He could not know for certain whether or not his friend had been involved in any way, and to speak of it would be a risk. Yet, at the same time, something in him reminded him of their long and secure friendship, a friendship which had been forged in boyhood and had continued until this day in ever-increasing strength. Besides, if Christina was soon to speak of her interest in him to her own family, then he would hear of it soon enough.
Lord Kinsley settled himself back in his chair, watching Isaac closely. A barely perceptible nod of encouragement was sent in Isaac’s direction, clearly pushing him to speak honestly about Christina with Lord Wickton.
Isaac sighed. “Would you sit down?” Waving his friend to a chair, Isaac sat down heavily in a chair and, swirling his brandy, gazed down into it. “There is something I need to share with you. I must ask you to keep every part of this conversation to yourself and do not speak of it to another living soul. Not even to your mother-in-law.”
“I already know of it,” Lord Kinsley said, sounding a trifle smug.
“You do not know all,” Isaac countered, as Lord Kinsley’s smile cracked, his eyes rounding a fraction. “There have been some conversations I have had which have revealed a good deal more than I knew.”
“Then pray, tell us all!” Lord Kinsley leaned forward in his chair, now just as intrigued as Lord Wickton. Lord Wickton’seyes searched Isaac’s face, his brows low and speaking of his confusion. Isaac’s shoulders rounded as he prepared himself to speak about the pain of the past, the agony that had broken his spirits, and the turmoil in which he now walked. He had to pray that he was making the right decision.
It did not take long for him to explain all. Lord Wickton listened carefully and without interruption. At one point, Isaac was sure he saw a flicker of anger in Lord Kinsley’s eyes when he began to speak of the notes.
